UA Students Offering Betterment Ideas

It’s really neat to see what they’ve come up with. The kids have really been dedicated to it.

Gregg Sweeten

Pineville Mayor

A group of architecture students from the University of Arkansas are compiling several betterment ideas for the City of Pineville.

Environmental Protection Agency officials contacted city officials a little over a year ago, and said they would like to partner the city with U of A architectural students, said Pineville Mayor Gregg Sweeten.

The partnership began and 0fficials met with EPA officials from Atlanta to get the ball rolling. Officials also met with architecture teacher Alison M. Turner, clinical assistant Professor of Architecture with the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

Students began learning more about the city and its long-term plans. In addition, city officials were asked to pen five to 10 different ideas they would like to see developed over several years.

In March, city officials visited the students at the University of Arkansas to see what had been developed so far.

Sweeten said the room was filled with 10 to 12 large boards, on which students documented ideas.

In April, a group of the students visited Pineville, getting more familiar with the personality of the town and where certain amenities are located.

So far, the students have suggested building a lookout tower, overlooking the Big Sugar. They’ve also suggested designing certain structures or amenities along a new trail, once it’s been built. A wood shelter, for instance, would give hikers and walkers a respite from the sun and wouldn’t cost much to build, Sweeten said. A roof and two poles with a woodsy looking theme would fit nicely into the trail’s design.

Students have also suggested adding a sidewalk and planting trees along the north side of the old courthouse on the Pineville Square, as that street is wider than the street on the other side. The wide street currently allows for parking near the bandstand, but could be brought more in line with the other street and narrowed. Picnic tables placed there would create a space for people to relax after visiting the McDonald County Historical Society’s Museum or taking in other activities on the Square.

Sweeten said the project has sparked much interest. Fresh eyes looking at the city’s long-term goals have created different ideas to consider.

“It’s really neat to see what they’ve come up with,” Sweeten said. “The kids have really been dedicated to it.”

A final report is expected in about two weeks, before the students finish finals.