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Little Rock parks director details wetland repairs, RTP boat‑launch grant and Reservoir Park progress
Summary
Parks staff told the commission they plan to replace rotten boards at Bill Clark Wetland, pursue an RTP non‑motorized grant for the River Mountain boat launch, move forward on Tri Creek Greenway bidding, and continue work at Reservoir Park and multiple playground replacements; funding and FEMA constraints remain for the Reservoir ball field.
The Little Rock City Parks and Recreation Department outlined several capital projects and grant efforts at its April meeting, citing flood damage, grant timelines and remaining funding hurdles.
Director-level staff told the Parks Commission they will replace rotten boardwalk materials at the Bill Clark Wetland that deteriorated after repeated flooding and will seek approval from the commission to submit an RTP (Recreational Trails Program) non‑motorized grant application to fund a River Mountain boat‑launch project. Staff also reported that the Tri Creek Greenway has reached the final bidding stage and that coordination with the Arkansas Department of Transportation is imminent.
Reservoir Park was described as active and moving toward substantial completion, but staff cautioned the previously bid Reservoir ball field faces complications tied to FEMA funding and other federal grant requirements. The restroom component for that project is under construction; the department’s goal is to complete the majority of the Reservoir work by the end of the year, though specific timelines depend on grant approvals and contractor scheduling.
Staff confirmed several neighborhood playground projects are underway or planned. Merryweather Park’s playground replacement has advanced after neighborhood fundraising and department allocation; similar projects such as Murray Park are included in the neighborhood playground replacement program, with individual projects in the $300,000–$400,000 range referenced as typical. The department said it is working to preserve certain neighborhood elements (for instance a historic “rocket” feature) as a monument while installing modern, accessible play equipment.
On facilities maintenance, staff said the Jim Dailyaly indoor pool will receive a complete roof replacement beginning in May. The department noted that a prior HVAC and ceiling project cost about $2.1 million but the roof damage proved more extensive and requires a full replacement that could last six to eight weeks; staff plans to minimize public disruption by keeping the outdoor pool open during work.
Commissioners also discussed operations and amenity pilots: the department will test recycling bins at Murray and War Memorial parks as part of a 2025 sustainability goal, and is installing new disc golf features (staff cited donated equipment and mentioned a 72‑hole configuration on parts of War Memorial) and considering a dog park as funding becomes available. Staff emphasized that some proposed amenities are donation‑funded or contingent on future budget approvals.
The commission requested follow‑up materials and financial details — especially on grant conditions for the Reservoir ball field — and asked staff to return with formal grant‑application requests and clearer timelines before the commission takes further action.
The commission took no formal land‑use or procurement votes on these projects at the meeting; staff will bring specific grant applications, resolutions and bids back for committee or commission consideration.
