OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fort Smith Parks Commission Meeting - March 12, 2026

Meeting Portal — Thursday, March 12, 2026
BodyFort Smith, Arkansas
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, March 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 43:57

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Maybe the two or meeting.

0:03

Last day to be in a park, right?

0:07

Yes.

0:08

Well, let's uh let's take care of the first thing or uh January minutes.

0:15

We'll interface a motion to approve if no changes.

0:32

All favor say aye.

0:33

I'm sure we're something.

0:38

Okay.

0:40

I wanted to still go ahead and have a meeting, even though we technically don't have items of business because we have a lot that's going to the board next week, significant projects.

0:48

So I think it's good for you all to know before it goes in the board packet.

0:54

So the first one is the Creekmore Park tennis court improvements.

0:58

And you can't see it on this because it wouldn't fit, but those red lines that you see on each of the sides, that is four foot spectator fencing, and that is something water requested because right now, if you have a lawn chair over there, all you see is that bar hitting the fence.

1:15

So they recommended that, they asked for it, and it actually lowers the cost because four foot fence is cheaper than eight foot fence.

1:22

Ten foot, sorry.

1:23

How tall is it?

1:25

If y'all wanted to know, I can show you how tall eight feet is after the meeting.

1:29

Actually, I can I I can pull up a video.

1:32

Thank you for that.

1:33

And then we did, and Sam, you always ask about the drainage, and we have this the part that's on the right of your screen that does address the drainage as much as we can without digging up that entire ditch that drains from the corner.

1:48

And I got you.

1:52

I told you I remember things.

1:54

So and then um it does have LED lighting all new.

1:59

We're keeping the poles, painting them black, and having LED fixtures, and those are compliant with all USTA standards, so very happy.

2:08

And there is something about this bid, it's never happened to one of my projects.

2:13

So the low bidder was out of northwest Arkansas, but the city has an ordinance that grants a five percent local vendor preference.

2:23

So whenever we calculated that the actual low qualified bidder became Steve Beam, and it's about it's just under sixty thousand dollar price difference.

2:35

But to be completely transparent, I was actually gonna have a conversation with Jeff because the low bidder, none of their experience is with sports facilities, so I was a little hesitant, and so is the engineer to just award it based on price.

2:50

But it worked out that we were able to use that 5% local vendor preference.

2:56

But other than that, the plan is to keep four courts open at all time.

3:01

Our only hesitation with that is the surfacing company whenever they come in, or they don't want to mobilize, get out, and then remobilize to do the surfacing.

3:11

We are going to try to work that out, but Wada has been great.

3:14

They understand we might have to shut the courts down, but everything will be rearranged.

3:19

They can utilize courts at other facilities on a temporary basis.

3:24

So I think they'll be ecstatic that the project is happening.

3:28

Yes, and they have been great to work with, got their input throughout the entire project.

3:32

They are happy with this.

3:33

I'm not a tennis player, so we rely heavily on their expertise and knowing what is best for that and their service to our citizens.

3:42

So and then I guess I missed that.

3:44

The part that is the dark gray that's highlighted in yellow, those are we're gonna install spectator bleachers there.

3:52

It's the same as what we did at Woodlawn Park.

3:54

People can still bring their lawn chairs, but we have that available as well.

4:00

The lights have timers on.

4:02

So we had that question of if they wanted right now their push button as if they wanted to do timers or anything, and they said they like the setup as is.

4:13

So we same setup and everything.

4:17

It works for them, it works for me because maybe if the timer's off, then all they have to do, they wouldn't be able to just press a button but this way and press a button if they want to play.

4:27

And we're gonna LED is a big step up because the other ones take like 30 minutes to warm up before they come on.

4:34

So if you forget to turn them on before the sun goes down, you're playing in the dark for a half hour.

4:38

Yes.

4:38

That's a lot.

4:40

They are nice lights.

4:45

Yes, I think the ones we went with, I can't remember if it's 20% or 30% less.

4:51

Can't remember exactly.

4:53

But again, that's a number on a paper.

