(rshsdepot) Green Forest, AR

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Restored depot, walking trail are part of park system improvements
By Anna Mathews, CCN staff writer Green Forest Tribune

GREEN FOREST -- Members of the Community Improvement Committee are moving
ahead with plans to improve the city park system by restoring the railroad
depot, building a walking trail at the Veterans Park, and developing the 12
acres of land the city recently purchased across from the rodeo grounds and
ballfields.

Joe Tarvin, with McClelland Engineering, has been providing his expertise,
free of charge to the group, in hopes of securing an engineering contract
later down the line.

At Thursday's meeting, he said a grant application for $100,000 to construct
a concrete walking trail and pedestrian bridge had been submitted.

"They'll probably give us about half of what we asked for," he stated. "In
that case, we could build the pedestrian bridge."

He estimated the cost of a 50-foot-long by six-foot-wide bridge to be about
$33,000. He said bridges are pre-manufactured and trucked to the site for
assembly. The long length, he explained, is required to meet ADA (Americans
with Disabilities Act) guidelines.

The grant application calls for a concrete walking trail, Tarvin said, but
could be modified.

"This project will allow us to use land that is not presently accessible,"
he noted, referring to acreage across the creek from the playground area.

Tarvin also presented a drawing of proposed usage for the 12-acre site.

The drawing included an aquatic park, community center, basketball courts,
two soccer fields, kiddie playground, tennis courts, and plenty of parking.

The aquatic park, he explained, was modeled after one that was constructed
in Prairie Grove, a park that has been highly successful, drawing upwards of
400 paying customers during the day, and rented to church groups and others
in the evenings.

It features a zero-entry swimming pool that graduates to 12-feet deep, a
kiddie pool, two 140-foot water slides with plunge pool, pavilion, picnic
areas, concession stand, bathhouse, lockers and lifeguard station. The cost
of the aquatic park was $1.6 million, he said, but would likely cost $2.2
million today.

"It's an enormously neat thing," he stated. "It's a big draw for the town.
It's the hottest thing going."

The community center that he proposed for the site was 16,000 square feet in
size.

After explaining each aspect of the proposal, Tarvin asked for suggestions.
Several were offered.

Rob Kerby proposed perimeter parking to lessen the likelihood of children
dashing between cars, and suggested that the soccer fields be designed as
"all-purpose" fields to accommodate other activities such as Mighty Mite
football.

Diane Norris asked about the possibility of a skateboard area. Tarvin said
he could work something up.

"Can it be designed so that once the fad passes, we can use it for something
else?" Kerby queried. Tarvin said it could.

Tarvin also agreed to prepare a price breakdown for each component of the
proposal, as requested by Police Chief John Bailey.

After some discussion among committee members, it was decided to have Tarvin
re-work the proposal -- placing the soccer fields side-by-side, placing the
aquatic park and community center side-by-side, adding a skate park, moving
the parking to the perimeter, and a few other adjustments.

Financing for the project could come from grant funds, from a penny sales
tax, or a combination of both.

Efforts to secure a Reynolds Foundation grant are still under way. Kerby
said there are a few hurdles to cross but prospects look good.

"Remember," he stated, "they don't like to be bothered unless the project is
at least $2.5 to $4 million."

Mayor Leonard Tidyman said he was checking into bond possibilities should
the city seek a sales tax to finance part of the project. A one-cent tax
would generate $312,000 a year, he said.

"We need to make sure we can maintain what we build," Kerby cautioned.
Tidyman responded by assuring him that they could.

Also during the meeting, Jerry and Janice Tanner reported on their efforts
to find funds to relocate and refurbish the historic railroad depot.

Janice Tanner said she had spoken with a railroad enthusiast who assured her
that there is money available through the Center for Transportation and
Commerce in Galveston, Texas for restoration and preservation projects.

Jerry Tanner also noted that the Veterans Park may qualify for freebies
through the Veterans Administration, freebies such as cannons, airplanes, or
tanks.

The next meeting of the Community Improvement Committee is set for 5:30
p.m., Thursday, June 6, at City Hall.

At that time, Tarvin will present a revised master plan for the 12-acre
site, and committee members will offer updates on their efforts to secure
financing and grants.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and offer their suggestions.


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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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