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Texarkana board approves state parks‑matching grant application amid debate over England Pool demolition
Summary
The board authorized a $329,850 Arkansas State Parks matching grant application (city match $164,925) covering several parks; residents urged pausing demolition of the historic England swimming pool, but staff said the structure is likely unsalvageable and recommended demolition or repurposing the site.
The Texarkana Board of Directors voted to authorize submission of a 2026 Arkansas State Parks matching grant application of about $329,850 to fund improvements at several parks, but the decision followed extended debate over whether the city should pause demolition plans for the historic England swimming pool and pursue rehabilitation instead.
The resolution (read in full by staff) identifies Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex, Bramble Park, Ingram Park and Nicks Creek Park as potential project sites and sets a local matching requirement of $164,925. Several residents and board members urged the city to remove England Pool from proposed demolition lists and seek alternatives, including historic designation and community partnerships. City staff said a recent walkthrough found extensive structural damage, missing roof and plumbing and that preliminary engineering suggested a full rebuild would be more likely than a simple rehab; a staff estimate cited in discussion indicated rehabilitation costs could be roughly $1.2 million for a partial rehab and up to $2 million to rebuild, while one onsite assessor suggested around $27,000 to stabilize parts of the block structure for limited use.
Board action: By roll call the board authorized the city manager to submit the grant application; the vote recorded four yes votes and one no vote (Assistant Mayor Harris voted No). Staff emphasized the board can amend the grant application later and that the board will retain final acceptance authority if the grant is awarded.
Ending: Staff said it will prepare documentation showing scope and will return to the board before accepting any awarded funds; residents asked staff to consider community partners and alternatives before demolition.
