The Parks and Recreation Commission met Tuesday, Aug. 5, in the Administration Conference Room at City Hall.
Executive Director Chuck Eddington explained. “I’ve had some requests from Charter Schools and homeschool groups to use the meeting room space regularly. I wanted us to talk about this and get your opinions.”
The Commissioners decided that room rental rates applied to all groups, and the director reserved the right to change the schedule as needed.
The NWAEDD Community Development Coordination/Communications Specialist, Chelsey Weaver, spoke to the group about the grant application process she is working on for Parks. The matching grant is for $250,000. She explained that in the past, they had chosen projects from different parts of the community, but Harrison had been turned down in the past two years.
“So this year, Chuck Eddington and I focused on one area. We have requested up to $250,000 for a playground and splash pad at the Equity Bank Sports Complex,” she said. “There are a lot of families close to this area, and it will give them access to a park and a splash pad within walking or biking distance. We will change the entrance to the complex so it is open even when we don’t have baseball or softball games happening.
Eddington added, “This playground was an Eagle Scout project 30 years ago and is not ADA compliant.”
He explained that they want to upgrade the equipment to be all-inclusive and build a splash pad. The upgrades to the area are projected to cost $500,000. A portion of the matching grant can be in-kind services the city’s team can provide.
A hearing will be held in October, and they hope to hear the grant outcomes in December. This grant is from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism – The Office of Outdoor Recreation.
CFO Luke Feighert presented the financial reports. He reported that he is beginning to see some income consistency at Creekside. “It will begin paying for itself very soon.”
"We knew we over-staffed when we first opened,” Feighert said. “Now, we know what staff it takes, and the budget is heading in the right direction.”
The commission was excited about the 120 Valley Springs School District families coming to Creekside. “We’ve talked to other schools, too,” Eddington said. At the time of the meeting, membership had expanded to 5,045.” The group was reminded that the first goal was for 1,000 members.
Eddington said the afterschool program continues to grow, and eight schools are participating. Soon, lights, a shade tent, and a bench will be placed at the pickleball courts.
A water line is being added to install two water fountains near the tennis and pickleball courts.