Quorum Court set to discuss possible development of park

The Quorum Court will consider a resolution tonight showing support for an effort to develop Smith Park and public recreation in Miller County.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the second floor of the Miller County Courthouse.

The Southern Miller County Rural Development Authority has asked the Quorum Court to help apply for grants to improve and maintain Smith Park, which has about 320 acres about 15 miles south of Texarkana, Ark. The park is adjacent to more than 17,000 of wildlife management area.

“The park is a pearl, and it’s time to re-polish the pearl,” said Bill Poynter, a member of the authority.

Deryl Jones, chairman of the authority, urged the Quorum Court to consider helping with applying for matching local, state and federal grants to improve the park and maintain it.

“I’m getting old and it is a few years before the Lord takes me home. Do something for Miller County,” Jones said.

Industries make decisions to locate in a region based on spots with recreational facilities, educational facilities, roads, railroads and hospitals, Jones said.

“We do not have running water or sewage, but if the county and the authority works together, all of these issues could be addressed,” he said.

“We need to work together and apply for the grants through parks and recreation, natural resources and others we just need to get together and make a plan,” Jones said.