City of Hope Board of Directors Approves Fire Station and Aquatic Center Plans

August 5, 2025 – Hope, Arkansas Downtown Hope was bustling Tuesday evening as families crowded City Hall for the Miss and Mr. Hope Watermelon Pageant, a popular prelude to the 49th Annual Watermelon Festival. Contestants and their families filled the upstairs area, while nearby parking lots overflowed with vehicles, creating a lively backdrop for the City of Hope Board of Directors meeting.

Mayor Still called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation from Vice Mayor Kiffinea Talley and the Pledge of Allegiance. All directors were present, including Mark Ross, who returned after an absence due to personal and family health issues. Other members in attendance were Steve Montgomery, Reginald Easter, Dr. Trevor Coffee, and Dr. Linda Clark.

The board reviewed cost estimates for the new Hope Fire Station No. 1 at 503 Third Street, a site approved earlier this year. City Manager J.R. Wilson praised Kathryn Dickinson for her role in securing the property, with additional comments from co-owner Rodney Bobo. To speed up the project, the board expressed a preference for state funding over federal grants. Clay McGill presented the 30 percent design plan, noting that the project is on track for full design completion by October 16, 2025. Questions from the board and public centered on parking, security measures, and the addition of an entry and exit monitoring room.

Plans for the Hope Aquatic Center also moved forward. The facility will feature two basketball courts adaptable for pickleball and volleyball, indoor and outdoor pools, and a three-lane running track. Future grounds improvements were discussed to better serve community needs.

The board approved the construction bid for the splash pad at Northside Park to RJR Construction, with restroom bids to follow.

Parks and Recreation Director Summer Chambers and Assistant City Manager Daniel Shelman presented research on operational costs and management practices based on other Arkansas aquatic centers. Both the board and the public emphasized the importance of keeping swimming lessons affordable and accessible.

The board also approved a lease renewal with Union Pacific for the depot at Main and Division Streets, one of two depots leased by the city. Officials noted that while current costs are manageable, future boards should prepare for potential increases. City Attorney William Randall Wright confirmed the legality of the lease agreement.

In other business, the board authorized hiring Lance Realty to broker the sale of property at 405 W. 16th Street, which was gifted to the city. Proceeds will be split evenly with the county, with the city’s share going to the general fund.

Additional items included a presentation on roadway functional classifications, a banking account resolution required for grant compliance, and discussion of a previous bulldozer bid that failed to meet the minimum. The city will lower the minimum to expedite the sale.

The meeting concluded with praise for volunteers and employees who contributed to the success of the recent City-Wide Clean-Up. With no further business, Mayor Still adjourned the meeting.