FIVE YEAR

PARKS & RECREATION

PLAN

2015-2020

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City of Texarkana, Arkansas

Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan

Table of Contents

Purpose 3

Introduction 4

Goals of the Community 5

Parks and Recreation Directly Promote Tourism & Economic Growth 6

Inventory

City Parks and Trails 7

Neighborhood Centers 13

School Playgrounds 14

Semi-Public and Private Facilities 15

Other City Wide Facilities 15

Programs 16

Handicap Accessible Facilities 16

Meeting Needs of Minorities, Middle Age, Teens, School and

Preschool Children, and the Elderly 17

Recreation Problems and Issues in the City 17

Analysis 18

Review of Individual Facilities 18

City Wide Analysis 40

Facilities and Programs 40

Staffing and Maintenance 41

Needs Assessment 42

Outdoor Needs 42

Sports Complex Needs 42

Additions and Improvements Needed at Current Facilities 43

Indoor Needs 44

Local Recreation Trends of Citizens 44

Plan 46

Formulation of the Plan 46

Area and Facility Concepts and Standards 47

Park and Open Space Classifications 48

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Pathway Classifications 48

Public Involvement 49

Priorities 49

Programming 49

Property Acquisition 50

Plan Implementation 50

Evaluation 50

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Purpose

The purpose of the Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan is to compile in one document

what facilities and programs are available to the citizens of Texarkana, Arkansas. It

provides an opportunity to learn if the needs of the very young, the actively athletic, those

who prefer passive and less competitive experiences and minorities are being provided

for. It is an opportunity to prioritize future development. It should provide a road map

during the transition from one administration to the next. It is primarily an assessment

tool that should be used to plan future parks and recreation development. The plan does

consider programming but is not comprehensive in regards to programming. A separate

comprehensive study would be required to address programming needs.

While it is considered a five year plan, it should be updated periodically as improvements

are made and conditions change with a complete review and analysis at the end of the

five year period.

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Introduction

The 2015-2020 five year plan for the City of Texarkana, Arkansas was updated by Ross

Cowling as the superintendent of Texarkana Parks and Recreation.

The plan is needed to insure the City moves in the proper direction in providing the most

efficient and effective parks and recreation program that meets the needs and desires of

the community. The development of the Five Year Plan was initiated by the City

Manager as part of the City Strategic Plan.

This plan was officially adopted by the community when the City of Texarkana Board of

Directors passed a resolution on to accept the Five Year Recreation Plan. A

copy of the resolution is located in Appendix D.

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Goals of the Community

One of the core values in the 2007 Statement of Management Policy is to “Promote the

health, safety and general well-being of our citizens to create a vibrant community.” To

accomplish this core value, the City’s goal is to provide a well-rounded recreational

program and parks that are attractive and safe. Specifically, the goal of the Public Works

Department regarding Parks and Recreation are as follows:

Provide facilities that meet the needs of our citizens.

Provide recreational programs that meet the needs and desires of our citizens.

Continue to partner with local organizations to provide recreational and competitive

sports programs for our youth as well as active adults.

Develop and constantly update a Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan that will

address the current and future needs of our citizens.

Complete a city wide facility master plan that includes a site plan for all parks. Site

plans should include all current amenities as well as future projects.

Constantly seek alternative funding for improvement projects.

Establish high standards for maintenance of all facilities.

Maintain an ongoing beautification and tree replacement plan.

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Parks Directly Promote Tourism and Economic

Growth

Parks, recreation facilities, trails and open spaces provide a multitude of benefits to

individual persons and the people of Texarkana as a whole. These amenities drive

tourism and economic growth.

Texarkana Parks include neighborhood centers, pocket park, walking trails, wooded

areas, a public pool, green spaces and a soon to be built dog park. Recreation facilities

include playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, lakes and a recreation

center. Our Parks provide people with formal and informal gathering places to be

physically active, socialize, relax, build community, and connect with the natural world.

They make Texarkana more inviting for living, working and relaxing.

In a simplified tourism model, visitors use some mode of transportation to leave their

homes and travel to attractions, which are supported by various kinds of services, such as

hotels, restaurants, and retailing. Public parks can be an "engine" that drives tourism in

our community. In our case, teams parade into our city to play at Ed Worrell and Hobo

Park. Other come to see loved ones take marriage vows under the historical Cotton Belt

Gazebo. Our event calendar is full of family reunions, high school reunions, birthday

parties and company picnics at the new pavilion that overlooks Lake Diefenbacher.

Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to our cities.

They are also a source of positive economic benefits. They enhance property values,

increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and workers, and attract retirees. At the

bottom line, parks are a good financial investment for a community.

People value the time they spend in city parks, whether walking a dog, playing

basketball, or having a picnic. Parks Division’s mission is to provide safe facilities that

enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We strive to provide a

comprehensive parks and recreation system that respond to the needs of our community

and aid in economic growth.

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City Parks and Trails Inventory

The City has sixteen (16) parks and playgrounds that are available for outdoor recreation

and four (4) neighborhood recreation centers. Within the existing parks are two sports

complexes, one for baseball and one for softball. A trail system is being developed and

currently has approximately 2.4 miles completed. Other semi-private and private facilities

in the city include a Boys’ and Girls’ Club, two public golf courses, and one country

club. Ten school campuses also have playground equipment, tennis courts, gyms, and an

all-weather track that is open for public use when not being used for school activities.

The following is a list of all existing public, semi-private, and private recreational

facilities.

Mini-Parks or Pocket Parks

Broad Street Pocket Park

106 East Broad Street

It is a mini-park in the downtown area. The park has a built in stage for entertainment as

well as wireless internet capability.

6 Picnic tables (portable)

Gateway Farmers Market 800 Jefferson Avenue

It covers approximately two acres.

32’ X 80’ Farmer’s Market Pavilion 3 Benches

Paved Parking for 30 Vehicles

Unpaved Parking for Approximately 30 Vehicles

Restroom/Storage with 20’ X 40’ Covered Area On Front

Kline Park 416 East 9th Street

Kline is bisected by County Avenue. It is a one acre park.

3 Memorial Stones 2 Concrete Benches

1 Memorial Area

Peyton Park 845 East Broad Street

It is approximately a one acre landscaped area with no amenities.

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Neighborhood Parks

Bramble Park 1801 Fulton Street

It has a one acre lake suitable for fishing from the bank and dock.

