The former grounds of Wild River Country, located on Crystal Hill Road off I-430 in North Little Rock, are about to undergo a significant transformation. According to the latest edition of North Little Rock Proud, Mayor Terry Hartwick’s quarterly publication, The Maly Group, an Arkansas-based company, plans to begin construction on a new entertainment center in early July. This new project aims to breathe fresh life into the former water park space.
The entertainment complex, covering 89,000 square feet, will feature a range of recreational activities. Approved by the North Little Rock Planning Commission in December, the facility will include an electronic driving range, T-Time golf, HyperLanes bowling (a hybrid of bowling and video games), and a virtual arcade. Additionally, there will be restaurants and specialty shops, making it a diverse entertainment destination for the community.
Expanded Plans for an Immersive Experience
Recent reports from Arkansas Business indicate that the original plans have been expanded to include even more attractions. The facility will now boast a two-level bar, a beer garden, and an outdoor miniature golf course, pushing the total size to 100,000 square feet. Concrete pouring is expected to commence in August, with the goal of completing construction by the end of 2024.
Excavation efforts have already seen 800,000 truckloads of dirt removed from the site, and The Maly Group has hinted at keeping the Wild River Country name as a tribute. The iconic waterslide tower will also be preserved, adding a nostalgic touch to the new development. Meanwhile, a sneak peek of what’s to come can be seen at the Maly Entertainment Center in Conway, set to open in summer 2023. The 55,000 square-foot facility will feature many of the same attractions planned for North Little Rock, including HyperLanes bowling, an arcade, and even axe throwing.
For fans of the now-closed Wild River Country, the new development offers the chance to make new memories while preserving a piece of the park’s history.
Source : https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/06/12/new-construction-on-former-wild-river-country-grounds-planned-to-begin-this-summer
