FAYETTEVILLE -- The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed a list of proposed projects for a bond renewal vote next year, but what didn't make the initial list got the most attention from the public Thursday.
Board members supported, without taking a vote, acquiring the University of Arkansas' Lewis Park in a land acquisition and developing an indoor aquatics center. The two items weren't included on two initial project plans, one with $20 million worth of items and another with $25 million.
The plans
The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed an initial list of proposals for a potential bond renewal next year. Members considered two options:
$25 million plan
Regional parks
Kessler
Baseball/parking — $6,870,000
Artificial turf — $1,000,000
Lake Fayetteville
Veterans Park improvements — $1,000,000
Ballfield area renovations — $150,000
Lake Forest nature trail — $550,000
Lake Sequoyah
Phase I camping/study — $800,000
Community parks
Bryce Davis
Park improvements — $2,500,000
Gulley
Park improvements — $795,000
Walker
Park improvements — $2,260,000
Wilson
Park improvements — $550,000
Neighborhood parks
YRCC/Buddy Hayes — $1,000,000
Existing neighborhood parks — $750,000
New neighborhood parks — $600,000
Special projects
Combs paddle/nature park — $3,625,000
Nature in city — $650,000
Land acquisition — $1,900,000
$20 million plan
Regional parks
Kessler
Baseball/parking — $6,870,000
Lake Fayetteville
Veterans Park improvements — $650,000
Ballfield area renovations — $100,000
Lake Sequoyah
Phase I camping/study — $800,000
Commmunity parks
Bryce Davis
Park improvements — $2,250,000
Gulley
Park improvements — $485,000
Walker
Park improvements — $2,010,000
Wilson
Park improvements — $400,000
Neighborhood parks
Existing neighborhood parks — $510,000
New neighborhood parks — $400,000
Special projects
Combs paddle/nature park — $3,625,000
Land acquisition — $1,900,000
Source: Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department
The university's Division of Agriculture owns the land near Asbell Elementary School and leases it to the city for use as a park. The City Council earlier this month agreed to extend the lease, which was set to expire, for another year. City administrators hope to partner with the School District on a long-term solution.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan asked the board to recommend a list of projects by the end of the month. City administrators hope to put together a bond renewal proposal to voters by early next year. Each type of service -- parks, public safety, road improvements, etc. -- will be made a separate issue for voters to consider.
Dollar amounts for each issue haven't been set. The City Council is set to consider the details near the end of the year. The Parks Department has held a public campaign, Imagine Tomorrow's Parks, seeking input for its plans.
Those who attended the parks board's meeting Thursday appeared unified in wanting to save Lewis Park and in bringing an indoor, community swimming facility to the city.
Anita Parisi made the case for the aquatic center. She cited other, smaller cities in Arkansas that have such a facility, and touted the developmental benefits to children and betterment of the community's well-being.
Will Dockery, who has led a resident campaign to preserve Lewis Park, said the $1.9 million allocated in the bond project list for land acquisition likely wouldn't be sufficient.
Board members asked parks staff to review the lists and see where room could be made to add those two items. Suggestions included reducing the $6.8 million allotted for baseball fields at Kessler Mountain Regional Park and the amount dedicated to general improvements at the city's community parks.
The board also tabled a concept plan for Gulley Park.
Both items will be on the board's September meeting agenda.
NW News on 08/24/2018