1 20’ X 20’ Pavilion 7 Picnic Tables (Installed)

2 Picnic Tables (Portable) 3 Swing Sets

2 Climbing Structures 4 Benches

1 Fishing Dock 1 Play Structure

2 Basketball Courts (Lighted) 1 Basketball Court (Unlighted)

1 Concession Stand/Restroom 1 Softball Field (Lighted)

Paved Parking for 56 Vehicles

George Williams- 1.2 Acres

415 Siebert Street

1 16’ X 20’ Pavilion 5 Picnic Tables (Portable)

1 Multi-Station Play Structure 4 Spring Toys

2 Swing Sets 1 Barbeque Grill

1 Walking Trail ½ mile

Earnest Hill- .5 acres

1301 Preston Street

1 20’ X 40’ Pavilion 3 Picnic Tables (Installed)

1 Restroom

Inghram Park -3.17 acres

2625 Preston Street

1 Swimming Pool (3825 Square Feet) 1 Basketball Court (Unlighted)

1 Tennis Court (Lighted) 3 Picnic Tables (Installed)

1 Picnic Table (Portable) 1 Climbing Structure with Slide

1 Bench

Iron Mountain Park -16.6 acres

1500 Ray Street

2 Full Basketball Courts (Unlighted) 2 Tennis Courts (Unlighted)

2 Fixed Picnic Tables 4 Benches

1 Backstop 2 Swing Sets

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Senator Street Park -2.7 acres

2700 Senator Street

1 Basketball Goal (On Dirt) 1 Picnic Table (Portable)

2 Barbeque Grills 1 Slide

5 Paved Parking Spaces

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Community Parks

Front Street Festival Plaza

300 E. Front Street

The site is host to all our festivals and special events

1 20 x 60 Stage with 200 amp service 5 1/2 water supplies

1 paved parking for 118 vehicles 2 600 amp services

1 Antique Union Pacific Caboose 1 Art sculpture, Ties that Bind

Bobby Ferguson Park 3415 East 50th Street

The park covers 28.07 acres which includes an 8.93 acre lake that has three fishing piers.

1 Gazebo (Octagon 18’ Sides) 1 Gazebo (Hexagon 16’ Across)

1 Pavilion 16’ X 40’ 20 Picnic Tables On Pads

2 Multi-Station Play Structures 1 Swing Set

10 Benches 1 Restrooms

3 Fishing Piers 1 Tire Swing Frame (Needs Swing)

Asphalt Walking Trail 1 Pavilion w/Restrooms and Kitchen

Ed Worrell Park 2000 East 35th Street

A baseball complex that covers 115 acres. The Nix Creek Trail goes through the park.

6 Lighted Baseball Fields 2 Concession/Restroom Buildings

1 Pavilion W/Tables 6 Batting Cages

Paved Parking for 250 Vehicles 2 Storage Units

2 picnic tables 2 Grills

3 Flag poles

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Hobo Jungle Park 900 Dudley Street

A softball complex that covers 43.66 acres.

2 Lighted Tennis Courts 2 Unlighted Tennis Courts (Unserviceable)

4 Lighted Softball Fields 1 Unlighted Softball Field

2 Multi-Station Play Structures 1 34’ X 44’ Pavilion

4 Picnic Tables (Installed) 16 Picnic Tables (Portable)

12 Barbeque Grills 15 Benches

1 Concession Stand/Restroom Bldg 2 Restrooms

1 Basketball Goal Walking Trail 1 Miles Long

1 Paved Park for 300 Vehicles (North) 1 Paved Parking for 45 Vehicles (South)

Jefferson Park 1100 Jefferson Avenue

Home of PET SAFE”S Jef-FUR-son Dog Park (two acres) and covers 12.10 acres.

1 30 X 30 Pavilion 1 20 X 20 Pavilion

13 Picnic Tables Installed 3 Spring Toys

1 Multi-Station Play Structure 3 Swing Sets

12 Barbeque Grills 8 Benches

1 Set of Climbing Bars 1 Climbing Structure

Amphitheater 1 Dog Park

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Trail System

The city currently has six (6) miles of walking trail. Three and a half (3.5) miles of trail

is within our City parks. The remaining 2.5 miles of trail is within Nix Creek Trail

System.

The primary trail system is the Nix Creek Trail that is a 10’ wide asphalt trail that runs

from Arkansas Boulevard to the south along Nix Creek to Broad Street. It is

approximately 2.5 miles long.

The northern phase extends the trail from Trice Elementary to East 48th Street. A grant

application for funding of this section has been approved by the Arkansas Highway and

Transportation Department under the Safe Routes to Schools program. Work was

completed on this phase in 2011.

An Arkansas Recreational Trails Program grant was awarded in 2013 by Arkansas

Highway and Transportation Department for a trail that runs from Earnest Hill Park to

the vicinity of the Boys and Girls Club sports fields. As part this phase, a separate grant

was submitted to the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission for a Community

Health Grant to build a bridge over Nix’s Creek. The grants are currently pending.

Discussions are ongoing about other possible improvements to the trail such as security

lighting, fitness stations, and beautification projects.

Future extensions to the trail are included in the Trails Plan Map which is an appendix A

to this document. The Trail Plan is a city wide plan that connects parks, schools and other

points of interest in Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas.

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Neighborhood Centers

College Hill Neighborhood Center

1002 Ferguson Street

Building was a historic home that was renovated as a Neighborhood Center in 1970. This

facility was remodeled in 2008 and again in 2015. Facility has approximately 6,624

square feet. Downstairs has meeting rooms and a warming kitchen. Upstairs used as

offices for the Department of Community Development. Facility is used primarily for

meetings and special events.

Ozan Inghram/Iron Mountain Neighborhood Center 1101 Couch Street.

Building was constructed in 1970 and has approximately 6,038 square feet. In 1982, a

990 square foot senior citizens building was added behind the main building. The facility

was renovated in 2014. Center is managed by a non-profit corporation. The facility is

used for youth educational and recreational programs, as well as senior programs. The

center has an outdoor basketball court and playground equipment.

2 Buildings 1 Play Structure

2 Swing Sets 1 Climbing Bar

Parking for 50 Vehicles

Sandflat/Glendale Neighborhood Center 209 East 14th Street

The building was constructed in 1970 and has approximately 4162 square feet. A new

roof and renovation was completed in 2014. Center is managed by a non-profit

corporation. They provide a senior program and after school program daily.

1 Basketball Court 2 Benches

1 Picnic Table (Portable) 1 Merry-Go-Round (Obsolete)

1 Spiral Slide 1 Spring Toy

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Vera Bradfield Neighborhood Center 616 Euclid Street

It is a metal building that has approximately 1668 square feet. It is used for meetings,

family reunions, graduations, birthday parties and other special events.

2 Multi-Station Play Structure 1 14’ X 20’ Pavilion

7 Picnic Tables (Portable) 3 Swing Sets

1 Basketball Goal (On Parking Lot) 3 Benches

1 Set Climbing Bars 6’ Wide Walking Trail 0.25 Miles Long

Paved Parking for 40 Cars

Texarkana Recreational Center

1 Legion Drive

Commonly referred to as the old boys and girls club, this complex is comprised of two

structures. One structure, main building, contains office space, gymnasium, kitchen and

meeting areas. The second structure is a concession stand. Currently the main building is

not operational. There have been many attempts to rehabilitate this building. In 2012 the

Texarkana A&P Commission invested $65,000 into repairing roof and office space.

There have been several non-profits view the building, but no plan of action is in place.

There have been serval failed attempts by staff requesting fund to complete restoration.

