Foosball court groundbreaking scheduled this Saturday

Artist's sketch of proposed human foosball court

Artist's sketch of proposed human foosball court

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

GRAVETTE -- Groundbreaking will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, for the city's new human foosball court. The court, sponsored by the Gravette Lions Club, is to be located near the skate park in Pop Allum Park. Lions Club members, sponsor Danny White and city officials will all be present for the groundbreaking. All area citizens are invited to attend.

Human foosball is a popular sport in some areas of the country. An Arkansas state tournament is held each year in connection with the Sharp County Fair. Danny White, owner of Cardinal Corner Pawn Shop, desiring to fund a project for area youth, approached Lions Club members in the spring of 2017 with a proposal to build a court in Gravette. White offered to pay for necessary materials if Lions Club members would do the work of building the court.

Lions Club members Jeff Davis and Timothy Horton prepared a proposal and presented it to the city council at the August committee of the whole meeting. After receiving council approval, Lions cooperated with Mayor Kurt Maddox and Tim Dewitt, streets and parks department supervisor, to choose the location.

Total estimated cost of the project is between $1,600 and $1,700. The Lions Club was informed on Oct. 5 that it had been approved for a Lions of Arkansas (LOAF) grant of $800 to help with the funding.

Building materials have been paid for and will be delivered next week. Site preparation will be done this weekend and several work days have been scheduled through March. Completion is expected in early April.

Volunteers willing to help with the project would be welcomed and appreciated, according to Lions Club president Bill Mattler. Those interested may contact Mattler at 279-544-9008 or Jeff Davis at 479-787-1068.

Community on 02/28/2018