Life In West Memphis, Arkansas

Making Waves: Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark Joins the West Memphis Winning Streak

West Memphis is officially on a roll. The city’s landscape is rapidly changing, and the momentum isn't just about industry and logistics—it’s about lifestyle. At the center of this transformation is the highly anticipated Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, a project that promises to turn West Memphis into a premier regional destination for family fun and year-round entertainment.

From Ambitious Idea to Reality

The vision for Epic Waters recently took center stage at the CED 26 Creating Epic Destinations Conference held at the original Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas. Mayor Marco McClendon was a featured speaker at the summit, where he addressed city leaders and private developers from across the nation.

During the conference, Mayor McClendon shared the story of the West Memphis "Winning Streak"—a series of strategic victories and bold leadership decisions that paved the way for this massive project. He spoke candidly about the challenges the city team pushed through to prove that West Memphis is not just a stop along the highway, but a rising regional economic powerhouse.

What to Expect: A Year-Round Oasis

While details are continuing to emerge as the project moves forward, the "Epic" brand is known for high-quality, world-class facilities. If the Grand Prairie flagship is any indication, West Memphis residents can look forward to:

• A Retractable Roof: Enjoying the sun during the summer and staying warm in the winter, making it a 365-day-a-year attraction.

• Thrilling Attractions: From flow-riders and lazy rivers to state-of-the-art waterslides that cater to all ages.

• Economic Ripple Effects: Beyond the park itself, the development is expected to spur growth in the surrounding area, attracting new restaurants, retail, and hospitality options.

More Than Just a Waterpark

As Mayor McClendon highlighted at the summit, this project is a symbol of the "bold leadership" reshaping the city's future. It represents a commitment to improving the quality of life for local families while creating a tourism magnet that will draw visitors from across the region.

The Epic Waters development joins a list of major wins for the city—including the massive Google data center investment and the revitalization of local residential areas like the former Forrest Park site. Together, these projects are defining a new era for West Memphis.

Stay Tuned

The city is just getting started, and the "Winning Streak" shows no signs of slowing down. As construction progresses and more details about the West Memphis Epic Waters location are released, the community's excitement continues to build.

Powering Up: Sediver USA Announces Major Expansion in West Memphis

West Memphis’s reputation as an industrial powerhouse continues to grow. Sediver USA, a global leader in high-voltage insulation technology, has officially announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility. This move marks another milestone in the city’s ongoing economic "Winning Streak."

A Milestone Achievement

The announcement comes on the heels of a massive production landmark. On December 16, 2025, the West Memphis plant produced its 5 millionth unit since opening in 2017. This achievement isn't just a number; it reflects the critical role West Memphis plays in supporting the U.S. electrical grid. Every insulator produced here is currently in service across the continental United States, serving over 100 qualified utility customers.

Growth and Local Opportunity

The expansion is a direct response to the rising demand for American-made utility solutions. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) recently highlighted the company's "double down" on its commitment to the state. Here is what the growth looks like for our community: • New Jobs: The expansion is set to create 40 new local jobs. • Increased Capacity: After expanding to two shifts in September 2025, the company is preparing for a mid-year expansion in 2026, moving toward third and fourth shift operations. • Modernization: Sediver is investing in process automation and equipment upgrades to ensure long-term scalability and workplace safety.

Strengthening the Grid from West Memphis

Since its launch in April 2017, Sediver has consistently invested in its West Memphis site, turning it into a high-performance operation and a Technical Center of Expertise. By manufacturing and testing these specialized glass insulators locally, Sediver helps U.S. utilities strengthen grid reliability, especially as demand grows for data centers and industrial electrification. As the city continues to attract global innovators, Sediver’s expansion serves as a testament to the quality of our local workforce and West Memphis’s strategic importance in the national infrastructure landscape.

Join the Team

For those interested in being part of this growth, Sediver is actively hiring as they scale their local footprint. You can find current opportunities and application instructions here:

Sediver Career Opportunities: Visit the corporate site at www.sediver.com.

