Gravette council breaks ground for new trail
GRAVETTE — Members of the Gravette City Council, at their regular meeting on Thursday, July 26, passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to make application for an Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grant. Grant funds, if received, will be used to develop recreational facilities in the Hiwasse Park and in Old Town Park.
Members also voted unanimously to appeal the recent ruling regarding water rights in the Hiwasse community.
No citizens were present to comment during the meeting and no council members offered comments.
Mayor Kurt Maddox announced that an additional grant of $81,000 had been received for the proposed walking and bike trail, making a total of $581,000 in grant money for the project and leaving the city to pay only $150,000.
Following the brief meeting, council members Jeff Davis, Margo Thomas, Rod Clardy, Richard Carver and Ron Theis, city clerk Mike von Ree and Mayor Maddox held a groundbreaking at the corner of El Paso Street and Second Avenue S.E. for the city’s new 1.38 mile walking and bike trail. The eight-foot wide trail will wind past the elementary, upper elementary and middle schools and provide a safe route to school. It will connect with existing walking trails near Old Town Park to form a complete loop. Work will begin soon by 81 Construction, low bidder on the project.