1/8% Sales and Use Tax

What is the 1/8% Sales and Use Tax?

This is a portion of the ¼% Sales and Use Tax voted on and approved by the citizens of Fort Smith in 2022. This tax is split evenly between the Parks Department and Fire Department. This tax has a sunset date of October 2022. The Board of Directors passed Ordinance No. 110-21 to extend this tax for an additional twenty years. This extension will be referred to the voters at a special election called for February 8, 2022 (Ordinance No. 111-21).

Completed Capital Improvement Plan Projects

Kelley Park Ballfields Turf Project

Future Fort Smith Goals

PFS-4.3.1 and PFS-5

Z

Completed

January 2021
U

Scope of Project

This was a public-private partnership to install artificial turf on four (4) fields at the Kelley Park Ballfields. The private sector has committed to providing $275,000 for the project. During the construction of this project, the Southside High School Softball Team approached the City about leasing Skokos Field for the home field. The Board of Directors approved a lease agreement with Fort Smith Public Schools for Skokos Field to serve as the home playing field for the Lady Mavericks.

Chaffee Crossing Trails – Segment One

Future Fort Smith Goals

HN-1.6, TI-1, TI-3, PFS-5, NCR-1.4, and PFS

Z

Completed

September 2020
U

Scope of Project

Segment One added 1.7 miles of multipurpose trail beginning at Wells Lake Road and extending to Roberts Boulevard. Steve Beam Construction of Fort Smith served as the contractor in this segment.

Park Shade Structure

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.3 and CCD-1.1

Z

Completed

March 2020
U

Scope of Project

Shade structures were purchased for the Creekmore Park Wading Pool and for Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. It was determined the best type of shade structures for the wading pool were single-post cantilever style shades. Three of these amenities were purchased and installed for the 2018 operating season. These structures allow adequate shaded areas for patrons at the wading pool. The shade structures for Martin Luther King, Jr. Park are much larger and provide full coverage of the playground and splash pad areas. The shade structure over the splash pad area is rectangular in shape while the shade structure over the playground is much more elaborate, arranging multiple shade panels into a hexagon shape. Both structures will provide adequate shade to each of these areas while children enjoy these amenities.

Riverfront Skate and Bike Park ‘The Globe’

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.3 and CCD-1.1

Z

Completed

February 2020
U

Scope of Project

“The Globe” by Berliner was added to the park to offer a climbing style amenity in addition to the skating and biking amenities. Parks Staff installed the globe following footing and concrete work performed by Steve Beam Construction, Inc. of Fort Smith.

Parrot Island Waterpark Expansion

Future Fort Smith Goals

PFS-4.3.1, PFS-5, NCR-1.2, and NCR-2

Z

Completed

Phase I – Summer 2019; Phase II – Summer 2021
U

Scope of Project

Phase I of the expansion consisted of the installation of a Flow Rider attraction. This amenity is an artificial surfing simulator that can accommodate one or two surfers at a time. This has become the premier attraction at the park for all ages. The City and County each contributed $600,000.00 towards the project.

Phase II of this project consists of adding a tube slide. The original plan was to replace the yellow slide; however, this slide was able to be repaired a new structure is being built for the tube slide. The City and County are both contributing a total of $470,833.00 for this project.

Creekmore Park Parking Lot Resurfacing Phase I

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-1.2     FLU-1.4

Z

Completed

December 2019
U

Scope of Project

Multiple large events are hosted at Creekmore Park throughout the year. The existing parking areas are in need of repair. The parking around the tennis center and in front of the pool are in the worst shape. Therefore, the project began at these locations and will continue towards the entrance to the park as funds are allocated. McClelland Consulting Engineers, LLC of Fort Smith served as the engineer on the project and Pavecon, Ltd. Co. of Cave Springs, Arkansas served as the contractor.

Marshals Museum Property Purchase

(Riverfront Drive Skate and Bike Park Phase II)

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.1     FLU-2.2      NCR-1.1

Z

Property Acquired

October 2019
U

Scope of Project

At their June 18, 2019 Regular Meeting, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to purchase 2.36 acres from the US Marshals Museum. This land will be utilized for the expansion of the Riverfront Drive Skate and Bike Park. While the specific amenities have not been identified, some ideas include a ropes course and climbing obstacles. The City’s contribution to this project is for the purchase and any needed infrastructure (i.e. sidewalks and lighting).

