WESTSIDE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

— I have the same opinion as Mr. Otis (letter to the editor writer on Jan. 26) concerning the proposed park bordering Flint Creek. I too am against the proposal to build a park near Flint Creek.

It is beyond my comprehension why any Gentry elected official would ever consider spending money outside of the city limits of Gentry. Is this the first instance of doing something outside of the city limits with the taxpayer’s dollar?

If the people living along Dawn Hill Road or in the vicinity of Flint Creek want a park in their neighborhood they should shell out the resources to purchase the property from the city of Gentry and develop the property according to their desires and needs.

Another novel idea for the residents of Dawn Hill Road and surrounding area would be annexing their property into the city of Gentry. We surely could use the additional revenue generated from their annexation to improve some of our existing facilities.

I cannot even imagine why we need a fishing hole on the south side of Gentry when just to the west of Gentry there is probably one of the best fishing ponds in the area. In case you do not get my pun, SWEPCO and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have spent a ton of money developing SWEPCO Lake. There is even a great floating fishing platform available at no charge.

If we do decide to do something foolish and develop a park outside of the city limits, who is going to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance? Of even more concern, who is going to have police responsibility?

I do not know who cooked up this idea, but I wonder just how the feather is going to fit into their cap. Will it turn out to be as big a feather as our library that seems to continually need something to make it a suitable facility to house precious books? Will the ponds forever need something else to make them hold water? A short drive around Benton County will reveal numerous dry stock ponds that are near the bottom of a watershed. If all else fails, someone should ask the owners of “The Links at Lowell” how much it cost them to fix their pond.

If we have that much money to squander on a project of questionable value, we should start a comprehensive program to repair the streets ofGentry, or maybe just do some of the things Mr. Otis suggested. What about the run down building in the city that is/was used by the Water Department? Come to think about it, there is a dilapidated building just across the street that could use a face lift or be demolished. I vote for city street repairs.

I encourage the readers of the Westside Eagle Observer to voice their opinion concerning this matter. If the majority desire to throw money outside of the city limits, then I respect their choice.

Thank you.

William A. Carver Gentry

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Editor,

This letter is a response to clarify some issues that were presented by William Otis’ letter that was published last week. I would have liked to respond to Otis personally, but he has no listing in the phone book nor is there a residence at the address Otis listed.

I hope Otis (or alias Otis) read the article published on the front and jump page of West Side Eagle Observer last week. If so, he or shewould have understood that the proposed improvements on the already cityowned property along Flint Creek near the Highway 59 Bridge south of town will be paid for with 100 percent grant money and volunteer work.

The Wildlife Recreation Facilities Grant is a pilot program grant this year being offered by the Department of Rural Services and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I am thrilled that Gentry has the opportunity to apply for this grant and develop this beautiful property. This area has beautiful trees that are so large we could not grow them in our lifetime; it has an incredible view of a clean, clear-running creek; it has paved access to the property; it has water lines and a hydrant already installed; it already has ponds that are spring fed; and, if the city gets the grant, these ponds will be enlarged and stocked with fish by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at no charge to the city.

Yes, the property is on the outside south fringe of the city limits, but the project is such a compliment to Gentry’s other tourismlocations - the Wild Wilderness Safari (outside city limits to the north), Eagle Watch and SWEPCO Lake (outside city limits to the west), and Gentry Park. I don’t see the problem with that.

What I see is benefits.

The economic boost will begin with dollars flowing into our community from the initial grant for both labor and materials.

More economic development will come from business that is generated from visitors going to the park. Some might be looking for a fishing pole and bait; some might stop and visit our retail stores while downtown; some might visit the Safari, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then go fishing or nature watching.

But even more important than that is the improvement in quality-of-life opportunities this project will offer. When Ron Moore, biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission walked down to the creek on his tour of the property, he smiled.

“I can see children playing here - running across the creek from side to side and catching crawdads,” he said.

I agree with Moore. This property is something we already have and, with some volunteer help - for cleanup and maintenance - and creative grant financing, Gentry can give its citizens and visitors a wonderful family-oriented activity that will be no cost to them or the city. And what a wonderful activity it will be!

In Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods,” he states that there is a growing body of evidence that links “the lack of nature in children’s lives and the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression.” I believe this project, more than any other project I’ve seen in a while, can change our future and the future of children.

I hope that the people of Gentry will identify and understand that this project is not as Otis stated, “just another park thing.”

The project will be on the city council’s agenda Monday, Feb. 7th, at 6:30 p.m., in the Gentry courtroom. I would encourage everyone who wants to hear more to attend the meeting. I believe when everyone has the correct facts, they will support this very worthwhile project.

Bev Saunders Gentry Chamber of Commerce Director

Opinion, Pages 7 on 02/02/2011