4:55

I'll believe it whenever I see the cost savings.

5:00

I'm more comfortable with saying that after I have real data.

5:02

And then well, you know, I don't want to say, oh, that's what it's gonna be because I I can read things and they might not always be true.

5:10

People can tell me things, but I want to see actual data before I go spill in numbers.

5:15

And then what you don't see on this, we have four light holes, one by the waiting pool, and then three along the north side of the competition pool.

5:25

So we will be converting those as part of this project to LED fixtures as well.

5:32

It's easier to just do it all at once instead of trying to separate it out because it's a comes at a higher cost.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████████████████████████████63%
Procurement█████████12%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████7%
Financial Oversight████5%
Historic Preservation███4%
Public Engagement███4%
Active Transportation██3%
Community Engagement█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Fort Smith Parks Commission Meeting - March 12, 2026

This meeting of the Fort Smith Parks Commission covered several capital improvement projects, funding requests, and operational updates. Key topics included the Creekmore Park tennis court improvements, Sterna Park pump house repairs, Woodlawn Park final improvements, and a connector trail for Methodist Village Senior Living. The commission recommended funding for the trail project and reviewed timelines for summer 2026 completion of multiple park upgrades.

Consent Calendar

  • The minutes from the January meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • A commission member noted that Attillus Park's disc golf course is the oldest in Arkansas and praised the Western Arkansas Flying Disc Association as a valuable volunteer partner.
  • A request was made for trail material to fill low spots in the nature area at Attillus Park; a truckload of material was offered.

Discussion Items

  • Creekmore Park Tennis Court Improvements: The project, led by Steve Beam (the low qualified bidder after applying the city's 5% local vendor preference), includes LED lighting, four-foot spectator fencing (which lowers cost compared to taller fencing), and new spectator bleachers. The contract is for 120 days to allow four courts to remain open during construction. The apparent low bidder was out-of-town and lacked sports facility experience, which caused hesitation. The project also includes converting four light poles near the pools to LED. Timers will remain push-button per user preference. Completion expected by August 2026.
  • Sterna Park Pump House: The original $221,000 bid to completely replace the pump house was rejected due to cost overruns. A redesign will raise the existing building five feet to prevent flooding, at a cost of $138,968. Staff will reinstall the mechanical equipment. The fountain liner replacement was quoted at $44,000, up from an earlier estimate of $20,000; the source of the leak is uncertain. Commission members expressed concerns about maintenance costs for donated structures. Option to reach out to Park Partners for funding was suggested. Project remains within the $215,000 CIP budget.
  • Creekmore Park Pool Updates: New diving boards (3/4 meter) have been installed; they comply with updated regulations. The old boards were removed during COVID. Fiberglass grating is being replaced with HDPE material, with custom fabrication for retrofitting. Completion is expected before pool season.
  • Woodlawn Park Improvements: The final phase includes playground equipment, with a custom piece honoring Fire Station 6's former dog (named "Mud") and engine 601.
  • Compass Park Splash Pad Fencing: Iron fencing will be installed along the back of the park to prevent children from running near trucks. Funding is a 50-50 cost share with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or similar entity; remaining funds from last year's budget were carried over by board approval.
  • Methodist Village Senior Living Connector Trail: The city will serve as sponsor for a trail connecting Methodist Village to Caroline Cross Park. The project received a $196,000 TAP grant; Methodist Village will cover the 20% match ($50,960). The commission recommended that the city pay $3,850 for preliminary design and construction observation, funded from Caroline Cross Park cell tower fees (current balance $37,750). The trail will be constructed on a public trail easement granted to the city, ensuring ADA compliance.
  • Other Updates: Tillis Park parking lot design is complete, with sidewalk reconfiguration to preserve a tree. Riley Farm Park designs are considering bridge options. Maybranch Greenway faces challenges with a railroad; a partial realignment of Pea Street is being evaluated. Creekmore bathhouse will get controlled access and security cameras by Memorial Day.
  • Asset Maintenance: Staff is performing spring maintenance (oil changes, blade replacements, playground mulching). At Hillcrest, a new water fountain (including a dog bowl) was installed, with plans to add a similar unit at Creekmore.
  • Employee Recognition: Augustus, a staff member, voluntarily repaired raised grave borders at Oak Cemetery using weed eater twine for leveling.

