BENTON -- Several Benton residents said Tuesday that they wanted more signs along main roads leading to the city's parks.

More than a dozen residents went to a public hearing on city parks Tuesday, where Parks and Recreation Department Director John Eckart and Parks Committee Chairman Steve Lee took suggestions on how the city could improve its parks system. The committee will consider the suggestions during its next meeting, which has yet to be set.

The committee will see which projects the city can undertake, Eckart said.

Benton voters in November approved a 0.5 percent sales tax for parks improvements. Revenue from the tax will fund the improvements and the construction of a new park complex called Riverside Park.

The projects, estimated to cost $36 million, include a softball complex, a soccer complex, a community center, an aquatic center, a new Boys and Girls Club, and a senior-citizens center, Mayor David Mattingly has said.

The city has partnered with Black Corley Owens & Hughes Architects, a Benton-based company, to provide design services for the park expansion. Last week, aldermen gave the OK for the city to enter into a contract with CDI Contractors LLC for construction management services for the new complex.

On Tuesday, city officials heard suggestions, including placing a new merry-go-round in Tyndall Park and building more splash pads in the city's parks.

Robin Freeman, a member of the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association, said the association wanted a gateway for Ralph Bunche Park. The park, she said, is "a diamond in the rough," but with some polishing, the city could make it more user-friendly.

Freeman suggested more seating in the park's pavilion, along with more parking.

Michael Sacomani, who owns Saline River Canoe, said he would like to see more access to the Saline River for fishing and other activities. The business owner said he also wanted parking options near the river.

Though 50 to 60 vehicles can be accommodated near the river close to Arkansas 5, there are no set parking spots, Sacomani said. The first person determines how everyone else parks, he said.

Alderman Kerry Murphy suggested the city apply for grants to create a walking trail from Lyle Park to Sunset Lake, paint murals around Sunset Lake and get rid of the graffiti there, and have a "simple sign" at the dog park. Murphy also said he would like residents to have more access to the Saline River at Sunset Lake.

"We have a river, and it's something that can really develop the city," he said. "The more we can help to enhance it -- even better."

Metro on 07/02/2014