Farmers market solar canopies and stagecoach statue
Fort Smith
Summary
The district board voted 5-3 to spend up to $13,000 on color-changing LED lights under the new solar canopies, replacing the planned Garrison Avenue bridge lighting. Supporters say it's more visible and can be themed for downtown events; police want lighting and cameras there to deter loitering.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Up to $13,000 from the district's budget, split 50-50 with the city.
Downtown visitors, event-goers, and Farmers Market users get a safer, more attractive lit space.
Commissioners who voted no worried about stretching a limited one-time pot of district funds.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Central Business Improvement District - Regular Meeting - May 21, 2026
The canopies and solar array are energized and offsetting City Hall's utility use, with the CBID-funded LED underlighting installed and a few fixtures still being tweaked.
Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - May 13, 2026
Solar canopies went live at the downtown farmers market lot with colored lights at night, funded partly by local donations. A donor-driven stagecoach statue is planned along Garrison, with Public Works removing asphalt and adding a curb and sidewalk for protection.
Central Business Improvement District - Regular Meeting - Mar 19, 2026
Phil White reported a life-sized steel stagecoach and horse team honoring Fort Smith's Butterfield Trail mail route is nearly fully funded at ~$200,000 and could be installed this summer at the Farmers Market lot, facing west toward Oklahoma.
Central Business Improvement District - Regular Meeting - Feb 19, 2026
The district board voted 5-3 to spend up to $13,000 on color-changing LED lights under the new solar canopies, replacing the planned Garrison Avenue bridge lighting. Supporters say it's more visible and can be themed for downtown events; police want lighting and cameras there to deter loitering.
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