2 Structures 3 Ball Fields

1 Axillary Field Parking for 75 Vehicles

School Playgrounds

The following schools have playgrounds that are open to the public after school hours.

While not City Parks, they are considered in the standards based assessment.

Trice Elementary College Hill Elementary

Kilpatrick Elementary Union Elementary

Fairview Elementary Arkansas High School (Tennis Courts)

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Semi-public and Private Facilities

Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Texarkana is no longer in operation.

Texarkana Country Club is a private club that offers golf, tennis, and swimming.

New Haven Golf Course is an 18 hole public course on the south side of the city.

The Links is an apartment complex that offers a nine hole golf course that is available for

public use.

Other City Wide Facilities:

Texarkana is unique in the fact that it is a twin city in two states. Facilities on both sides

of Texarkana are open to residents from either city for use. The Texarkana Museum

System and Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council have facilities that are

physically located on the Texas side of the city but provide services to both sides of town.

Having two cities in two states affects the need for outdoor recreational facilities in many

ways. An example would be soccer fields for organized recreational leagues. While

Texarkana, Arkansas has no game fields for soccer, there is not a great need as the Texas

side of the city has a large soccer complex. The local soccer organization uses it for all

games and the league is a city wide program. There is a need for multipurpose practice

fields. The Texas side recreational inventory includes 12 parks with four sports

complexes and three community centers. They also have Northridge Country Club which

is a private club that offers golf, tennis and swimming. The Ranch is an 18 hole public

golf course that is leased to a private developer.

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Programs

The City primarily partners with nonprofit organizations to provide recreation programs

at city owned facilities. Examples are as follows:

Ozan Inghram/Iron Mountain Neighborhood Center is operated by a non-profit group that

provides educational programs for area youth. Other community services are provided at

the building. A separate building on site provides senior services.

Sandflat/Glendale Neighborhood Center is operated by a non-profit group that provides a

senior citizens program.

Vera Bradfield Neighborhood Center is also managed by the Parks and Recreation

Division. The building is used for meetings, family reunions, and other social gatherings.

Faith, Love, and Hope Youth Corporation is a non-profit that sponsors various youth

educational and recreational programs at their facility including after school and summer

programs.

The Texarkana Arkansas Baseball Association provides the leadership for the spring and

summer baseball program and is the primary user of Ed Worrell Park. This program

provides a recreational baseball league for ages 16 and under as well as tournaments on

weekends. This program enhances tourism for the City by hosting state and national

tournaments.

The Texarkana Youth Softball Association provides the leadership for a girls’ softball

program that uses Hobo Jungle. This program has a recreational league and also hosts

competitive tournaments.

Various adult leagues also work with the City and use Hobo Jungle for league and

tournament play.

The Texarkana Soccer Association operates the soccer program for youth and adults.

While the program is made up of citizens from both sides of the City, all games are

played at Grady Wallace Park on the Texas side.

Handicap Accessible Facilities

All new construction and park improvements are handicap accessible and in compliance.

Many of the older facilities do not meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA) but those areas have been identified and will be upgraded in the future. An

evaluation of the status of ADA compliance is in the analysis of the current facilities.

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Meeting the Needs of Minorities, Middle Age, Teens, School and Pre-School

Children and the Elderly

The City has an adequate number of outdoor facilities in most areas to meet the needs of

all citizens including minorities and the elderly when participating in passive recreational

activities. The City facilities also provide adequately for outdoor competitive sports

programs for teens, school age and pre-school children. There is a need for more open

space for team sports practices. All citizens who are fitness oriented have access to the

City’s trail system which will be enhanced with planned future improvements. There are

many playgrounds available for school age and preschool children, but they could be

enhanced with equipment upgrades and water features such as splash pads. There are

senior citizens programs in place that meets some of the needs of senior citizens but they

should be expanded to reach more seniors.

Recreation Problems and Issues in the Community

The greatest recreation problem and issue in the community is meeting the needs of all

citizens on a limited budget and growing demand. This, along with a lack of

centralization of programming creates a situation where citizens do not pull together for a

common goal. This lack of centralization is compounded by the fact of having two cities

and four independent school districts resulting in a duplication of many services.

The lack of unavailable funding by the City results in a shortage of staff in Parks and

Recreation. The City has been without a Parks and Recreation Director since 1992.

Meanwhile Parks and Recreation has operated as a division of Public Works. Without

dedicated staff it was impossible to have a comprehensive, efficient, and effective

program. The City has taken steps to improve the situation with the hiring of a Park

Superintendent in April of 2009 but more staffing will be needed in the future if the City

provides a full scale parks and recreation program.

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Analysis The following includes a review of the status of each facility. Analysis was determined

by staff based on physical inspection, research, and information provided by maintenance

personnel and users.

Festivals and Special Events

Front Street Festival Plaza

300 E. Front Street

Ward 2

Acreage: 3.5

Description: Front Street Festival Plaza was developed in 2011. This location is an

annual host to the following events:

Mardi Gras

RailFest

Touch a Truck

OctoberFest

Christmas on Front Street

All of the events listed above are designed to promote tourism in Texarkana.

Access and Parking: There are 118 parking spaces and an additional 1500 spaces in

Downtown Texarkana.

Fencing and Gate: There is a six foot vinyl chain link, with access gate, bordering Front

Street Festival Plaza and Union Pacific rail yard. All fencing is in good condition.

Handicap Accessibility: There is an adequate number of handicap spaces in the

downtown area. There are a few hazards along the streets that would create safety

concerns.

Index of Usage: Well Used

Evaluation: Annual events are growing each year. Many non-profits are using this area

to for fund raisers and promotions. Currently the Parks Superintendent is in charge of

these events. An additional staff member will need to be hired to continue the success on

Front Street Festival Plaza.

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Bobby Ferguson Park

3415 East 50th Street

Ward: 6

Acreage: 28.07

Description of Facilities: Bobby Ferguson Park is a

community park that offers fishing, picnicking,

playgrounds, and a walking trail. It is the site for many

family outings, reunions, and special events and is

adjacent to the Four States Fairgrounds. There is a gazebo in the park that is unique to the

area. The top of the gazebo is an architectural feature that was salvaged from the Cotton

Belt Hospital when it was demolished. In 2011 the City received a state grant that

assisted in the construction of Lake Side Pavilion.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1980 Grant for landscaping, walking/jogging trail, playground equipment, water

fountains, handicapped accessible fishing dock, restroom, 2 pavilions, 2 gazebos,

benches, picnic tables, bridge, lighting, lake and spillway.

1993 Grant for play area with equipment. In 2011 Arkansas Parks and Tourism awarded

the City of Texarkana with an Outdoor Recreational grant to construct the Lake Side

Pavilion.

Access and Parking: There are paved parking lots that will accommodate 30 vehicles.

While there are plans to expand paved parking, the current paved space is inadequate for

a facility of this size. There is parking available that is not paved that will accommodate

approximately 50 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: The Park has a wooden rail fence around sections of the perimeter

that is in poor condition and will need to be replaced in the near future. A polymer chain

link buffer fence was placed by the Arkansas Highway Department in late 2009.

