Local Residents Comment On Open Spaces Plan

PRAIRIE GROVE — Open spaces in northwest Arkansas are important to preserve before they are gone, said a Farmington official who attended a public workshop last week on the Northwest Arkansas Open Space Plan.

More than 20 people dropped by the workshop, held at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park’s Latta Barn, to look over several large maps, ask questions and write down their comments.

Judy Horne, a member of Farmington Planning Commission, said a regional plan makes sense.

“We’re beginning to see that all of northwest Arkansas working together on things like this moves projects along faster and makes life better for all us.”

Speaking specifically about west Washington County, Horne said she does not want residents to take open spaces and the beauty of the area for granted.

“We must remember without working to save some of this beauty, the land is going to disappear,” Horne said. “I’m all for open space. It’s just healthy for us. You can be stressed or weary and drive around in our area or sit and look at it and feel better.”

The purpose of a open space study is to develop a coordinated, voluntary program to protect and promote the region’s most valued natural natural landscapes and open spaces as the regional continues to grow and prosper.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission held work-