Fort Smith, Sebastian County officials to review water park plans
by January 25, 2010 6:08 pm 63 views
The Fort Smith Board of Directors and the Sebastian County Quorum Court will review Tuesday (Jan. 26) two concepts — with the larger proposal having a $7.5 million price tag — for a proposed aquatics facility at Ben Geren Regional Park.
Fort Smith and Sebastian County officials — Ben Geren is a Sebastian County property — began serious discussions in early 2009 about how best the two governments could maximize the park’s potential. The two entities met in March, but little progress was made after that. In August, Fort Smith Director Kevin Settle requested that City Administrator Dennis Kelly more aggressively pursue a possible “50/50” partnership with Sebastian County regarding ownership of Ben Geren Park.
During a Sept. 29 joint meeting, the Sebastian County Quorum Court and the Fort Smith Board of Directors expressed clear consensus on moving forward on a plan that could see Ben Geren Park transformed into a place meeting recreational needs of the metro area and providing facilities capable of hosting national sports tournaments. One of those steps would require annexation of the park by the city and/or a interlocal government agreement.
City board members will review the proposals during a Tuesday (Jan. 26) noon study session, and quorum court members will review the proposals Tuesday night.
The first concept could cost about $4.75 million, with a projected operating budget of $540,463 and projected revenue of $415,250, leaving an expected annual operating loss of $125,213. This proposal will serve 815, and is based on the county being solely responsible for construction and operation.
A second concept could cost about $7.5 million, with a projected operating budget of $822,772 and projected revenue of $709,300, leaving an expected annual operating loss of $113,472. This proposal will serve 1,500, and is based on the county and city partnering on construction and operation.
The 66-page study from Ballard King & Associates and Larkin Aquatics suggests an aquatics park at Ben Geren would serve a population of 271,000 within a 30-mile radius — which would include the municipal water park in Alma.
“Considering the population of 136,000 within the primary service area and an estimated additional 135,000 in the secondary service area, there are relatively few outdoor aquatic facilities to serve the citizens of the area,” the report noted.
The report is detailed, and includes information about area household income, extrapolation of local recreation activities based on national statistics, expected “swimming days” per year, a survey of other area aquatic facilities and a line-item breakdown on potential operational costs. (Use this link to see the PDF agenda of the Fort Smith study session that includes the report.)
“The next step will be for the city and county to agree on a conceptual plan for the center,” Ray Gosack, deputy city administrator, noted in a memo. “If the city and county decide to jointly pursue this project, we’ll work with county officials to prepare an agreement.”