A New Chapter for Housing: The Transformation of Forrest Park and Avalon Apartments

The landscape of West Memphis is undergoing a significant transformation as the site of the former Forrest Park Apartments transitions from its past into a modern residential hub. After the demolition of the aging structures that once occupied the space, a new development by Bearden Rentals is rising in its place, promising a fresh start and a higher standard of living for the local community.

Modern Design and Thoughtful Construction

The new development departs from traditional multi-story complexes, focusing instead on a single-story design that emphasizes accessibility and a welcoming street presence. Bearden Rentals highlights that the property is built with "quality craftsmanship and attention to detail," featuring modern exteriors with coordinated siding and attractive rooflines. The architecture focuses on functional layouts that maximize natural light, ensuring that each home feels bright and spacious.

Enhancing the Neighborhood

Curb appeal is a central focus of the new project. The grounds will feature fresh landscaping, manicured green spaces, and well-defined common areas. These additions create a pleasant living environment that integrates seamlessly into the West Memphis community. By opting for a low-maintenance design and energy-efficient materials, the developers are positioning the property as an ideal choice for residents seeking a "hassle-free" lifestyle. The inclusion of private entrances and convenient walkways further enhances the sense of individual residences within a rental community.

A Prime Location Reimagined

The revitalized site remains a convenient choice for renters, offering easy access to West Memphis schools, shopping, dining, and major roadways. For those who remember the old Forrest Park Apartments, the new construction represents more than just a fresh coat of paint; it is a complete reimagining of what quality rental housing can look like in the heart of the city.

As construction progresses, the community eagerly awaits further details regarding floor plans and availability. With "leasing soon" signs on the horizon, this development is set to become a highly desirable option for long-term renters in West Memphis. By the fall of 2026, they expect construction to be completed and ready for tenants. Rental rates start around $1,200 per month.

Contact Information

For more information regarding leasing opportunities and project updates, please contact the management office:

Bearden Rentals

Website: www.rentwithbearden.com

Email: bearden.rlty@yahoo.com

Phone: (870) 735-8877

West Memphis is currently a hub for massive industrial, commercial, and residential growth, with billions of dollars in new projects defining the city's future.

Featured Residential Spotlight: 1503 Oaklawn Drive

A premier example of the city’s residential expansion is the new construction at 1503 Oaklawn Drive, situated in the established Richland subdivision.

Property Details: This 2,687-square-foot, 1.5-story home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, currently listed for $383,000.

Key Features: Built in 2025, the residence boasts a brick veneer exterior, a double-wide paved driveway, and an attached two-car garage. Modern efficiencies include double-pane windows and a gas fireplace.

Listing & Builder: The property is listed by Pat Lackey with Crye-Leike Realtors. The home was constructed by her husband, Greg Lackey, of Greg Lackey Construction.

Current Housing Market

The local market remains active with various opportunities for buyers and investors. There are currently 60 homes on the market in West Memphis.

View All Listings: You can view the full inventory of available homes through this MLS Listing Display.

Commercial & Industrial Growth

New Local Flavors: Joining the local scene is Groovy Greyhound Coffee and Creamery on East Broadway, adding a unique local vibe to the city's revitalization.

National Chains: The city's first Starbucks is now officially open for business, and construction continues on the massive 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s travel center.

Google Data Center: Google is moving forward with a $4 billion investment to build its first Arkansas data center campus on 1,000 acres, a project expected to drive significant economic activity through 2027.

Public Works: Following a 2024 sales tax increase, the city is initiating over $1 billion in improvements, including a new police department, an aquatics center, and a major sewer infrastructure overhaul.

Industrial Expansion: Coca-Cola Consolidated recently completed a $25 million facility expansion and acquired an additional 50 acres for future development.

If you're looking to learn more about the employer landscape of West Memphis, AR, this Employment Guide is a great place to start. We’ve rounded up many of the region’s top employers and fastest-growing industries to help you get a feel for the local job market and spot opportunities that align with your skills. Click through to explore who’s hiring and what makes West Memphis a strong place to build a career.

See the full Employment Guide here.