Michael Barron was on vacation in California when he first saw one—an inflatable obstacle course floating on a lake, packed with kids and adults jumping, climbing, and sliding their way through the afternoon. He remembers thinking, “Why don’t we have this in Arkansas?”
That question stuck with him. When he and his family moved to Northwest Arkansas a few years later, it became more than just a passing thought. It turned into Ozark Float Park, a family-friendly aqua park now operating on Beaver Lake in Rogers. And last month, his journey became the focus of a new episode of the Startup Junkie podcast.
Ozark Float Park is exactly what it sounds like: a floating obstacle course made up of interconnected inflatable modules—think climbing walls, slides, balance beams, and bounce areas—all tethered together on the water. It’s designed for families, with kids as young as 5 tackling the course alongside parents and grandparents. Barron wanted to create something that brought people together outdoors, especially in a region where outdoor recreation is part of the culture.
How It Works
The park operates on scheduled time slots throughout the day, with sessions typically lasting around an hour. Groups are taken out in small batches, and all participants wear life jackets. The course can hold up to 40 people at once, and Barron said it’s been popular with families, scout troops, and even corporate groups looking for a unique team-building activity.
“We wanted something that could be fun for all ages,” Barron said in the podcast interview. “Not just for the thrill-seekers, but for families who wanted to spend time on the water in a safe, structured way.”
Each session includes a safety briefing and all necessary gear. The park is open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, depending on weather and water conditions. It’s located on Beaver Lake, just a short boat ride from the dock in Rogers.
More Than Just Fun
Barron didn’t come from a business background. He spent years in corporate IT before deciding to take a leap. Inspired by his own kids and a desire to build something tangible, he started researching inflatables, permits, insurance, and lake regulations. He worked with local vendors, learned how to tow the equipment, and figured out how to make it all work safely on the water.
He also leaned on the local entrepreneurial community. Startup Junkie, a Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit that supports small business founders, helped him refine his model and connect with mentors. The organization’s podcast, which features local business stories, recorded Barron’s full interview and released it this spring.
“There’s a lot of support here for people who want to start something,” Barron said. “You don’t have to know everything going in. You just have to be willing to learn.”
That support was especially important in the early days, when Barron was juggling his day job, family responsibilities, and building a business from scratch. He officially launched Ozark Float Park in the summer of 2023, and by the following season, word had spread.
Parents in the area say it’s been a welcome addition. “It’s something different,” said Rogers mom Tanya Miller, who took her two boys out last summer. “They loved being on the water, but it wasn’t just swimming or tubing. There was a goal, something to do. And they were tired in the best way afterward.”
What to Know If You’re Going
Ozark Float Park is open to the public, and no experience is needed. Sessions typically run about an hour and cost between $25 and $35 per person, depending on age and group size. Reservations are required and can be made through the park’s website.
Kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult on the course, and all participants must be able to swim or feel comfortable in deep water. Life jackets are provided, and the park operates rain or shine—though severe weather can affect scheduling.
Barron said he’s already thinking about ways to expand, maybe adding more modules or hosting special events. But for now, he’s focused on making each session a good experience for families.
“We’re just trying to give people a place to make memories,” he said.
Source: Startup Junkie NWA
