Extensive work at Carol Ann Cross Park near completion

by Tina Alvey Dale ([email protected]) 515 views 

Carol Ann Cross Park Arkansas River overlook

A resolution on the agenda for the Fort Smith Board of Directors regular meeting for Tuesday (Jan. 21) could mark as complete the construction of the at least $3.344 million greenway and boardwalk project at Carol Ann Cross Park.

The resolution, included in the consent agenda, is to authorize a change order with Crawford Construction Company for construction of the project. This change order increases the contract by $27,573.04, which brings the total contract amount to $1.207 million, according to the city.

This project consisted of the construction of an approximate 0.45-mile concrete walking path and 0.15-mile boardwalk with an overlook area of the Arkansas River in the northeast corner of Carol Ann Cross Park. The width of both the walking path and boardwalk is eight feet, and both are ADA compliant, said Sara Deuster, director of parks and recreation.

“To both increase the lifespan of the boardwalk and minimize ongoing maintenance, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic timbers were used in lieu of traditional treated wood,” Deuster said. “The completion of this project creates a 1.2 mile walking path within Carol Ann Cross Park.”

Improvements to Carol Ann Cross Park are being made in phases. Phase I was completed in 2023. These improvements consisted of the parking areas and roadway, demolition, and replacement of two restrooms. Also included in Phase I was the installation of two aerators to reduce algae and for geese control, replacement of the deteriorated pedestrian bridge, and construction of an additional fishing pier on the west side of the lake, Deuster said.

The total cost for Phase I was $1.269 million, which was fully funded by the city’s 0.125% sales and use tax approved by voters to be used exclusively for parks capital projects. In addition to the sales tax, the private sector contributed approximately $100,000 toward the $1.207 million greenway and boardwalk project, Deuster said.

“This contribution includes funding for the initial design of the greenway and boardwalk and raising an additional $81,130 in private funding,” she said.

But wait, there is more.

The Board of Directors approved the purchase and installation of an inclusive playground at Carol Ann Cross for $868,425.38. In addition to funding from the parks sales tax, $190,000 from the Carol Ann Cross Park cell tower revenue will fund the project, Deuster said.

To help reduce the cost to the City, parks maintenance staff are performing the demolition and site preparation for that new playground, she said. The playground equipment and other materials will arrive in February. The contractor will then begin installation of the play equipment, sidewalks, and perimeter fencing. This project is expected to be complete by late spring/early summer, she said.

“This is the culminating project to complete the rehabilitation of Carol Ann Cross Park. The existing play equipment is over three decades old, and replacement pieces compatible with the structures are difficult to find. This has resulted in the removal of play components when they become damaged or broken,” Deuster said.

The park has been left with multiple areas that are absent of amenities due to compatible replacements no longer being manufactured. The inclusive playground will help remedy that, she said.

The completed project will feature designated play areas for multiple age groups (for 2 to 5-year-olds and children 5-12) and a multi-swing bay. The Forma product line was selected for this project to complement the natural scenery of the park, Deuster said.

“This inclusive playground offers unique play amenities that emphasize climbing, balancing, problem solving, sensory experiences, fine motor skills and collaborative play,” she said.

Artificial turf surfacing in lieu of wood fiber mulch will be used for the play space.

“What I think is most important about these improvements is that they provide diverse active and passive recreation opportunities for citizens. For Fort Smith, I think the boardwalk offers the most unique feature of this park,” Deuster said.

While the city did have to clear brush and few trees to complete the project, Deuster said, the boardwalk and greenway places users in the center of nature that is easily accessed by all citizens.

“Prior to this addition, we did not really incorporate the natural landscaping into park amenities,” she said. “Recognizing citizens may want to spend time at the overlook area, we are currently working with a local Eagle Scout to install benches at this location.”