Rogers' Lake Atalanta Road Meetings Scheduled

— Another round of angst is likely next month when two meeting are scheduled on the future of the road around Lake Atalanta, said members of the Roger Parks and Recreation Commission.

“We are through with the meetings on the general revitalization plan for Lake Atalanta,” David Hook, city facilities development manager, told commissioners during the Wednesday meeting.

At A Glance

Lake Atalanta Renovation

Rogers leaders expect to spend $17 million to renovate Lake Atalanta over the next three years. Plans include almost 12 miles of mostly multi-use trails on 200 acres. Natural looking playground equipment, creating a small waterfall where Frisco and Diamond streams converge, more picnic tables, a boardwalk with fishing piers and a bike park are also planned.

Source: Staff Report

“I expect we will have some upset people next month when we hold two public meetings on future of the road,” Hook said.

The meetings will be Feb. 11 and 25, before the City Council meeting. The exact time of the meetings haven't been determined, Hook said.

Suggestions and comments on park development were taken at three earlier public meetings. At a station showing a drawing of the road around the lake, comments were mixed about closing the road.

“I would say the people are split about 5o/50 on whether to keep the road open or close,” said Barney Hayes, park director.

“I’m sure we will have some angry comments from both sides of the argument,” said Greg Lindley, chairman of the commission. “In fact, I think the road issue could be bigger and draw more fire than the proposed renovation plans.”

There are four options to consider, Hook said:

  • Keep the dirt road open, and build a boardwalk along the shoreline and a concrete trail.
  • Pave the road and build a boardwalk along the shoreline.
  • Close the road and use it as trail.
  • Build a 15-foot wide paved trail that could be used as a road for cars in an emergency.

“We aren’t going to please everybody no matter what we do. Giving area residents the opportunity to comment on and make suggestions is the only way to determine what the consensus might be on the lake road,” Lindley said.

Hook also reported work on the soccer fields at Veterans Park is likely to begin next week.

“Frankie (Guyll, street superintendent) and I are scheduled to walk the soccer field area in a couple of days. His street crew will begin rough grading the site shortly after that. We will seek bids on the fine grading of the site, the restrooms and concession stand in March or April,” Hook said.

Once the contracts are awarded, work on the fields will begin to move rather fast, Hook said.

“Which brings me to the next challenge. The construction of the soccer fields and roads in Veterans Park means we won’t be able to have the annual fireworks display at the park this year. We’ll have to find another site,” Hook said.

Officials are considering two options for the July 3 fireworks show, Hayes said

“We might be able to move the show to Arkansas Music Pavilion or somewhere near Pinnacle Hills Promenade, but no decisions have been made,” Hayes said.

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