Park lands and uses considered

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

— “The bathroom deal, as of right now, is no more,” said Michael Ogburn at the Pea Ridge Parks Commission meeting last Thursday night, Nov. 19, at City Hall.

The group asked JKJ Architecture the to draw plans of the desired new bathroom structure at City Park to submit a breakdown of the project in order to apply for a grant to make the restrooms handicap accessible. The monetary figure they came up with was $132,000.

“They’re building three bedroom houses all brick for less than that,” Bill Ryan said. “Even if the money is available, paying over $100,000 would be throwing money away.”

The drawings submitted were not the result of a bid put out by the town and only used to satisfy the grant. After the town applied for the grant, they planned to submit a request for bids.

The grant deadline passed, but the city will apply again during the second cycle in March or April, 2010. The group agrees something in the range of $50,000-$60,000 is realistic.

Also discussed was the use of the Wal-Mart owned property at the intersection of Slack and Weston Streets, which can be leased at no cost until the building begins, slated for 2012. Nadine Teglmeier, Pea Ridge council member, proposed using part of the land as soccer fields and a walking track to prove community interest, then converting part of City Park or purchasing new land when building begins.

Teglmeier stressed the need for public facilities, as Little League is a private organization.

“I don’t want them mandating how you use your park,” she said.

Teglmeier also proposed blocking off Carr Street from traffic to hold monthly block parties or street dances.

Other items discussed were:

• Planting trees in the park in Givens Place — no conclusion was reached, as the group plans to figure out what they want to put there while still following regulations;

• City Park improvement projects, including the horseshoe pits and eroded trail; and

• The idea of a skate park in Pea Ridge.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.

Community, Pages 10 on 12/09/2009