Public Hearing On Outdoor Recreation Grant

Several dozen local citizens turned out for a public hearing concerning the possible application for an outdoor recreation grant. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Montgomery. The Mayor noted he’s heard of citizens interested in a splash pad as well as playground equipment for both Fair Park and North Side Park. It was noted the grant is a 50/50 match which means the city will be responsible for the amount the city would get up to $250,000. The first speaker was Allen Flowers who suggested some new bleachers at North Side Park. Charles Primus suggested replacing playground equipment at North Side Park. Primus also asked for an additional electrical outlet at Northside and a score clock.
Assistant Police Chief Kim Tomlin suggested some batting cages and permanent pitching mound at Kiwanis Field. Paula Gunter suggested a splash park and noted she had visited the Prescott Splash Park. Twyla Pruden suggested playground equipment for children with special needs and also a Bocce Ball Court. Sylvia Brown echoed Pruden’s remarks and also noted in our part of Arkansas park development can be considered economic development. She also talked about a national initiative have green spaces within a ten minute walk of most areas in cities. She also said the initiative would focus on safe routes to the green spaces and development of sideways. Brown also mentioned the state of Arkansas’s ten year plan for a healthier population. Brown left notes with Summer Powell of the Hope Parks for further reference.
Jerry Pruden suggested new bleachers for Legion Field. Paul Henley suggested bathrooms at Lake Huckabee. Beckie Moore of the Chamber spoke of her support for a splash pad and she brought pictures of Longview Texas of their splash park. Moore suggested that the old Dox property for a splash Park on 2nd downtown. She also noted how various entities contributed to the features of the park and how they received credit on permanent plaques at the park. Dr. Trevor Coffee voiced his support for a splash pad and batting cages. He also noted Harr Hawthorne Field needs covered bleachers. Pam Fields voiced her support for a splash pad but especially for new playground equipment. Marsha White voiced her support for new playground equipment at Northside and noted there is some damaged playground equipment there is well. She suggested restore parks now and then tackle a splash pad. Discussion ensued over the age of the Northside equipment. Paula Gunter suggested fundraisers by churches and clubs. Paul Henley said he felt the Rotary would help and Twyla Pruden said she thought Civitan would help. Dr. Coffee said the Kiwanis Club hopes to rehab the pavilion at Fair Park before the Watermelon Festival.
Charles Primus said when there is a horse ride sometimes Northside Park sees hundreds of people and these people tend to leave trash. He suggested the park gates be closed early during those horse rides. Sylvia Brown suggested someone visit with the ride organizers about discouraging the horse riders from going to the park. Sylvia Brown suggested the grant application be publicized the Hispanic community.
City Manager Catherine Cook said after the meeting she wasn’t sure when the city board will take up the grant application but it won’t be later than August.