Land O? Lake Keith

Recent passers by Lake Keith in Cave Springs may have seen a “noticeable difference” in its appearance. That’s because since last Feb. 21, clean-up crews have been working on the lake. Crews are removing dead trees and other debris.

Thekla Wallace, the city’s mayor, approved the clean-up on Jan. 26 but she wouldn’t “confirm nor deny” the involvement of developer Collins Haynes in a project there. Apparently, Haynes is purchasing several parcels totaling about 30 acres in and around Lake Keith. The lake itself is about 17 acres.

We’ve heard Haynes might develop the area into a high-end residential subdivision, but there are also whispers about a 40,000-SF office building. Haynes wouldn’t disclose his plans in late January, but he didn’t deny involvement in something going on in Cave Springs.

Haynes has several developments in the works from Rogers to Fayetteville.

Lake Keith was originally owned by E.L. Keith, the owner of trout farm operations in Bella Vista. In it’s heyday, the property was a tourist attraction, home to the “Coon on a Log” competition, a skating rink and pool house. It was then sold to Patricia Collier, who, presumably, now is the former owner.

In recent years, it’s just been plain green.