Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Emmet Gets $20,000

The city of Emmet is getting a new city recreation park, according to a news release from Anita Allen, city recorder-treasurer.

The park will be located in front of the old bowling alley and Chuck Wagon on property that was donated by Arkla to the city. A grant of $20,000 has been given the city from the State Grant Fund by Gov. Jim Guy Tucker.

Even though the grant is not a matching grant, an effort is already underway to raise funds to develop the park. The Eagle's Nest and Citgo are donating a penny per gallon of gasoline sold during April toward the development.

"The city of Emmet also urges more input as to what you, the public, wish to see in your park," Allen said. For starters there will be a pavilion with a grill, swings, spring animals, climber, hurricane slide and benches. There will be a handicapped accessible pathway and parking area.

After the park's completion the former Chuck Wagon will be rented by the city for family reunions and other events. Now there will be a play area close by for the children to enjoy during these events, according to Allen.

In addition to Allen, Mayor Ottis P. Otwell and Emmet City Council members Jack Faulkner, Wayne Baker, Bobby McBride and Renee Sells made the announcement jointly. "After a long and trying period of paperwork and prayers, we can start the groundbreaking shortly," Allen said.

The city expressed its gratitude to Gov. Tucker for the grant, as well as to State Sen. Mike Ross for his help, and to Mrs. Kathy Lee of Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District and to Brent Haltom. Sen. Ross wrote Tucker in September on behalf of the city.

In January, Allen made the presentation to Gov. Tucker. She was accompanied by Alissa Adamson and Casey Purtle, two seniors at Emmet High School.

During the presentation the two seniors scrolled through artwork of how the park should look. The artwork was done by fourth grade students in Mrs. Dora Mae Fee's class. "The presentation was an experience for all," Allen said. She thanked Adamson and Purtle and the fourth graders for their involvement.

Donations may be made to the park's development, Allen said. Donations can be sent to City of Emmet Park Project, Box 245, Emmet, AR 71835.