Longtime Pankey resident praises park renovation, credits grant and city

Melissa Johnson, a longtime resident of the Pankey neighborhood, told the meeting that a recent renovation has made the local park safer and more welcoming for children.

“All the land was donated by, by miss Josephine Pankey,” Johnson said, describing the neighborhood’s history, and adding that when the park “started getting to the point that it didn't look safe for kids to play here, we just knew that we needed to do something.” She said a local organization wrote a grant to obtain new playground equipment.

Johnson credited the city of Little Rock — and referenced “Mayor Scott” by name — for deciding to “remake the park” and carrying out a “whole new makeover,” calling the result “wonderful.” She said the renovation preserved many trees to maintain the landscape and left open areas where walking trails could be developed if money becomes available.

Speaking about everyday life in the neighborhood, Johnson described taking her granddaughter Delilah to the park as a treat, noting that children now have a place to play outdoors instead of staying inside on electronic devices. She said residents were surprised and pleased by the scope of the improvements and urged others to visit the park and neighborhood.

Johnson did not specify the grant amount or the organization that applied for funding. The comments she delivered were personal testimony during a public-comment segment; no formal city action or vote was recorded in the transcript.