Handicapped Accessibility: There is no access to the picnic table pads throughout the

park. There are a few hazards along the trail that would create safety concerns. Most

areas are accessible. Lake Side Pavilion is ADA compliant.

Index of Usage: Well Used

Evaluation: Bobby Ferguson Park is one of the most used parks in the city. The Lake

Side Pavilion is highly sought after for weddings, reunions and many other functions.

The park offers a variety of activities both active and passive. This is the only park in the

city that has a detailed master plan for the future.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Add parking for the pavilion on the north side of the

lake.

2. Replace existing picnic tables and add grills.

3. Add sand volleyball court.

4. Add a modular play system.

5. Upgrade and modernize ground impact material.

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Bramble Park Location: 1801 Fulton Street

Ward: 1

Acreage: 8.3

Description of Facilities: Bramble Park is a

neighborhood park in the College Hill area. It is

one of the oldest parks in the city. It has a lake

open for public fishing that covers approximately

one acre. It has basketball courts, play equipment,

picnic tables and a lighted baseball/softball field that is for recreational use.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1979 Grant for picnic facilities, play equipment, and a bike rack. 2011 the Outdoor

Recreational Grant Program assisted the city in funding a new ADA compliant play

structure.

Arkansas Game and Fish Community Pond Restoration Program:

2010 matching grant, $24,000 form game and fish and $8,000 from City of Texarkana,

restored Bramble Pond. Special thank you to Arkansas Department of Corrections for

labor assistance.

Access and Parking: The Park is bounded on all four sides by city streets. It has parking

on three sides that will accommodate 56 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: Fencing and the backstop on the baseball/softball field need to be

repaired. The outfield fence is outside the light poles creating a safety hazard that should

be corrected. A four foot tall chain link fence on the north basketball courts has had the

wire removed, leaving the posts with no caps and no barrier to an open concrete lined

drainage ditch. This is a serious safety hazard. There are no perimeter fences around the

park.

Handicapped Accessibility: This is an older facility and accessibility is mostly

nonexistent. There is no accessibility from parking areas. There are many uneven walks

and drop offs which not only affect access, but are also trip hazards. Play structure and

fishing dock are compliant.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: Many of the walkways need to be replaced due to them being uneven,

narrow, and randomly laid out. It has the potential to be an excellent facility and is much

needed in this area of the city.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. This park should be completely redesigned and picnic areas and pathways.

2. A splash pad water feature could be added.

3. Landscaping features, retaining walls, and walkways should be added to stop

erosion and sediment entering the lake.

BRAMBLE PARK

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Broad Street Pocket Park

Location: 106 East Broad Street

Ward: 2

Acreage: 0.11

Description of Facilities: This is a downtown park

that was once the location of a commercial

structure that was demolished, leaving the facade.

It is designed primarily for passive recreation and live entertainment. It has a built in riser

for a stage and picnic tables. It is landscaped with a brick surface and is designed to drain

through a floor drain which gives it an all-weather surface. The park also has wireless

capability.

Red Dirt Master Gardeners Partnership:

In 2013 the local master gardener club adopted this park. Their commitment is to oversee

the upkeep of plants, shrubs and irrigation.

Access and Parking: Parking is available on Broad Street in the front and in a municipal

parking lot in the rear.

Fencing and Gates: The facility has gates at the front and rear to secure the park if

necessary. They appear to be functional and in good condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: Handicapped accessibility is not available from parking in

the front. To make it accessible from the front, a handicap accessible parking spot and

curb cut would have to be installed. The park is accessible from the rear but surfaces at

the entrance and crossing an alley need to be replaced. A handicapped accessible parking

space needs to be added at the rear entrance.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: Park is in very good condition and meets the needs for which it is designed.

Upgrades need to be made for ADA compliance.

Opportunities for Growth or Expansion:

1. The park is in a confined space and while improvements can be made there is

no space available to make additions or expand.

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Ed Worrell Park

Location: 2000 East 35th Street

Ward: 5

Acreage: 115

Description of Facilities: This park is the

site of the local baseball complex which is

the primary usage. It has six lighted

baseball fields that are used for a

recreational league as well as competitive tournaments. The primary user of the complex

is the Texarkana Arkansas Baseball Association who maintains the complex. The

remainder of the park is either undeveloped or is open space used for baseball and soccer

practice. The Nix Creek Trail runs through the park.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1977 Grant for property acquisition.

1983 Grant for soccer fields, baseball fields, entry and parking.

1987 Grant for bridges and soccer fields.

2007 Grant for concession stand

Access and Parking: Paved parking for approximately 250 vehicles with additional

unpaved area that will hold about 80 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: All are in good condition

Handicapped Accessibility: Most areas are accessible.

Index of Usage: Well used

Evaluation: The baseball facility in this park is in very good condition and has had recent

upgrades in preparation for a national tournament. The remainder of the park could be

improved by adding play equipment and picnic sites in underutilized areas.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. A play area, picnic area, and pavilion could be added in the wooded area

along Don Bearden Drive.

2. A fitness area could be added along the Nix Creek Trail in the park.

3. The parking lots need upgrading to insure traffic flow during peak times.

4. Access to park is one way in and out. Needs alternate route.

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Gateway Farmers Market

Location: 800 Jefferson Avenue

Ward: 2

Acreage: 0.5

Description of Facilities: The facility was built

primarily as a farmers market and has a

pavilion designed for vendors to park under to

sell vegetables, produce and crafts. It has a

restroom and storage room with a shelter on the front in addition to the pavilion. This

park is also on Nix Creek Trail.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

None

Access and Parking: There are 30 paved parking spaces and room for approximately 30

more vehicles in an area that is not paved.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: Fully accessible.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: Facilities are in very good condition. It meets the needs of the design and

intended use.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. This park meets needs as currently defined.

2. Currently planning to expand roof of market (2016).

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George Williams Park & Earnest Hill Park

Location: 415 Seibert & 1301 Preston

Ward: 3

Acreage: 1.12

Description of Facilities: George Williams and

Earnest Hill Park are considered together as they

are across the street from each other. Earnest Hill Park is a neighborhood gathering place

and has a pavilion and restrooms. George Williams Park is a small neighborhood

playground with one multi-station play structure and individual play equipment. It has a

small pavilion and picnic tables.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

Received 2014 grant for play structure and ADA parking/accessibility.

Access and Parking: George Williams Park has parking area. Earnest Hill Park has an

area that is not paved with room for approximately 12 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: New parking will allow access on George Williams’s side.

Pavilion on Earnest Hill side has ramp but parking area is uneven and not considered

accessible. Restrooms at Earnest Hill are ADA compliant.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: These small neighborhood parks are in fair condition. Earnest Hill Park has a

new pavilion but the area around it should be landscaped.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Old play equipment should be replaced and fall zones added. (2015 grant will

address)

2. Accessibility issues need to be addressed.(2015 grant will address)

3. Area around Earnest Hill pavilion should be landscaped with designated

parking.

