Parrot Island Waterpark[1] is estimated to have a net operating loss of $255,789 in 2025, thanks in large part to an unusual number of rain days. However, the park has posted cumulative net operating income of $1.102 million since opening in 2015.
The estimated 2025 net operating income loss of $255,789 is a wide swing from the gain of $264,195 in 2024. The loss, according to a report from waterpark operator Grand Prairie, Texas-based American Resort Management[2] (ARM), is primarily attributed to an unusual number of rain days and higher expenses related to maintenance, marketing, and water chemicals.
“Out of 102 operational days, we experienced 44 rain days,” noted the ARM report. “This included 8 pre-opening cancellations with a potential revenue of $40,000. Rain days occurred during high traffic seasonal patterns which affected overall performance.”
ARM also said in the report that waterpark numbers nationwide were down in 2025.
“General admission tickets were down YoY (year over year) by 21%,” according to ARM. “The waterpark industry saw a general decrease in attendance between 15%-25% YoY. Financial uncertainty stemming from inflation negatively influenced potential customers to attend PIWP in 2025.”
ARM also reported higher expenses related to power surges that “caused extensive and costly damage to critical equipment across the park.” The maintenance cost was up $76,843 compared to 2024, sales and marketing expenses were up $63,580, and chemicals and other water cleaning costs were up $63,399. ARM reported $101,541 non-budgeted expenses in 2025, with $102,579 in 2024 expenses carried into 2025.
Following are the key 2025 metrics, provided by ARM, with the comparison to 2024.
Attendance
2025: 105,686
2024: 104,222
Revenue
2025: $1.811 million
2024: $1.897 million
Expenses
2025: $2.067 million
2024: $1.633 million
Net Operating Income
2025: –$255,789
2024: $264,195
Operational Days
2025: 58
2024: 66
The ARM numbers show only three years of losses – with one of those being the pandemic year of 2020 – in the 11 years of waterpark operations. Following are the 11 years of net operating income gains/losses.
2025: –$255,789
2024: $264,195
2023: $240,751
2022: $225,173
2021: $357,698
2020: –$297,973
2019: $1,385
2018: –$85,018
2017: $129,716
2016: $92,571
2015: $430,137
The waterpark was approved by Fort Smith voters in March 2012 – with 64.09% saying yes to using $4.26 million from sales tax proceeds – as part of an inter-local agreement between the city of Fort Smith and Sebastian County. The original plan was for an $8 million facility, but by the time it opened around Memorial Day 2015, the cost was $12 million. Both government bodies split construction costs, which are not reimbursed through future profits.
Related
References
- ^ Parrot Island Waterpark (www.parrotislandwaterpark.com)
- ^ American Resort Management (www.americanresortmanagement.com)