Key Outcomes

  • The commission voted unanimously to recommend $3,850 in city funding for the Methodist Village connector trail design and observation, to be paid from Caroline Cross Park cell tower fees.
  • The Creekmore tennis court and Sterna pump house projects are expected to be presented to the Board of Directors for approval at their next meeting (March 17, 2026).
  • Ribbon cutting for Tillis Park inclusive playground, basketball courts, and walking trail is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 10:45 a.m., with a spring break activity at 10:00 a.m. Hot dogs will be provided for children.
  • Department staff will deliver a truckload of trail material to Attillus Park for low spot repair, as requested by the public.

Meeting Transcript

Maybe the two or meeting. Last day to be in a park, right? Yes. Well, let's uh let's take care of the first thing or uh January minutes. We'll interface a motion to approve if no changes. All favor say aye. I'm sure we're something. Okay. I wanted to still go ahead and have a meeting, even though we technically don't have items of business because we have a lot that's going to the board next week, significant projects. So I think it's good for you all to know before it goes in the board packet. So the first one is the Creekmore Park tennis court improvements. And you can't see it on this because it wouldn't fit, but those red lines that you see on each of the sides, that is four foot spectator fencing, and that is something water requested because right now, if you have a lawn chair over there, all you see is that bar hitting the fence. So they recommended that, they asked for it, and it actually lowers the cost because four foot fence is cheaper than eight foot fence. Ten foot, sorry. How tall is it? If y'all wanted to know, I can show you how tall eight feet is after the meeting. Actually, I can I I can pull up a video. Thank you for that. And then we did, and Sam, you always ask about the drainage, and we have this the part that's on the right of your screen that does address the drainage as much as we can without digging up that entire ditch that drains from the corner. And I got you. I told you I remember things. So and then um it does have LED lighting all new. We're keeping the poles, painting them black, and having LED fixtures, and those are compliant with all USTA standards, so very happy. And there is something about this bid, it's never happened to one of my projects. So the low bidder was out of northwest Arkansas, but the city has an ordinance that grants a five percent local vendor preference. So whenever we calculated that the actual low qualified bidder became Steve Beam, and it's about it's just under sixty thousand dollar price difference. But to be completely transparent, I was actually gonna have a conversation with Jeff because the low bidder, none of their experience is with sports facilities, so I was a little hesitant, and so is the engineer to just award it based on price. But it worked out that we were able to use that 5% local vendor preference. But other than that, the plan is to keep four courts open at all time. Our only hesitation with that is the surfacing company whenever they come in, or they don't want to mobilize, get out, and then remobilize to do the surfacing. We are going to try to work that out, but Wada has been great. They understand we might have to shut the courts down, but everything will be rearranged. They can utilize courts at other facilities on a temporary basis. So I think they'll be ecstatic that the project is happening. Yes, and they have been great to work with, got their input throughout the entire project. They are happy with this. I'm not a tennis player, so we rely heavily on their expertise and knowing what is best for that and their service to our citizens. So and then I guess I missed that. The part that is the dark gray that's highlighted in yellow, those are we're gonna install spectator bleachers there. It's the same as what we did at Woodlawn Park. People can still bring their lawn chairs, but we have that available as well. The lights have timers on. So we had that question of if they wanted right now their push button as if they wanted to do timers or anything, and they said they like the setup as is. So we same setup and everything. It works for them, it works for me because maybe if the timer's off, then all they have to do, they wouldn't be able to just press a button but this way and press a button if they want to play. And we're gonna LED is a big step up because the other ones take like 30 minutes to warm up before they come on. So if you forget to turn them on before the sun goes down, you're playing in the dark for a half hour. Yes. That's a lot. They are nice lights.

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