Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Prairie Grove Looks At Future Recreation Needs
Land Could Be Used For Soccer Fields, BMX Park
PRAIRIE GROVE — Walking trails, more trees, small pocket parks, a community garden and space for soccer fields are the comments given by a few residents during a public input meeting held to discuss future recreation needs for the city of Prairie Grove.
The main purpose of the June 26 meeting was to seek input for a grant application for a new splash pad at Prairie Grove Aquatic Center. The public hearing is required by the application process and the city receives bonus points for having the meeting prior to July 4.
The city hopes to receive a $150,000 outdoor recreation grant from Arkansas Department of Parks and Recreation and would match the grant with $150,000. If the city receives the grant, it will build a splash pad next to the kiddie area. The plan also calls for covered seating for parents watching their children play in the splash zone.
If approved, construction would probably begin next summer, according to Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works.
Oelrich presented a proposed five-year parks and recreation improvement plan and one highlight is development of a new six-acre park located on city property along the Muddy Fork of the Illinois River near the sewer plant and Belle Meade subdivision.
“This is river front property and very pretty,” Oelrich told the five people who attended the public hearing. “It’s grown up and needs a lot of clearing but I think it would make a very nice riverfront park.”
Oelrich said the city property is adjacent to two vacant lots in Bell Meade Subdivision. Ideally, Oelrich said, the city could purchase the lots, which are in a flood plain and owned by a local bank, for a reasonable price.
“This would allow the public to come through Bell Meade Subdivision and access the land,” Oelrich said.
The land could be used for soccer fields and possibly a BMX park.
Oelrich said he believes a BMX park would be popular in Prairie Grove, noting someone already has approached the city about building a BMX park in Prairie Grove if land is available.
“The nearest BMX park is in Lowell. It has a huge draw. People come from all over the place to go to it,” Oelrich said.
He added that the city needs soccer fields because children involved in the soccer program do not have their own playing fields. The teams were using the high school practice football field and now are using the band’s practice field.
Oelrich listed several park and recreation needs on the five- year plan, including safety netting at baseball and softball fields, more chairs and umbrellas for the Aquatic Center, a pavilion, picnic area and shade structures at Rieff Park, an irrigation system for the baseball complex and additional land for soccer and baseball fields.
Maintenance needs are gazebo and fence repairs at Mock Park, rehab or replace the bathrooms at Mock Park, replace tennis court nets and repaint the swimming pool.
In responding to some of the public comments, Oelrich said Prairie Grove is part of a regional study to establish a walking and biking trail plan for all of northwest Arkansas.
“Like everything else, trails are very expensive,” Oelrich said. “We love trails and we think it’s important to get a Master Trail Plan adopted.”
He said city officials have looked at possible trail routes in Prairie Grove and one priority would be to connect to the Battlefield State Park.
In closing the public hearing, Oelrich reminded resi- dents the five-year plan is a general guide that is updated and re- evaluated periodically. The plan falls under the responsibility of the city’s Park and Recreation Committee.