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Hobo Jungle Park

Location: 900 Dudley Street

Ward: 2

Acreage: 43.66

Description of Facilities: Hobo Jungle is one of

the most used and diverse facilities in the city

and is used for both passive and active use. The

softball complex has five fields and is used for

recreational league play as well as tournaments.

It has two tennis courts that are in need of repair and two that were recently renovated.

Two multi-station play structures are in the park along with other play equipment. The

park has a large pavilion and numerous picnic sites. It also has a concession

stand/restroom building and two other restrooms. There is also an asphalt walking trail in

the park.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1975 Grant to develop park and two bridges, 2 ball fields, bleachers,

concession/restroom, walks and paths, 4 tennis courts, landscaping.

1979 Grant to add picnic facilities, road/parking, sprinkler, and bike racks.

1980 Grant to add a road and parking lot, ball field fencing and lighting, bleachers and

soccer goals.

1981 Grant to add fencing, sprinkler system, road, picnic pavilion, trail, creek

stabilization, playground equipment and concrete bleachers.

1998 Grant to add a new softball field and expand field four from 250’ to 275’.

1999 Grant to complete softball field, install lighting from field 4 to field 5, and

rehabilitate 2 tennis courts.

2000 Grant to renovate tennis courts and upgrade lights, and add handicap access.

2005 Grant to replace old playground equipment, add picnic tables, benches, improve

handicap access, and add safety impact material under existing equipment.

2015 Grant to enhance security, improve ADA accessibility and add safety impact

material under existing equipment

Access and Parking: There is paved parking for approximately 350 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: Fencing and gates are in good condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: Most areas are accessible. Grace Field needs to have

handicapped accessibility from the parking lot.

Index of Usage: Well Used

Evaluation: Overall, Hobo Jungle Park is in good condition. It has had recent upgrades.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Lights should be added to Field 5

2. Two tennis courts that are in need of repair

3. Shade ports would enhance the facility.

26

Inghram Park

Location: 2625 Preston

Ward: 3

Acreage: 3.1

Description of Facilities: Inghram Park is a small

neighborhood park. It has a public swimming

pool that was built around 1965. It has a tennis

court and basketball court. It has a multi-station

play structure and other pieces of playground equipment. It has a pavilion and picnic

sites.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1979 Grant for play equipment and bike rack.

1999 Grant to rehabilitate one tennis court.

2000 Grant to upgrade lights on tennis court and add handicap access.

Access and Parking: The park has 25 paved off street parking spots.

Fencing and Gates: Fences and gates are in good condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: The pool and tennis courts are accessible from the parking

areas but the basketball court needs a ramp added. The pool itself is not accessible as it

was constructed well before current standards for swimming pools were in place.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: The park needs upgrades to the play equipment and there are no fall zones.

The pool is obsolete and financially is a liability to the city to operate. The pool has not

been consistently opened for the past 17 years and has been run by a non-profit

organization since 2006. A separate accurate assessment of it would require an audit by

an outside firm to determine costs for improvement or upgrades. The pool is currently not

in operation.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Pool should undergo an extensive structural evaluation.

2. Pool may be converted to a splash pad.

3. Playground equipment should be upgraded and fall zones installed.

4. Property between pool and tennis courts should be acquired.

27

Iron Mountain Park

Location: 1500 Ray Street

Ward: 3

Acreage: 16.61

Description of Facilities: This facility has a

great deal of open space, two full basketball

courts with picnic tables and benches around it. On the east end of the park is a tennis

court that needs renovation and two obsolete swing sets.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1979 Grant to do site work, parking lot, basketball courts, picnic tables, barbecue grills,

trash receptacles, and lighting.

2000 Grant to add picnic tables, benches, upgrade basketball goal and add handicap

access.

Access and Parking: Paved parking for approximately 30 vehicles at the basketball court

and approximately 40 vehicles at the tennis courts.

Fencing and Gates: The only fencing is around the tennis court and needs minor repair.

Handicapped Accessibility: All areas of the park are accessible except the swings.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: The park has great potential for improvement. It is probably underutilized

due to a lack of equipment. Basketball court and area around it is in good condition. The

backstop is not in a good location due to trees. The tennis court should be either

renovated of possibly demolished. Focus for improvements and additions should be

around the basketball court and in the adjacent open area.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Replace swings and add play equipment

2. Add a trail and footbridge across the creek to the north to allow access to

residents who live north of the creek.

3. Develop and maintain open space for practice fields.

28

Jefferson Park

Location: 1100 Jefferson

Ward: 5

Acreage: 12.1

Description of Facilities: Jefferson Park is a

neighborhood park across from the local High

School. It was improved with a new pavilion,

playground equipment and fall zones upgraded

in 2007. Several picnic tables and grills were also added. It has a multi-station play

structure as well as individual play pieces. In 2013 Texarkana won a PetSafe contest to

construct JefFURson Dog Park.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1979 Grant for picnic facilities, play equipment, and a bike rack.

1991 Grant to construct sports and playfields.

2000 Grant to add play equipment and impact material, tables, benches, grills and

improve handicap access.

2005 Grant was to construct a pavilion, improve handicap access, add picnic tables,

benches, new playground equipment, and add safety impact material under existing

equipment.

2011 Grant from Highway Department to construct trail connectors and install trail

lighting.

Access and Parking: Park has off street paved parking with approximately 40 spaces.

Spaces were overlaid in 2011.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: Most ADA issues were addressed with recent upgrades.

Index of Usage: Well used

Evaluation: Recent upgrades have improved this park. There are some drainage problems

that need to be addressed.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. There is an existing concrete border that would be ideal for a multi-station

play structure.

2. Consider adding restrooms

.

29

Kline Park

Location: 416 East 9th Street

Ward: 2

Acreage: 1.0

Description of Facilities: This park dates back

to 1914 when it was purchased by the Ladies

Civic League. It appears that it became city

property in 1926 and was named in honor of

Mayor John P. Kline who was instrumental in

building it. It has a memorial bench and three memorial stones. There is also a bricked

memorial on the west side of the park. This park was bisected several years ago when a

connector street between County to the north and Beech to the south was built.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

None

Access and Parking: No off street parking is available.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: There is accessibility to one of the monuments in the park.

Index of Usage: Minimal

Evaluation: The park is basically a landscaped area at a busy intersection and has little

recreational value due to its size and location.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Install sprinkler system

2. Improve landscaping and add flower beds.

30

Ozan Inghram/Iron Mountain Neighborhood Center Playground

Location: 1101Couch Street

Ward: 3

Acreage: 1

Description of Facilities: This is a small playground

adjacent to the Ozan Inghram/Iron Mountain

Neighborhood Center. Programs are facilitated by

Jameson Center of Kindness.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

2013 Grant for play structure

Access and Parking: There is a paved parking lot that will accommodate 40 cars at the

neighborhood center.

