Mayor Butch Berry presented copies of four Quit Claim Deeds offered to Eureka Springs by the Bentonville/Bella Vista Trailblazers for land at the top of Lake Leatherwood City Park where the downhill bike trails begin. Berry told aldermen at the August 27 meeting that the city would receive about 36 acres purposed for “pedestrian walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and human-propelled uses open to the general public free of charge.”
Alderman Kristi Kendrick was strongly opposed to reversionary clauses in the deeds, which allow the grantor to take the property back if not used as intended. “I find it dangerous,” she said, wanting to renegotiate language in the deeds.
Berry pointed out the city has similar language in deeds for every city park, including Lake Leatherwood. Kendrick maintained her point of view, and alderman Mickey Schneider pointed out the grantor would have the right to take the property back if it were not being used as agreed upon.
Melissa Greene asked Parks Director Justin Huss if he liked the arrangement, and he said it looked fairly standard. He added that things were going well and the price was right, and all the grantors wanted was for Parks to maintain the trails.
Vote to read Res. 737 for approval was 5-1, Kendrick voting No.