Eureka Springs Parks commissioners spent a good chunk of the March 1 workshop discussing a Request for Proposal to search for a promoter who would organize and manage large sporting events at Lake Leatherwood City Park.
Executive Director Scott Miskiel said he wanted input from commissioners before publishing the proposal. Conversation centered mostly on whether there was a need to recognize the natural assets of LLCP in the RFP, and for promoters to keep those in mind. Commissioner Pat Costner described the lack of mention as a “disservice” to the park and the RFP should include documented habitats and species of concern. She argued that without it being a clear item in the RFP, promoters applying might not be suitable. She cited the description of LLCP “blended natural environment and man-made structure,” noting no mention of protected areas.
Commissioner Kevin Ruehle said that it would be inappropriate to include a long description of conservation efforts in the RFP, and that what sections of the park could be used for events would be negotiated in the contract.
Commissioner Sue Hubbard suggested general language saying that events cannot disturb the natural environment.
Costner mentioned the need for a plan to monitor and protect the natural environments of LLCP, and to not put value on those things would be shooting themselves in the foot. Miskiel went down a list of efforts made by him and the department to demonstrate their commitment to preservation.
“I believe we all have an interest in preserving our parks,” Miskiel said, adding that they would not allow events to thwart those efforts. He also said the benefit of a single promoter would allow them to educate a single individual about LLCP’s needs in more depth than if there were multiple promoters, as well as contractual language that makes them beholden to it.
Miskiel said they would enter negotiations until there is a contract the commission agrees to, or there would be no deal. Costner voiced concern over who would monitor events and promoters during events. Miskiel said he and Trails Coordinator Sam Dudley would. Commissioner Mark Ingram pointed out that they already monitor trail and area use by the public daily.
Hubbard mentioned that if a contract was negotiated and signed that there would not be opportunity for others, such as locals, to organize large events in LLCP. Ruehle countered that there wasn’t anyone to promote such events in town, citing Fat Tire Festival as an event that failed with no one willing to manage it. He also said the last Fat Tire Festival’s volunteers and sponsorships came from outside of Eureka Springs.
There was mention of the CAPC promoting events, but Ruehle said the cost to Parks would be too high and that they should not be in the purview of promotion with public money.
Miskiel said the discussion had made clear to him that there was a need for a conservation plan for LLCP and that he would begin working on such a plan for the commission to view and vote on.
Other Items
- In a special meeting after the workshop the minutes of the Feb. 15 meeting were passed. The minutes included motion to change the names on the signature card at CS Bank and the bank requires the meeting minutes to make those changes.
- There was discussion about the remaking of the ballfield, spring garden, and Master Plan committees.
- Miskiel will be creating language for handling fees for use of the ballfields. Miskiel said he would speak with the soccer league about the possibility of grandfathering them into the process as they helped raise money in creation of those fields. He said he would work with them to create an informal committee so he has a formal way of communicating with them, as well.