Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Maybranch Greenway within Levee Improvement District No. 1
A proposed one-mile concrete trail segment crossing levee district land was rejected 3-1, with the no vote citing lifetime maintenance costs; supporters say it's a planned, grant-funded trail with no new flood risk. It returns November 17.
Tilles Park splash pad
The city will spend about $1 million on a new, larger splash pad at Tilles Park, replacing a cheaply built one from a prior administration that would otherwise need a $150,000 mechanical retrofit. The old pad becomes a basketball court.
Parrot Island Water Park Finances
Resident Patrick McGuire warned the water park is heading toward insolvency, projecting a $307,000+ year-end operating loss the city must cover under its contract, with attendance down 3,326 visitors.
Butterfield Trail Monument
A life-size stagecoach-and-horses sculpture honoring the late Judge Jim Spears will be installed within about 90 days, with all engineering, foundation, and material costs now covered through donations and a new CBID contribution.
Operation of Kelley Ballfields Complex
The city sought proposals to run the Kelley Ballfields Complex, and only the existing youth baseball/softball group applied. A recommendation to the Board of Directors was expected on whether to keep the lease arrangement going.
Creekmore Park tennis court rebuild
The Western Arkansas Tennis Association, the Tennis Center's operator since 2003, was the only bidder to continue running it. The commission was set to recommend to the Board whether to enter a new agreement.
City interest in Fort Smith Cemeteries, Inc. properties
The private nonprofit running Roselawn, Holy Cross and Forest Park cemeteries has faced maintenance complaints and code liens in past years. The city could acquire and operate them like Oak Cemetery, but the nonprofit declined a sale to a private buyer and is currently meeting code standards. The tabled resolution returns July 21.
Return of Leo Fondren Park to the Fondren family
The city planned to sell back donated park land it never developed at Harriet Avenue and Meyers Street to the donor's heir, Raymond Fondren.
Creekmore Park tennis court change order
The courts get 4-foot spectator fencing, new LED lights, bleachers, spectator seating and drainage fixes under a 120-day contract with Steve Beam, keeping four courts open during construction.
John Bell Jr. Park amenities and safety
A resident who hosted an event for people with disabilities flagged missing benches, no tables under the pavilion, vandalism, strobing police lights that could trigger seizures, and unfenced access to a busy road. Staff committed to asphalt millings flooring, bleachers, and parking stops.
Cisterna Park Darby Rangers memorial during pumphouse construction
The family behind the Darby Rangers memorial says construction trashed their landscaping and rocks, and briefly feared the custom WWII memorial door was lost. Staff confirmed the door is stored safely and agreed to address contractor site practices.
Farmers market solar canopies and stagecoach statue
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.
Riley Farm Park trail bridges redesign
Replacing 300 feet of pedestrian bridges proved wildly expensive, so staff are eliminating a flood-prone section and pricing concrete culverts or playground-ramp bridges instead. Neighbors will get letters and meetings on how to spend remaining funding.
Levitt AMP Free Concert Series
The board was set to approve a $20,000 agreement with Main Street Fort Smith to administer the 2026 Levitt AMP Music Series grant — the free downtown concert series residents enjoy each year.
Parrot Island Waterpark lease and management
The board balked at the county's proposed lease terms and wants a counter-offer drafted. The management contract with American Resort Management runs only through March 31, 2026 while RFP responses are reviewed, and waterslide construction costs head to the January 20 agenda.