At the March 21 Parks Commission meeting, chair Bill Featherstone told commissioners Director Justin Huss was still on his way back from the Denver Travel and Adventure Show, but Huss had submitted his monthly report. In it, Huss said his trip to Colorado “was time well-spent.” Local emissaries distributed 350 trails maps to acquaint attendees, affluent people who travel regularly, with the attractions of Eureka Springs. Huss intends to make an annual appearance at the show.
Also in his report, Huss announced Parks is “working within the existing ordinance for artists at Basin Park to improve participation and appropriateness.” Huss will be offering artists and crafters the opportunity to purchase single weekend permits for $10. Each person would be allowed to purchase the $10 permit twice during the year. Beyond that, the person would need to buy the $50 annual permit, but the temporary permits would count toward the total.
“Our goal is to have an appropriate and consistent presence in the park,” he wrote, but also important would be to “balance creating the desired artistic atmosphere with the needs and rights of nearby businesses.”
Huss said he and staff would moderate the pace of improvements at Lake Leatherwood City Park so they don’t get in the way of visitors. Additional cabin remodeling will have to wait until after the busy season, but in the meantime he is working to provide more orderly parking and maximum Wi-Fi coverage at the park.
LLCP had its first bike camp rentals recently, and revenue is exceeding expectations.
Further trail improvement is being carried out by Carroll County Riders, who are building an additional trail near Black Bass Lake.
Commissioner Steven Foster said LLCP has been so busy lately, he had trouble finding a parking spot. The new playground was really swinging, and trails have been busy with hikers and bikers.
One issue he mentioned was the need for better signage at the entrance and on the trails regarding directions and safety issues. Foster said the LLCP Committee would be developing a plan for additional signage.
Foster also commented a botanist visiting LLCP found Ozark leatherwood plants flowering. The flowers are tiny and blooming now but fading quickly.
Other business
Commissioners voted to authorize destruction of 2011 financials as allowed by state statute.
Next workshop will be Tuesday, April 11, at 6 p.m., at Harmon Park, and the next meeting will be Tuesday, April 25, at 6 p.m.