The city of Blytheville will not apply for a 50/50 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism's Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, after the proposal died in committee, Tuesday night.
Following a discussion in the Finance and Purchasing Committee, Councilman John Musgraves motioned to send the grant request to the City Council, but neither of the other two members -- Councilman Tommy Abbott or Councilman Kevin Snow -- seconded in the motion.
One of the big concerns was much of the $300,000 would be spent at one location -- Williams Park.
The projects and their estimated costs included updating playground equipment at Williams Park ($200,000); resurfacing three basketball courts at Williams Park ($17,500); adding parking for the Williams Park Pavilion 1 ($9,800); resurfacing the parking area for the Williams Park Pavilion 2 ($3,900); and resurfacing the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex parking lot ($37,000).
Snow said the original plan was for projects in several different parks and recreation departments.
Some of the suggestions were overlaying the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex parking lot; putting in a sprinkler system at the Sportsplex soccer fields; replacing outdated playground equipment at Williams and Cypress parks; adding a storage building at the Sportsplex; and building a concession stand and restroom facilities at the Missco Junior Football League field.
Parks and Recreation director Elroy Brown pointed out that the state agency offering the grant is the one that suggested Williams Park be the priority.
Meanwhile, also Tuesday night, the Finance Committee approved a $3,100 request to install a second fountain at the Walker Park pond. The city has already purchased the pump and cables for the project, at a cost of $4,800.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com