Fencing and Gates: Fences and gates are in good condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: The play area is accessible.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: The property is in good condition.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Benches need to be installed in playground area

31

Peyton Park

Location: 845 East Broad Street

Ward: 2

Acreage: 1.0

Description of Facilities: This is a landscaped area

at the corner of Broad and Grand Streets with no

amenities.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

None

Access and Parking: None

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: None

Index of Usage: Minimal

Evaluation: This area has little recreational value due to its size and location

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Add a landscaping feature for aesthetics.

2. Add abstract art

32

Sandflat/Glendale Playground

Location: 209 East 14th Street

Ward: 2

Acreage: 0.5

Description of Facilities: This is a small playground adjacent to the Sandflat/Glendale

Neighborhood Center.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

None

Access and Parking: There is a paved parking lot that will accommodate 20 cars at the

neighborhood center.

Fencing and Gates: Fences and gates are in good condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: The play area is not accessible.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: The basketball court is in good condition but the play equipment is obsolete

and in some instances unsafe. Play equipment does not have fall zones.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Playground equipment should be replaced.

2. Benches need to be installed in playground area.

3. Playground should be expanded if the opportunity arises for property

acquisition.

33

Senator Street Park

Location: 2700 Senator

Ward: 4

Acreage: 2.07 acres

Description of Facilities: The Senator Street Park is

a small neighborhood playground with limited

equipment.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant

History:

None

Access and Parking: Paved parking area has space for five vehicles. Other parking is

available.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: None

Index of Usage: Minimal

Evaluation: Park has very little to offer as far as recreational value in current setting. Play

equipment is outdated and needs replacement. There are no fall zones under play

equipment.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Upgrade of all play equipment.

2. Install a picnic area.

3. Install a concrete surface for a half basketball court.

4. Install pathways to address accessibility.

.

34

Vera Bradfield Park

Location: 616 Euclid Street

Ward: 1

Acreage: 4.3

Description of Facilities: Vera Bradfield Park is

a neighborhood park. It has a small community

center along with a pavilion, walking trail, a

multi-station play structure and several individual pieces of equipment.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Grant History:

1979 Grant for play equipment, road/parking, and bike rack.

2013 Grant to replace obsolete and install new paly structure.

Access and Parking: The park has off street paved parking that will accommodate 40

vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: The areas around the community center and trail appear to be

accessible. There are no accessible pathways to play equipment.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: This Park is in a good location and meets the needs of the neighborhood.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Picnic areas should be upgraded.

2. Beautification should be added around building.

35

Nix Creek Trail and City Wide Trail

System

Location: Along Nix Creek from Arkansas

Boulevard to East Broad Street

Ward: Starts in Ward 5 and ends in Ward 2

Length: 2.5 Miles

Description of Facilities: The trail is a 10’

wide asphalt trail that runs along Nix Creek.

The trail starts again south out rail road tracks

at George Williams Park a flows south to Texarkana Recreational Center for half a mile.

Access and Parking: The entrance on the north end of the trail has a parking lot with 14

spaces. There are other access points along the trail such as at Ed Worrell Park and

Jefferson Park and Gateway Farmers Market.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: Trail is accessible at the start point and various other points

along the way. Accessibility to the trail needs to be improved at Jefferson Park.

Index of Usage: Well Used

Evaluation: The trail is in good condition but has limited amenities. Plans are in place to

connect I-30 with Texarkana Recreational Center and points beyond.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Fitness stations could be added along the route.

36

College Hill Neighborhood Center (different than playground)

Location: 1002 Ferguson

Ward: 1

Description of Facilities: Center was originally the Battle Home and renovated into a

neighborhood center in 1970. It has offices upstairs. It has a meeting room and warming

kitchen downstairs.

Access and Parking: Off street paved parking for 14 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: Building is accessible from the parking lot. Handicapped

parking has appropriate marking. Downstairs is accessible and has an accessible

restroom. Upstairs is not accessible.

Index of Usage: Regular

Evaluation: Center was recently renovated and is in good condition. Plumbing and

electrical appear to be in good condition.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Landscape and beautification

37

Ozan Inghram/Iron Mountain Neighborhood Center (different than playground)

Location: 1101 Couch Street

Ward: 3

Description of Facilities: This center has office space, meeting rooms, warming kitchen, a

computer lab and library. A senior citizen annex is adjacent to the main building.

Programs are facilitated by Jameson Center of Kindness.

Access and Parking: Off street paved parking for 40 cars.

Fencing and Gates: good condition

Handicapped Accessibility: Building is accessible from the parking lot. A restroom has

been added that is ADA compliant. Senior citizen annex is accessible but improvements

could be made. Upstairs is not accessible.

Index of Usage: Well used

Evaluation: Facility was recently renovated inside and out. Parking lot was recently

striped. The facility appears to be in fair condition.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. The non-profit organization has been established

2. An increase of volunteers will increase youth participation

38

Sandflat/Glendale Neighborhood Center (different than playground)

Location: 209 East 14th Street

Ward: 2

Description of Facilities: The Center has a meeting room, offices, warming kitchen and

small library with computer lab. It has a small playground adjacent to the building.

Access and Parking: Off street paved parking for 17 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: Steel fence in fair condition.

Handicapped Accessibility: The building is accessible from the parking lot. Inside the

building, restrooms are accessible.

Index of Usage: moderate

Evaluation: The building was renovated in 2013. The roof was replaced in 2012. The

Center had an active senior program that offered lunch daily and an after school program.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Facility needs an expanded full time non-profit program operator to manage

volunteers and provide more effective and efficient programs.

39

Vera Bradfield Neighborhood Center (different than playground)

Location: 616 Euclid Street

Ward: 1

Description of Facilities: The structure is a metal building with wood paneling inside. It

is one large meeting room with a food warming area, restrooms and storage.

Access and Parking: Off street paved parking for 40 vehicles.

Fencing and Gates: None

Handicapped Accessibility: The building is accessible from the parking lot. Restrooms

and interior of the building is also accessible.

Index of Usage: Minimal

Evaluation: Building is in good condition. It is a basic facility that is functional.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion:

1. Area around building needs landscaping to divert water from walkways.

40

City Wide Overall Analysis

Facilities and Programs

From a system based approach, the city appears to have enough outdoor recreation

facilities with the exception of north of Interstate 30. Based on this general assessment

and considering current staffing and budget, focus should be on improving existing

facilities in addition to adding new parks.

Bobby Ferguson Park is the only park that has an independent conceptual plan for the

facility. All parks should have a facility plan that would be part of the city’s master

facilities plan. This, when included with the Five Year Recreational Plan will give staff a

process to identify needed improvements and prioritize them.

Many of the deficiencies at the parks are due to a shortage of manpower. Safety

inspections need to be conducted routinely with immediate corrections made where

hazards are identified. It is recommended that at least one employee become Certified as

a Playground Safety Inspector.

There appears to have been a conscious effort made to address ADA accessibility issues,

but some are lacking. All new construction meets ADA standards.

There are numerous areas where erosion and a lack of landscaping is an issue. There are

many walkways with drop offs due to erosion. Specific areas should be identified and

improved as soon as possible.

