HOW WE SEE IT: Official Offers Intriguing Idea For Park

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Parks advocates in Fayetteville dream the 200 undeveloped acres of city-owned land in south Fayetteville, just off Cato Springs Road near Interstate 540, can one day become a major park amenity to serve local residents and draw thousands to the city every year.

The land is in the city’s inventory through a private public partnership hammered out with developers of the once-grandiose plans for SouthPass, a residential and retail development that failed. The private-sector portion is the bank’s business, but Mayor Lioneld Jordan followed through and finalized dedication of the free property to the city.

envision a regional park strong enough to draw people from hundreds of miles away and to serve an abundance of local recreational needs. If it’s fully developed, it will become the centerpiece of Fayetteville’s park system.

We go through this little bit of history today because some residents might have forgotten the land even exists or what grand plans parks visionaries have for it. It’s now part of another developing story in Fayetteville: The funding of the Walton Arts Center’s $20-plus million expansion and renovation on Dickson Street.

Leaders of the Walton Arts Center have asked the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission for an $8.5 million funding package - $2 million cash and $6.5 million from long-term bonds. Voters would have to consider any bond issue.

In responding, ad commission Executive Director Marilyn Heifner developed a smart proposal to provide funding for the arts center while also resolving the inertia that leaves the park undeveloped. Her proposal would provide $6.5 million for the Walton Arts Center and $2.3 million for development of the regional park relatively soon. Both projects are sure to draw visitors to Fayetteville and expand opportunities for local residents in the vital areas of culture, recreation, healthy living and family-friendly facilities.

Commissioner Bob Davis said he won’t support ad commission money for the park unless the city is also kicking in. Heifner said she’s gotten little guidance from the mayor or City Council on the matter.

Jordan, however, said he’s unwilling to tie up the parks department’s funding on a bond issue because it would hurt the city’s ability to add to and maintain existing parks. We don’t blame him for being cautious. Nobody wants a regional park or any others that are not maintained.

Heifner appears to appreciate the public favor required for any bond financing, and the regional park is a strong addition to ballot possibilities. The city has been tucking away money - $4.5 million - but it’s taken 11 years to get that much. Jordan and parks officials estimate the total park development plan at nearly $28 million. Give them another 56 years and that park is a done deal.

Heifner’s idea includes a total of $23.7 million in bonds, using both ad commission and parks money from the local hotel-motel-restaurant tax.

One aspect particularly intrigues: Heifner suggested a large amphitheater might be part of regional park plan, one that could easily become home to the Arkansas Music Pavilion. The Walton Arts Center is looking for a new home for the pavilion, now temporarily at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Perhaps a funded park plan could give the pavilion a home with outstanding interstate access.

Heifner’s ideas sure get the imagination fl owing and seem to offer a little something for everyone in the community. Ballot issues usually need that quality.

She’s provided a real conversation starter, and it’s worth exploring.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/14/2013