ROGERS -- Park commissioners discovered an issue Wednesday no one considered concerning the Razorback Regional Greenway and city trails: beasts of burden.
The greenway, which runs from Fayetteville to Bentonville, is designed as a walking, jogging or bike riding path. There have been reports of people on horseback riding sections of the trail.
"It never crossed my mind we would need some kind of legislation to keep horse, donkeys, mules, bulls, camels or other beasts of burden from using the trail," said Barney Hayes, parks director.
Misty Murphy, Northwest Arkansas regional trails coordinator, suggested aldermen approve an addition to the city code prohibiting acts in parks and trails, Hayes said.
"I think we need to approve the addition to the city code," said Greg Lindley, chairman of the Parks and Recreations Commission.
Commissioners noted the trails system is used by families, which often includes small children.
"I think it's dangerous to have horses on the trails alongside of children," Hayes said. The deposit a horse may leave on a trail is unpleasant and not good for small children.
"If we do nothing, it is the same as condoning horses on the trail, so I think we must recommend the change in the ordinance to the City Council for approval," Lindley said.
The ordinance would also impact the trails being built at Lake Atalanta, Hayes said.
Nathan Gairham, commissioner, asked whether the use of electronic cigarettes on the trails and in city parks should be included as a change.
"The ordinance already bans the use of any tobacco products on the trails and parks. To me, an electronic cigarette is still a cigarette," Hayes said.
Miguel Purdy, commissioner, said many entities have dealt with electronic cigarettes as a separate issue.
"NorthWest Arkansas Community College just recently banned electronic cigarettes. It took about six months, but they got it done. Many of the electronic cigarettes look like real cigarettes. The problem they were having at the college was people trying to smoke real cigarettes as though the cigarette was electronic," Purdy said.
Hayes said he would discuss the issue with the city's attorneys and report back to commissioners.
Commissioners also heard a progress report on park projects from David Hook, city facilities management director.
Hook said the soccer fields at Veterans Park are moving along well, and construction on the bike park is expected to begin sometime next week. The preliminary design of amenities at Lake Atalanta should be ready next week as well.
NW News on 08/21/2014