Officials, residents talk revitalization

Park, garden among ideas for Southside neighborhood

EL DORADO — City officials and residents in the Southside neighborhood met last week to sketch out ideas on how to revitalize the area.

One of the primary topics on the agenda was the site the former Southside elementary school building, which was razed by the city last year.

In the months that followed the demolition, city officials have heard several ideas, including a pocket park, green space and a walking track.

Last Tuesday, residents continued the conversation at a meeting that was led by Ward Three aldermen Kensel Spivey and Willie McGhee.

Other city officials, including Mayor Frank Hash and Alderman Mary McAdams, attended the meeting.

Despite the meeting being scheduled on short notice — notifications were sent out the same day — , Spivey said the turnout and exchange of ideas were encouraging and productive.

In addition to a pocket park and green space, there was a discussion to expand a community garden that is located across the street from the property, Spivey said.

Another idea that was well received was to use the space for a housing development geared toward citizens who are 55 and older.

Spivey said such a project would help meet a need for more affordable housing in El Dorado.

“I’m hoping that all will come together and develop something that will add value to the community,” Spivey said.

Spivey said city officials agreed to work with the resident who brought the idea to the table and research grant options for such a project.

Residents also agreed to form a Neighborhood Watch program, with Markeith Cook, who is actively involved with several local groups and organizations, volunteering to head up the group.

Spivey said a pool of volunteers will be needed to get the program up and running and to sustain it.

“We want to have multiple people on board who know what’s going on. That way, if Markeith can’t be there, someone else will be able to step in,” she said. “We’re going to need everybody on board to participate.”

Litter was another issue

that was discussed during the meeting.

“That seems to be a problem throughout El Dorado, and particularly seems to be a problem in Ward Three because Ward Three is so large. There seems to be more trash,” Spivey said.

Right now, Spivey and McGhee are working with Clean Harbors to plan a community cleanup for April 8.

Further details are forthcoming, she said. Clean Harbors teamed up with the Spivey and McGhee in the spring of 2016 to host a cleanup that drew 200 - 300 participants.

Spivey said the group is hoping to replicate that success this year.

She also said that she is hoping the momentum from the cleanup will extend far beyond the second Saturday in April.

“We’re hoping to get more volunteers for April 8, and with Neighborhood Watch, as more people participate, we’re hoping that it’s something residents will continue to do monthly or bi-monthly,” Spivey said.

She said another neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 28. The location for the meeting will be announced at a later date.

“I’m pretty excited about it. We definitely want to get this going and not let it fall by the wayside,” Spivey said.