“A facelift it so richly deserves,” continues at Lake Leatherwood City Park (LLCP) according to Parks Director Justin Huss. He told Parks’ commissioners at the August 16 meeting, “Utility work is underway for our playground project, utility and site preparation will begin soon for our bike camp and camper cabins, campsite improvements are marked, and new tent pads will be installed in the next month.”
Huss expanded his outreach for citizen input for the proposed playground project by inviting the public to meet chair Bill Featherstone and him Thursday, August 18, at the proposed site to offer opinions and advice about the playground. Featherstone said input, still being compiled, included lots of swings, with some tall enough for big folks; slides in the shade; natural appearance; activities to keep parents occupied while watching their kids, like a perimeter walking path; and nearby bathrooms.
Huss reported the mowing contractor is regaining control of the weedy margins at LLCP and there is new gravel on the parking lots. The new four-person pedal boat is in action and very popular. Improvements are ongoing in preparation for the autumn soccer season, including upgrades to parking.
He also announced that within 90 days Parks will have an active reservation system. “I am confident in this decision and look forward to the increased revenue it will provide,” Huss commented. “ReserveAmerica will provide our reservation system, creating interactive maps and allowing us to schedule and charge for special events and a multitude of metrics to help fine tune our offerings and advertising.”
Regarding finances, Huss said, “Overall, with what is 71 percent of the year in the books, our expenses are at 58.7 percent of the annual budget.” He cited income figures, which did not reflect July tax deposits, were already at 67.9 percent of the budget with the preponderance of the unanticipated income coming from Lake Leatherwood, which has already generated 96.3 percent of what was expected for the year.
Huss was confident the increase in revenue generated at LLCP is a “sustainable trend.” He pointed out because of the investment in rehabbing the boat fleet, revenue from boat rentals is up more than 300 percent. In addition, cabins are being overhauled and will be rented through the winter.
Maintenance projects such as dredging and controlled burns will be coming soon, and Featherstone commented new signs for the LLCP trails should be in place before the end of October. Also, Eagle Scout Justin Emmert completed his Eagle Scout project of constructing bleachers for the soccer fields.
Director’s report
Featherstone announced Parks intends to begin an Adopt-a-Trail program where individuals and groups would have a chance to help Parks take care of the ever-growing number of trails.
He also remarked the Community Center Foundation signed the 20-year lease to take possession of the old high school property on Sept. 1. Even though the Foundation achieved its first goal of taking possession, “the fundraising never stops,” he said, urging the public to go to the Foundation website at eurekaspringscommunitycenter.com or igave50.com for ways to donate.
Featherstone stated a trail would open soon which connects the Crescent Hotel property with Harmon Park. Also a new Trails map is being updated to include only trails over which Parks has access.
Better springs
Huss stated the Springs Committee announced interest in the proposed tax to improve the city’s infrastructure because improving water and sewer delivery would improve the springs. He said his staff would be putting up signs at the springs alerting visitors that the water is contaminated. “I’m not excited about putting them up,” he said, adding it needs to be done for public safety.
Other items
- Featherstone announced there is a vacant seat on the commission.
- Commissioner Steven Foster said the Eureka Springs Pollinator Alliance would have a table with information at the Carroll County Fair. Anyone wanting to help them staff the table can make contact with the group and find out more through its Facebook page.
- Huss said he plans to ask Council for a moratorium of vacating properties because the process is too time-consuming and newer priorities are surfacing. He urged the city to take a step back and reconsider the future of green space in the city.
- Featherstone mentioned people could send him input anytime at bill@eurekaparks.com.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m., and the next workshop will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m., at Harmon Park.