Around 2004 the powers that be in NW Arkansas considered putting in a waterpark at the Lowell exit on I-540. JB Hunt was selling a large parcel of land on the southwest side of the overpass. The idea died because at the time there was insufficient water lines to run water to the park from Beaver Lake, and the cost of putting them in was apparently not worth it. I wish they would have built it...I would have applied for a job. Springdale and Rogers both have aquatic parks, which I understand are pretty good...but a real waterpark like Whitewater would be great! 
The first place for a waterpark proposal in NWA was for the parcel of land that is sfill for sale today at the US 62 exit in Fayetteville. At the time is was deemed that the population base still wasn't there.
The parcel of land you are talking about was supposed to get the Walmart that is now at the Pleasant Grove exit. That was actually a Gary Combs project. He was then married to Carla Tyson. Yes, the sewer issues didn't actually get resolved until just a couple of years ago under my fraternity brother' time in the planning office in Lowell. He's moved on to Hutchinson KS. Anyway, the walmart deal fell through cause Gary couldn' stop running his mouth leaking the info. The sewer would have been taken care of af that time. That par el is somewhat elevated and not visable from 540 for the most part. Thag issue also cosf that parcel also cost Lowell a new a large scale car dealership.
Anywho. I would design it small but mighty at first buf with room to grow. Two of the beat places are alomg the interstate at Pleasant Grove whare the new Mega Hanks is at. Or along 540 in Springdale in fhe Arvest Ballpark area. Sprimgdale plans an interchans that will carry Don Tyson Parkway over 540 to the Ballpark area. Remember that very small golf course once there? Another site is a complete ripoff of the Cowabunga Bay concept in Draper Utah at the parcel of land once used by the AMP at Northwest Arkansas Mall. It would utilize the existing parking lot for the most part and offer great views to the south of Fayetteville and stand above being highly visable in a heavy retail area. Just a little too far south to be perfect plus I know Fayetteville's plannimg would be the most difficult to deal with.
