Van Buren seeking input for master parks plan

The City of Van Buren is making plans for the city parks and getting the community involved in doing so. MAHG Architecture of Fort Smith is leading the planning process that will create a parks master plan for the city, said Van Buren Mayor Joe Hurst.

“We expect this plan to guide us for the next 10 years,” he said.

The city has a survey they are asking citizens to complete, so they know what amenities people living there and using the parks want most.

The parks survey asks what people want to see in the parks and offer suggestions including a swimming pool, trails, dog park, pickleball courts, soccer or football fields and much more. The survey has been distributed in water bills, sent to schools and is available on the city’s website.

The city’s first park’s master plan was completed in 2015, Hurst said.

“The city has completed multiple parks from the first plan, including trails at Colley Park, Freedom Park downtown, Van Zandt pickleball courts, a skatepark in city park and new playground equipment at Mayor Bell park,” Hurst said.

The city has already had several public input meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan 23.

“The responses have been great so far,” Hurst said, regarding feedback from the community. “A community center and indoor pool have been very popular, as have new trails.”

Administration is hoping to complete the plan by the end of February, Hurst said.

Parks and recreational amenities improve the quality of life for residents while attracting new residents and tourists, according to an email from the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce encouraging residents and business owners to complete the survey.

“These amenities also help employers recruit and build a talented workforce,” the email noted. “Your voice matters and together, we can create a plan that reflects the values and desires of our community.”