MAGNOLIA -- A group of Magnolia residents who attended a "Magnolia Plan 2040" workshop to share their vision for what the city can be over the next quarter century had a consistent theme: They want more entertainment options.
They suggested entertainment options geared to younger generations and the student population of Southern Arkansas University.
They recommended having a movie theater and bowling alley-centered entertainment complex, as well as new restaurant options.
Other ideas included:
• Amenities for the city, especially 24-hour restaurant options, city parks, and late night entertainment.
• Utilization of SAU's agricultural programs, including a student-grown and -run hydroponic (growing plants without soil) farmers market.
• Transformation of the Columbia County Fairgrounds into a year-round community venue.
• Beautification of entry roads into the city as well as better lighting along U.S. 79.
Most groups also expressed concern over the lack of affordable housing options for most income levels in Magnolia, as well as an abundance of blighted neighborhoods.
Numerous civic leaders attended the recent session, including Mayor Parnell Vann, SAU President Trey Berry and Magnolia School Superintendent John Ward. James David, a strategic planning consultant from the Garver Group of Little Rock, led the workshop. It was designed so the firm could get suggestions on the future planning of the city directly from residents.
The consulting firm will examine the input it received and use that information with its own vision of what Magnolia can be over the next quarter century. After doing this, the firm will then give a finished presentation to the city and its residents sometime early next year.
There is a website for the planning process. It is www.magnolia.planyourcity.com.
Metro on 10/23/2017