Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon Clears First Phase In Park Grant

Gurdon has passed the first stage in its grant applications to improve the city's park.

According to city recorder/treasurer Tambra Smith, who, with Mary Burns, is spearheading the effort, the application was turned in on time, though it was close as the two only had two weeks to gather the information.

She said the application has also been verified by the Office of Rural Advocacy and will go to the next level. In actuality, two grants are being sought for park improvements.

Smith said the two grants are in the review process, and it should be known if they are approved by late April.

"A lot of applications don't get through the first phase," Smith said.

"I'm overwhelmed with the community's support of this project. To date, we've received $6,320 in cash pledges, and community in-kind of $1,220 for a total of $7,540. We're still taking donations."

Smith said the major problem will be getting the tennis courts up to par. These courts are utilized by the Gurdon High School Go-Devil tennis team, and will require more work than originally thought.

Another $1,500 is needed to make sure the entire project can be funded and completed.

The courts need to be resurfaced, painted and restriped.

Smith said there is the possibility Gurdon can apply for this grant again in November if any funds are left over from this funding period.

"If anyone (locally) is interested in applying for this grant," she said, "for projects such as a walking trails, ball parks or something else, they can call me at city hall.

"We've come a long way in a short time," Smith continued, "and offer our thanks to those in the community who have opened their hearts to help."

She said no contributions will be turned down. "We can use all the help we can get if the grant is approved. We'll need volunteers to help with building equipment and spreading pea gravel."

Should the grants be approved, the restroom facilities at the park will be made handicap accessible, and will have concrete porches on two sides.

Additionally, a sidewalk would be built from the street to the pavilion which would also meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards.

The equipment to be purchased includes a spring see-saw, three spring action figures (a race car, jet and horse) and two toddler swings.

The merry-go-round would be repainted and the play area covered in pea gravel.

Plans are also in the works to construct a sand volleyball court.

Those who have already made pledges to the project include: St. Joseph's Hospital; Paul Barringer; International Paper; First State Bank; Horne Funeral Home; KIX Country; Al Brown; Kuhn Hardware; Austin Capps; Baptist Ambulance Co.; Ann's Smoke Shop; the South Clark County Jaycees; Max Brown; Dr. Mike Young; Charles Shaver; Horizon Bank; Pete Rudolph; John Thomas; Percy Malone; Don Stone; Jif-E-Mart; CD&E Club; Rev. Bobby Marshall; Henry Bell, Jr.; Southfork Truck Stop; Tommy Potter; David Childres; Frank and Vicky Plasek; Tony Pruitt; Jewell Baily; Rick and Tambra Smith; David Williams; Doug's Grocery' K&T Clothing; Fred Reed; Jerry Simmons; M&M Enterprises; Bobby Smithson; Gurdon Grill; Bill Wright; Hix Smith; Julian Palinski; Rufus and Diane Hatley; Basil Julian; Arkansas Alliance of Concerned Citizens of Gurdon; Sister Annie B. Hubbard; Larry Thomerson; Larry Hogue; Ricky and Phyllis McCarter; Arkla Gas Co.; and Anthony Timberlands.