West Memphis bond issue passes

Funds will support multimillion-dollar park improvements

news@theeveningtimes.com

The turnout numbers were small, but the impact on the community will be big.

Last night, West Memphis voters approved a measure authorizing a bond to help finance upgrades to parks and provide finishing touches for the new city library currently under construction. The referendum passed with 202 for and 42 against the proposal, a single- digit turnout for what was the final election in a community that saw four elections in what would normally be classified as an “off” election year.

Councilman Wayne Croom expressed concern about the lack of voters at the polls.

“Personally, I’m very disappointed with the low voter turnout today,” said Croom. “Approximately 250 voters cast ballots, which decided the additional revenue from Southland Casino be redirected into a capital campaign fund. Only 250 out of a possible 10,000 — let that sink in a minute.”

Plans for Tilden Rodgers Park include new artificial turned ball fields, a splash pad, playground equipment a bridge over Gammon Lake, two dog parks, extended walking trails and more parking and new rest rooms. Improvements in the city’s neighborhood parks will be funded under the bond as well. An expansion for Hightower Park north to Broadway will see major facility upgrades, including a pavilion, new rest rooms, picnic areas and playground equipment.

Both Worthington and Franklin Parks were slated to get splash pads. The two parks host youth clubs and the water fun is expected to add to summertime enjoyment for youth enrolled in summer activities at the clubs.

Mayor Marco McClendon, nearing the end of his first year in office, was very pleased that city residents passed the bond.

“We won, West Memphis,” said McClendon.

“Our parks will finally get this much needed work all over the city. What a first year. I love West Memphis.”

Also approved as part of the bond vote was $1.9

complete the city’s new library coming out of the ground on the 500 block of East Broadway. Planners originally intended to construct the new facility with library tax receipts on hand, but big plans pushed the total expenses upward requiring more funding to complete the library construction. The new library will feature public Internet access, a meeting area, a copy center and a coffee bar.