The need for a large recreation center that could provide services for the entire city is

apparent. If this were to be accomplished, the neighborhood centers could focus on

specific goals and provide community outreach. The majority of the neighborhood

community centers appear to be effective in providing programming. This is due to recent

partnerships. The organizations running the centers are doing as well as can be expected

for a volunteer organization. They have minimal funding to provide for staff and insure a

consistent and effective program.

41

Staffing and Maintenance

The City took a major step when the Board of Directors hired a Park Superintendent in

April of 2009. Previously, the maintenance section was supervised by the Street

Superintendent and with a Park Superintendent in place the department has been

reorganized. The maintenance section currently consists of three city employees and two

work release employees. Parks and Recreation is assisted by the Street Division when

needed. In the last two decades the maintenance section has experienced a reduction in

staff. The current staff is experiencing daily maintenance challenges, especially in peak

seasons. This was reflected in many of the comments on past surveys. Increasing the

number of employees should rank as high priority before considering additional facilities.

An overall maintenance plan has been established for the staff to be as efficient and

effective as possible. There also needs to be a Certified Playground Safety Inspector on

staff.

In 2012 Parks and Recreation was assigned the duties of Front Street Festival Plaza.

These additional duties include but not limited to; planning, executing events, staging,

and clean up.

42

Needs Assessment

Outdoor Needs

New park needs were determined using an evaluation systems based on overlaying the

service areas of current facilities on the city map and considering population density.

The City was deeded the old Boys and Girls Club in November 2011. Some renovations

have been completed. This facility could assist in meeting the needs of our youth and

senior adults.

The area of the city identified as currently or in the near term needing a new park facility

is north of Interstate 30. This is appears to be the fastest growing residential area of the

city. While Bobby Ferguson Park serves much of the need for the northern part of the

city, I-30 becomes a natural barrier. Specifically, land should be set aside for

neighborhood parks as subdivisions are added in this area.

Another opportunity for the city would be to add a skate park. There is only one skate

park in Texarkana and it is an indoor private facility.

Sports Complex Needs

Game Fields-

The number of game fields for baseball and softball appear to be adequate for the number

of participants. At peak times there appears to be overcrowding. Ed Worrell Parks’

parking and access needs to be expanded.

There are no game fields for youth football except on school property and there appears

to be a demand for them. If game fields are added, they should be designed as a

multipurpose facility so they could be used in the spring for soccer practices.

There are no game fields for soccer but there is little demand due to a large facility

provided by the Texas side of the city.

Practice Fields-

There is a demand for open space for practice facilities for all sports. As the city grows

residentially and commercially, existing properties now being used will not be available.

Open space should be designed for multipurpose use.

43

Additions and Improvements Needed at Current Park Facilities

Recommended additions and improvements are based on staff assessment and past public

input from meetings and surveys.

Bobby Ferguson Park

Continue improvements as per facilities plan.

New playground equipment is needed.

Handicapped access needs to be improved.

Additional paved parking is needed and is currently planned.

Bramble Park

Landscaping should include walkways and retaining walls to stop erosion and

sediment runoff into the lake.

Ed Worrell Park

Play equipment, picnic tables, a pavilion and fitness stations should be added

along the Nix Creek Trail.

Gateway Plaza Park

None at this time.

George William and Earnest Hill Park

Handicapped access needs to be improved.

Hobo Jungle Park

Field 5 needs lights

Two tennis courts that need renovation might be better utilized as basketball

courts.

Shade ports would enhance the facility.

Inghram Park

Complete renovation of pool or replace pool with splash pad

Upgrade play equipment and picnic areas.

Handicapped access needs to be improved

Iron Mountain Park

Add play equipment in vicinity of basketball court.

This park currently does not use space efficiently. A park plan needs to be

completed and followed.

Jefferson Park

Minor drainage problems need to be addressed.

Add play equipment in the existing concrete border.

44

Nix Creek Trail

Fitness stations should be added along trail

Funds should be allocated for periodical maintenance

Kline Park

Landscaping could be improved

Peyton Park

Add a landscape and/or abstract art feature

Broad Street Park

Improve surfacing at rear entrance

Sandflat/Glendale Park

Upgrade play equipment

Expand the playground if the opportunity arises to acquire additional property

Senator Street Park

Replace existing equipment and add new

Pour a concrete pad for at least a half basketball court

Designate parking areas

Handicapped access needs to be improved

Vera Bradfield Park

Improve drainage around building

Handicapped access needs to be improved

Indoor Needs

The city should consider building a central recreation center. Existing neighborhood

centers should then be individually assessed and focus on neighborhood programs that

are effective or be used as satellites of the primary center. This would be an expensive

undertaking but possibly could be accomplished through partnerships with schools and

non-profits.

Future consideration should also be given to a senior citizens center. The senior

population is growing and there is a need to consolidate recreational services and include

supportive services.

Local Recreation Trends of Citizens

The following trends have been identified with local citizens:

With changes in transportation, neighborhoods are less defined. People are willing to

leave their neighborhood and the city for recreational outlets. While this is true, many

citizens have expressed a desire to have more facilities locally so they do not have to

45

travel out of town for activities such as amusement parks. Even when this is considered,

neighborhood parks are an asset to the community and are well used when they are

modern and well maintained.

Youth sports are still popular but it appears that youth are specializing at an earlier age

and play one sport year round. Competitive tournaments have a major impact on tourism

in communities that have the facilities to host them.

There is more of a proactive interest in citizens toward health conscious, cardiovascular

activities such as walking, running, and bicycling than in the past.

There is more of a demand than in the past by active seniors for recreational outlets.

46

Plan

Formulation of the Plan

The following steps were taken to formulate this plan:

Inventory and evaluation of existing city parks and recreation areas.

Determine open space deficiencies in the city on the basis of accepted national and

state standards for parks and recreation facilities.

Review of the City of Texarkana, Arkansas strategic plan to insure the park plan was

in compliance.

Establish needs as perceived by staff based the standards based approach, the demand

based approach, and the resource based approach.

First, an evaluation system was used to identify facility needs. By using a system based

approach, we can identify basic needs of a comprehensive and interrelated system of

parks, recreation, open spaces and pathways in our community.

After the need for new facilities was established in the system based approach, a

combination of the three approaches listed below was used to verify what was identified

in the system based approach. If demand or resources negated the needs identified by the

systems based approach, plans were modified or eliminated. The three approaches are as

follows:

1. The demand-based approach relies on information gathered from participation

rates, surveys, and other information that indicates how much of the population

wants certain types of facilities.

2. The standard-based approach uses established standards to determine facilities

and park areas needed to meet the needs of a given population size. The standards

may be based on demand studies, the professional judgment of park and

recreation planners and designers, etc.

3. The resource-based approach examines the assets and resources of the area for

open space, parks and recreation facilities, and defines how these resources can be

utilized. For example- the availability of a lake or river within an area is a

resource which can be utilized in developing a parks system.

The plan should be flexible and adjusted to the needs and wants of our citizens as

identified in meetings, surveys, and citizen inquiries. All data is then assessed to

establish a framework for the plan.

