The latest episode of the “Arlington Archives” podcast dives into one of Arlington’s most ambitious and short‑lived attractions: the Seven Seas Marine Life Park, the marine‑themed counterpart to Six Flags Over Texas that entertained visitors from 1972 to 1975.
Hosted by longtime Arlington journalist O.K. Carter and co‑hosted by historian and content creator Zack Wilson, the episode titled “A Whale of a Tale: Revisiting Seven Seas” explores how Arlington once tried to build a world‑class marine park complete with orcas, penguins and high‑diving stunt performers.
“It was a kind of a short lived but ambitious Arlington Marine Park, 1972 to 1975 that the city later rebranded,” Carter said. “It rebranded as Hawaii Kai for a final 1976 season before closing permanently.”
Carter and Wilson also examine the site’s evolution.
Wilson, who runs a dedicated Seven Seas Facebook group for former visitors, employees and local history fans, encourages residents to join and share memories of the park.
“There’s a whole community out there keeping these stories alive,” he said. “It’s free to join
and people can post pictures. Share memories, and you can ask questions. “It’s fun.”
Under city leaders’ direction, the property was redeveloped into what became the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, which was demolished earlier this month to make way for the 507-Room Americana by Loews Hotel.
Produced in celebration of Arlington’s sesquicentennial in 2026, the series features voices from historians, city leaders and longtime residents. Future episodes will further explore Arlington’s history, spotlighting milestones and anniversaries in the city’s storied past.
The episode is now available on all major podcast platforms and the City’s social media channels including Facebook and YouTube.