Justin Huss reported in his Parks director’s report last week that the Arkansas Enduro Series, which combines features from cross-country and downhill racing, included Lake Leatherwood as one of six stops in the state this year, spending August 17-19 at the new biking trails.
“This is something we can build on,” Huss commented. The event also took advantage of the new trails at the Great Passion Play.
He stated the downhill trails are as popular as advertised, and a person would have to have their eyes closed not to see a difference in town because of the trails as cyclists and their families are visiting and businesses are benefitting.
Cameron Denoewer commented Parks is supposed to be part of enhancing the town’s appeal to tourists, and in the past three months the local economy has had a boost from the new trails.
Huss said he has been interviewing applicants for the Trails Manager position.
Other items
- Artist and sculptor Stephen Feilbach presented the scope for the entrance sign at LLCP that would pay tribute to Civilian Conservation Corps workers who built the park. Huss responded he liked the concept but the cost of what Feilbach had in mind “might require sponsorships.” He suggested a phased version of the plan using Parks materials and labor when possible, and urged commissioners to consider the idea during budget discussions.
- Sheri Hanson said she has seen Parks staff hand watering plants in the spring gardens, and offered to go to the different sites and suggest ideas for using drip systems to save Parks money on labor.
- In the chairman’s comments, Bill Featherstone urged folks to look at two websites that had relevance for Eurekans. One was strongtowns.org, a robust site with the mission of supporting a model of development which allows communities “to become financially strong and resilient.” The other was downtownboulder.com which he termed “material-rich.” He said Boulder was named the happiest city in the country and also the most bike-friendly and outdoors oriented.
Next workshop will be Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. at Harmon Park. This is one week later than the usual workshop date. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m.