The Parks Commission had a very busy 2024, making big changes and repairs in all parks. The year began with most of the new Lake Leatherwood cabins finished and ready to be opened, with pricing and other details worked out before the season.
A mural was painted on one of the Leatherwood bathrooms and the historic bathhouse was cleaned out. A new bathhouse is being planned and worked on.
A Starlink dish was installed to give Lake Leatherwood visitors access to Wi-Fi.
There were heated debates about the ballparks at Leatherwood, with a new contract created with the Eureka Springs School system to bring the baseball field up to standards so the schools’ baseball teams could use them for official games. Part of the funding is coming from business sponsorships and the schools. Parks also decided to go back to running the bike trails’ shuttle in-house, establishing a contract with Nick Castro of Gravity Feed shuttle. The names of trails at Leatherwood will be renamed to different versions of Bigfoot in theme with the statue at the park.
The Harmon Park building was renovated and is being turned into a long-term rental property on the upper floor and a workshop in the basement. A new HVAC system was installed at Harmon Park.
Basin Park has had extensive work done. New park benches were built and installed. Commissioners sought donations to dedicate benches with a special plaque. Several of the plaques have been made and are being installed.
A new stairway was built, and boxwoods were removed. The bandshell was renovated, as was the stairway to the stage. The park’s fire bell and gazebo were cleaned of graffiti and repainted. Old, dead trees were removed, and by using grant money, new trees will be planted.
Parks is also receiving bids from engineering firms to fix the long-standing issue with the Basin Park fountain sinking. The commission will solicit the CAPC and the city for financial aid to get the fountain repaired by spring break.
A major storm rolled through all Northwest Arkansas, and Parks Director and Parks’ staff working to clean up damage to trees and parks. Work was done to make all parks safe and accessible again. The parks also held several popular events such as celebrating the Eclipse, 4th of July Jamboreeka, and the Bigfoot in the Park. New commissioner Ruth Mitchell worked with the arts community to find a way to reorganize and hold Arts in the Parks events as well.
New trail signs and map kiosks have been installed at parks and springs, with small maps being available for hikers to use. Work was done to remove aggressive plant species from Black Bass Lake with help from local plant expert Glenda Moore. The Crystal Terrace Bridge, also known as the Tulip Bridge, which is located above the library, was renovated with funds supplied by the Historical Preservation Society.