Area and Facility Concepts and Standards

47

Previous Planning and Effects

As per the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, which is a

publication of the National Recreation and Park Association, needs will vary from

community to community. While a generic plan can be made as a national model, local

standards and concepts must be established to meet the needs of a particular entity. In the

development of this plan, we must first assess the current system, how it has evolved, and

how current resources affect future planning.

The City of Texarkana, Arkansas has had a parks system for many years. The early

records show the property where Kline Park is located being purchased in 1914 by the

Ladies Civic League. This property was later dedicated in honor of former Mayor John P.

Kline and a monument was placed in 1932 in his memory. Another early park that was a

focal point of the city was Bramble Park which was purchased in 1924. Many of the

existing neighborhood parks were established during the time Texarkana was in the

Model Cities Program in the 1960’s and many improvements were made using Outdoor

Recreation Grants beginning in 1975. The call for a softball complex was raised by

constituents and Hobo Jungle was developed to meet the need in 1975. For many years,

organized baseball league play was on fields that were on school property. In an effort to

consolidate at one location, the baseball complex was built at North Texarkana Park

which is now Ed Worrell Park. This project was started in 1978 and the first fields were

completed in 1985.

For several years the City had a Parks Department with a Director. The Director position

was eliminated about 1992 and maintenance and supervision of parks has been under the

direction of the Public Works Director. The primary reason for the elimination of the

position was due to financial issues and budget cuts. One impact of not having a Parks

Department is a lack of focus on planning. In 2009 the city hired a parks superintendent.

Improvements have been made with the help of Outdoor Recreation Grants Program,

Highway Department, Safe Routes to School program, Blue and You Grant and Arkansas

Game and Fish Restoration Program. There are site plans for each park but they should

be consolidated into one document with future planned improvements in place for long

term development.

Planning locations of parks appears to have been well thought out in past years. When

considered in conjunction with open school playgrounds, park service areas overlap or

border in most cases. The only area of the city that appears to be lacking is north of

Interstate 30 which is the area with the most growth in recent years. The City does not

have a park dedication ordinance to establish parks in new residential areas. This makes it

difficult to acquire property in these areas of growth, primarily due to high property costs.

48

Park and Open Space Classifications

The following descriptions are based on classifications and standards form Park,

Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines as adopted for the City of Texarkana.

Mini-Parks (also referred to as vest-pocket parks) are small areas typically used to

address limited, isolated or unique recreational needs. Mini-Parks may be in a

residential, downtown, or commercial setting. Mini-parks are currently used in

Texarkana for a variety of situations. One (Broad Street Park) is in a downtown

setting and another (Kline Park) is an older dedicated park that has been cut into

by a connector street. Gateway Farmers Market Park is a specialty park that

serves as a site for a Farmers Market. In the future, mini-parks should be used in

neighborhoods that have no facility and land is not available for neighborhood

parks. In residential areas, mini-parks may serve an area up to one half mile that is

not restricted by barriers such as non-residential streets.

Neighborhood Parks should be the basic unit of the park system and serve the

recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. Focus is on informal active and

passive recreation. Five to ten acres is the optimal size for these parks.

Neighborhood parks should be located within walking or biking distance in a

neighborhood and uninterrupted by non-residential streets and other barriers. The

location of community parks help offset this problem, but barriers such as non-

residential roads still limit access except by automobile. Neighborhood parks

serve and area up to one half mile that is not restricted by barriers.

Community Parks serve a broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on

meeting community-based recreation needs as well a preserving unique

landscapes and open spaces. They may be used for passive or active recreation.

These parks are locations for sports complexes or venues that are used for

community wide activities.

Pathway Classifications

Park Trails are multipurpose trails located within greenways, parks, and natural

resource areas. The focus on recreational value and harmony with the natural

environment. The Nix Creek Trail would fall into this category.

Connector Trails are multipurpose trails that emphasize safe travel for pedestrian

to and from parks and around the community. Focus is as much on transportation

as it is on recreation. An example would be the Safe Routes to Schools walkways

in the area of Trice Elementary.

On street bikeways are paved segments of roadway used to separate bicycle and

vehicular traffic. This primarily would be paved shoulders in the future system as

we currently have no bikeways.

49

Public Involvement

Public meetings and surveys should be used to help formulate the plan. The public

meetings include outreach into the community early in the process to involve minorities,

seniors, and people with disabilities. Surveys should distributed through the Texarkana

Arkansas School District. Information obtained should be distributed to staff and the

Board of Directors before the finalization of the plan.

Priorities

The plan is broken down into to two areas, facilities and programming. Under facilities, it

is determined what improvements or additions were seen as most important to citizens,

staff, and elected officials. These improvements are then prioritized based on need as

established by staff when considering public input. Final approval of the plan rests with

the Board of Directors. Programming priorities are established by the same method.

Projects should be completed as funds are available. Priorities are listed as part of the

Five-Year Plan while areas identified as long term goals would fall outside the five year

goal. Priorities may change to take advantage of categorical funding.

Long Term Goals-

1. Add a neighborhood park north of Interstate 30. This could be moved up in priority if

an opportunity to acquire open space arises.

2. Build a large recreation center that serves the whole community’s indoor recreational

needs. This would be a long term goal that will require funding and community

partnerships.

Programming:

Priority- Continue and improve existing partnerships with local non-profits and schools

to offer recreation programs. Recreation Superintendent should become liaison to

enhance these partnerships and improve programming.

Long Term Goal- As funds become available; staff a recreation department with a goal of

providing programs for youth and adults. This could be accomplished more efficiently if

a recreational facility can be built. Partnership should continue with organizations who

currently provide recreational programs but a recreation department could help improve

the programs and add new ones.

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Property Acquisition

There are currently no plans for land acquisition but priority should be given to areas

north of Interstate 30 for future development of a neighborhood park.

Plan Implementation

The plan will be used as a guide to prioritize future improvements and development. The

first task is to start with the highest priority items, and then develop a specific plan for

each improvement of each facility. This plan will include all details of the project and

include cost estimates and proposed funding. While funding may not be available for all

tasks that are prioritized, the project details for each improvement should be in place and

ready to move forward as funds are secured.

Staff will use a community survey and public meetings to develop this plan, more public

meetings should be held especially when designing improvements to neighborhood

facilities. Conceptual drawings should be presented to neighborhood groups to insure the

citizens in the area agree with plans presented and intended use. This not only broadens

ideas, but also gives citizens a sense of ownership in the projects.

Evaluation

The Five Year Recreation Plan provides the City of Texarkana, Arkansas with an outline

to address and meet the needs of the parks and recreation program in the city. If used

properly, it will be used to as a tool to help with the budget process, long term and short

term planning, and transition tool when there are changes in the city’s leadership. The

plan covers the time period of 2010 to 2015 but should be updated periodically as

improvements or changes are made to current facilities or when there is a substantial

change in demographics. Any proposed change to the plan should be reviewed by staff

and confirmed by the Board of Directors.