State Park Set For April Opening
by February 25, 2008 12:00 am 64 views
Lake Fort Smith State Park is slated to reopen in April, if all goes well, said park superintendent Ron Gossage. The park was closed in 2002 and relocated to a spot on the west side of the lake because it was enlarged to 1,400 acres.
The new $22 million park includes an 8,000-SF building with a classroom that can seat up to 75 and 2,000 SF of exhibit space, which will feature interactive displays with reproductions of a pioneer wagon and a small replica log cabin.
The new park also includes swimming and wading pools, 30 class AAA campsites with electric, water and sewer access and 10 class B campsites, with just water and electric.
A lodge for overnight stays can sleep up to 32 people, and a day-use area and small marina with kayaks, canoes and paddleboats round out the offerings.
Several trails are also in the works, ranging from short walks to a 5-mile hike. The park is also the western terminus of the 180-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.