FAYETTEVILLE — Residents will soon have a new way to enjoy panoramic views atop Mount Sequoyah.
Parks and recreation staff announced this week that construction has begun at Mount Sequoyah Gardens, a 3-acre park where Summit Avenue meets East Rodgers Drive, North Oklahoma Way and East Lighton Trail.
The city intends to install a semi-circular arbor — a type of gazebo — on a flagstone pad where people can relax, picnic or even get married. A native stone seating wall also is planned, along with improvement to the access drive leading to the property.
The park features a grassy area next to a greenhouse where city horticulturists grow plants for landscaped entryways to Fayetteville and the Square Gardens. The site offers views of hills to the south.
“The views are just absolutely stunning,” Carole Jones, a park planner, said Tuesday.
City Council members awarded a $72,000 contract to General Construction Solutions of Springdale earlier this month. The contract gives the company until the end of November to complete all work. Money will come from the Parks and Recreation Department’s half of a 2 percent tax on hotel stays and food purchased in Fayetteville restaurants.
Mount Sequoyah Gardens became a city park in 1998 following a campaign by several Mount Sequoyah residents, including former Mayor Dan Coody, who urged the city to do something with the public space.
The land used to house an abandoned water tank and treatment facility.
At one point, a lookout tower was planned.
Last year, the city applied for a grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, but wasn't awarded any money.
“This is what our budget has allowed us to do,” Jones said.
Coody, who lives on Rodgers Drive, said Tuesday he’s glad to see the Parks Department and current administration moving forward with plans for the property.
“It’s the best view in town,” Coody added.
Harriet Jansma, who lives on Lighton Trail, said she welcomed the “modest development that’s planned,” but would like to see sidewalks installed around the perimeter of the park.
Terry Gulley, Transportation Services director, said sidewalks there aren't on the city’s plan for this year or next.