City gets deed for SouthPass park

By Robin Mero

Posted: August 4, 2009 at 6:31 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — A deed for 200 acres that is designated for a regional park in the SouthPass development was handed over to the city of Fayetteville in late July, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board learned Monday.

The 872-acre planned SouthPass community, situated west of Interstate 540 and about a mile south of Baum Stadium, where the Arkansas Razorbacks play baseball, is a joint project between the city and developers, including John Nock and Richard Alexander.

A joint agreement includes the 200 acres for a park, and a $1 million payment to the city for park development. Plans include baseball fields, soccer fields, picnic areas, water parks and dog fields.

City officials were awaiting the deed for park land before sending street plans for SouthPass to the City Council. A master plan for the park and mixed-use development was approved in September by the city's Planning Commission.

The city in 2004 sought a developer for a regional park, based on desires expressed in a resident survey. South-Pass developers submitted a proposal to donate the parkland and build a surrounding planned community, and agreed to pay the $1 million, city officials have said.

Connie Edmonston, director of parks and recreation, told the board Monday evening that the city is reviewing the deed before moving forward.

Edmonston also pre-sented a five-year capital projects plan to the board, which includes $4.9 million for developing the regional park. Finishing the project would cost about another $18 million, which has not been funded.

The 2010 proposed budget, which the board approved Monday to be forwarded to the City Council,includes $941,000 for developing the regional park.

In total, the 2010 budget shows the parks department spending $5.2 million for operations and projects.

The department receives $2.9 million in revenue from half of the city's 2 percent hotel, motel and restaurant tax. There is also some revenue from sales tax and a tree escrow.

The department will request $2 million from the city's general budget in 2010.

The cost of operations in 2010 will be $3.7 million, Edmonston said. Capital projects are planned at $1.5 million.

The five-year capital plan includes almost $6.4 million in park development projects. The board also approved that plan to be forwarded to the City Council.

Five-year capital projects include the following:

◊$4.9 million for the SouthPass regional park, spread over the five years.

◊$180,000 in development of Hill Place and Owl Creek parks.

◊$110,000 in trail renovation and new lights at Wilson Park.

◊$320,000 in trail renovation at Gulley Park, along with $265,000 for a pavilion and restrooms and a $150,000 parking lot expansion.

◊$229,000 for purchase of Brooks-Hummel land.

◊$125,000 in improvements to the north playground at Lake Fayetteville, and $250,000 in improvements at Lake Sequoyah.

News, Pages 1, 6 on 08/04/2009

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