FAYETTEVILLE -- Rain canceled some events for the opening of Kessler Mountain Regional Park, but gloomy weather couldn't dampen the mood.
About a dozen youngsters scampered across the freshly cut soccer fields, many with their parents, while School of Rock performed underneath a small tent providing city officials shelter from the drizzle.
Web watch
In order to protect the conditions of Kessler Mountain trails and park playing fields, the bike ride, trail run, scavenger hunt, stream restoration tour and lawn games will be rescheduled for a sunnier day. For more information, visit Fayetteville’s Parks and Recreation webpage at www.fayetteville-ar….
Source: Staff report
And this was long before the ribbon cutting.
The soccer and baseball fields, along with restrooms, a concession building and about 400 parking spaces, were officially opened Saturday as part of the first phase of the regional park.
Feng Jiang and his sons were among several families who tested out the soccer fields.
"I think (the park) is wonderful," he said. "It's so big."
Although his sons are too young for soccer, Jiang said they're looking forward to when the playground opens.
Future phases of the park will include more baseball fields, softball fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a large pavilion and a playground, according to Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
"We're not gonna let any rain hold us back from this celebration," said Jordan, who asked the hundreds of attendants gathered at the park to take a moment to appreciate the scenic beauty of Kessler Mountain.
Jordan's opening remarks were interrupted by applause and hoots from the audience. Others just nodded along as he thanked those who worked to develop the park over the last 15 years.
"Together we have brought this community's dream to life today," Jordan said.
The 200-acre park off Cato Springs Road evolved from plans for a regional park first discussed in 2000. Development spanned two mayors and multiple City Councils, Jordan said, but the project was given a boost in 2010 when Chambers Bank deeded the acreage to the city. A special election in 2013 followed, which set aside funding for construction.
The city also received more than $1.5 million in grants and donations from the Walton Family Foundation and Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association toward development and preservation of the land.
On Tuesday, the council approved a conservation easement with the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, permanently preserving 384 acres at Kessler Mountain. The agreement will keep the property free from urban development.
Opening the regional park marks a seminal moment in Fayetteville's history, said Justin Tennant, an alderman.
"We're only part of a few special, historic days, and this is one of those," Tennant said. "One hundred years from now, this day will be important. This changes the city of Fayetteville forever."
NW News on 08/21/2016