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Proposed city park location gets appraisal |
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Wednesday, 28 February 2007 |
An appraiser has been hired by the Benton Parks Commission to evaluate the 220-acre site the commission is proposing for a major park complex.
Alderman David Sparks, chairman of the commission, told Benton City Council members Monday night that he expects a report from both the appraiser and a hydrologist later this week.
An “independent appraiser” from Little Rock is appraising the land, Sparks said.
The hydrologist will be studying the land in regard to the flow of water, Sparks explained.
The appraisal is expected to cost about $3,000, Sparks said.
“Both of these reports will be made public next week,” Sparks said.
The commission has proposed that a $26.5 million park be built on the property located on the southwest edge of the city. The land, owned by Duke Family Properties, is priced at $2.5 million and is bordered on three sides by Interstate 30, the Saline River and U.S. 67.
In a previous meeting, the council approved holding a special election April 10 for voters to determine whether to fund the park project.
Voters will be asked to approve two bond initiatives in the form of a half-cent sales tax to fund the park complex. One initiative is for 1/8 of a cent for operation and maintenance; the other initiative is for 3/8 of a cent to be used to finance the sale of municipal bonds, which in turn would be used to purchase the land.
Stephens Inc., a Little Rock-based investment firm, would sell the bonds, which would have a life of 25 years.
The proposed park would include a 60,000-square-foot community center that would have a second-story walking trail, a therapy pool for seniors, a kitchen, concession areas and restrooms.
Other park features would include seven soccer fields; two youth football fields; 10 baseball fields; 12 softball fields; basketball and tennis courts; an indoor aquatic center; an outdoor water park; nature, jogging and bicycle trails; fishing ponds; concession areas; and restrooms.
In Sparks’ committee report Monday night, he said a new American Legion outfield fence has been completed and said it “looks awesome.” Several new advertising signs have been ordered to place on the fence, he said.
He noted that the Glen Rose baseball team has begun its season at Bernard Holland Park and the Benton Lady Panthers softball team has started its season at Tyndall Park.
Sparks also reported that a state permit for a new parking lot at Ralph Bunche Park has been approved. He said estimates are being gathered to build an additional entrance and exit into Bernard Holland Park.
Sparks reported that Curtis McCormack, director of the city’s parks and recreation department, and his assistant, Kitty Smith, attended a workshop at Central Arkansas Development and Planning Agency to get started on the city’s 2007 state park grant.
If the grant is approved, the city plans to purchase new park benches and matching trash containers for Ralph Bunche Park and bleacher covers for Bernard Holland Tyndall parks.
Tree trimming and shaping has been done at Ralph Bunche, Lyle, Bernard Holland and Tyndall parks, Sparks said.
Estimates are being taken to make drainage improvements near the girls softball complex at Tyndall Park, he said.
In another report, Alderman Steve Lee, who oversees the council’s Health and Safety Committee, reported that the panel discussed, before the council session, the plan to combine the city and county 911 operations.
The panel has sent a letter to the Insurance Services Office to determine whether combining the two operations would affect ISO ratings.
He also said the panel is considering asking voters to approve a 1/8-cent sales tax to help fund consolidation of the services.
In discussing the city’s code enforcement efforts, Lee commended Officer Bobby Shell.
He noted that five structures recommended for condemnation were razed by their owners. The locations are 4010 Silica Heights Road, 2019 Silica Heights Road, 2003 Silica Heights Road, 400 Palm St. and 604 Gravel St.
Alderman Larry Wolf asked about a burned structure on Shangri-La, which has not been razed. The owner had attended a previous council meeting and reported he was working with his insurance company, but said he would be razing the structure.
Police Chief Gary Sipes said the owner was given additional time to handle the project.
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