JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – A press conference took place Friday afternoon at Haag Brown’s main office in Hill Park.
Joshua Brown of Haag Brown said they want to create a world class aquatic center called Big Island Water Park and Aquatic Center.
“It’s the most requested and the most important quality of life project,” Brown said.
Officials also said that the water theme park will only be built if the aquatic center is built.
If Jonesboro voters approve a sales tax proposal Sept. 10, the Aquatics Center will be a separate project that will be proposed to the Integrity Oversight Council.
Under the plan, the developers would piggyback on that public investment with their own private investment, officials said. They would basically propose using the parking lot of the Aquatics Center.
The project is private and would not use tax dollars nor would it be run by the city, officials said.
According to a post on the Haag Brown Commercial Real Estate and Development Facebook page, officials say the water park will have the tallest water slide in the state, as well as the longest lazy river and largest activity pool in Arkansas.
The group also stressed that the water park would improve value to other amenities like Joe Mack Campbell Park, Southside Softball Complex and the new convention center being built on the A-State campus; plus have a reach of 450,000 homes with a target income.
It would be built on 90 acres of city land, adjacent to Joe Mack Campbell Park; and was designed by George Brown, the original owner of Big Kahuna in Destin, Fla.
Some of the other things the park would include is an Olympic pool, a children’s designated area, amphitheater, and even water slides.
Brown said the water park would be around $30 million, while the aquatic center and parking lot will cost around $15 million.
The park will be open 115 days out of the year.
Brown said if the proposed sales tax passes, they’ll be submitting the park plans to the oversight committee.
“We want it to be the first project that’s in front of this new oversight committee. So, when they meet for the very first time, we want to be there,” Brown said.
By Region 8 Newsdesk | August 2nd, 2019