Riverfront Drive Sports Fields (51 Acres) Water Line

Future Fort Smith Goals

HN 1.2      FLU 1.4

Z

Completed

July 2019
U

Scope of Project

This was a joint effort among the Parks, Engineering, and Utilities Departments. The Engineering Department played a key role in acquiring the right of way for the project. The Utilities Department provided project management and inspection services. Both the Parks and Utilities Departments shared in the funding of this project. The completed waterline allowed for the maintenance building to be fully complete. Irrigation is also being installed, which will allow for proper grass seed to be spread and maintained on the two soccer fields. Additional amenities can now be pursued, which include restrooms and drinking fountains.

Riverfront Drive Sports Fields (51 Acres) Maintenance Building

Future Fort Smith Goals

HN-1.2     FLU 1.4

Z

Completed

June 2019
U

Scope of Project

A new, pre-engineered metal shop building was built in the southeast corner of the property. The maintenance building will be used to house equipment used for maintenance of the property in addition to Parks maintained downtown park areas. This allows the equipment routinely used for these areas to be housed securely and at a location in close proximity to these Parks maintained areas as opposed to roading the equipment from Creekmore Park to downtown. Petree Construction, Inc. of Fort Smith served as the contractor for the project. As a cost-savings measure, Maintenance Staff will construct the interior of the building: lighting, shelving, etc. Prior to equipment being moved to this facility, a security fence will be installed. Staff is currently following the procurement procedures in obtaining bids for fencing.

River Park Pavilion HVAC Renovation

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU 1.4

Z

Completed

June 2019
U

Scope of Project

In mid-July of 2018 the air conditioning units at the River Park Pavilion, more commonly referred to as the Glass Pavilion, stopped working. While Maintenance Staff were able to briefly patch the units, the A/C units in the pavilion ultimately became inoperable and it was more economically responsible to replace them. To evaluate proper cooling of the pavilion, an agreement with HSA Engineering Consulting Services, Inc. of Fort Smith was executed to ensure the project would satisfy the needs of the facility. It was determined the most effective way to ensure adequate cooling of the pavilion was to install a 12.5-ton HVAC unit over each of the existing restrooms and to tint the glass. The combination of both the additional tonnage and window tinting has allowed staff to efficiently cool the pavilion during events. Additionally, the placement of these units over the restrooms eliminates the need for Maintenance Staff to borrow a scissor lift from another department in order to access the crow’s nest inside the building. Blaylock Heating and Air of Fort Smith was awarded the bid and completed the work on time and to specifications.

Tilles Park and Woodlawn Park Splash Pads

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1     HN-1.5     PFS-5

Z

Completed

May 2019
U

Scope of Project

The students at nearby schools participated in a Dotmocracy. The majority of students voted in favor of converting the wading pools into splash pads. Frontier Engineering was selected to provide engineering services for the project. In order to allow more funds to be used towards amenities, Parks Staff and the Street Department, removed the existing wading pools. Raggio Excavating, Inc. then performed the fill and compaction of the site. After being advertised for bids, the project was awarded to Creative Design Pools, LLC of Fort Smith. Students were then asked to vote on the large water features for each splash pad. The results of the vote were sent to Creative Design Pools, LLC, who then prepared the final designs.

Kansas City Southern Railroad Company Property Purchasel

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.1.2     FLU-2.2     NCR-1.1

Z

Property Acquired

March 2019
U

Scope of Project

The Board of Directors approved the purchase of approximately 312 acres for the development of soft surface trails. Frontier Ozark Off-Road Cyclists (FOORC) and Friends of Recreational Trails (F.O.R.T.) have committed to both building and maintaining these trails at no cost to the City. The City entered into a design contract with Frontier Engineering of Fort Smith to develop a master plan for the property.

Design of Landfill Loop Trail

Future Fort Smith Goals

ED-6.1      HN-1.6      NCR-1.4      TI-1      TI-3      PFS-5     CCD-1

Z

Completed

2019
U

Scope of Project

The proposed trail is 4.1 miles in length and extends along the buffer zone of Fort Smith’s Landfill. Following the initial evaluation of the trail, it was determined the trail would take a significant amount of time to complete. Therefore, it was decided to have Morrison Shipley Engineers, Inc. complete the design and permitting process for the trail, but not pursue construction of the trail at this time.

Riverfront Drive Skate and Bike Park Phase I

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.1.5     FLU-2.2.1      NCR-1.5      ED-6.1.1      PFS-4.3.1

Z

Completed

October 2018
U

Scope of Project

This was a public-private partnership. The City purchased the 3.49 acres of land adjacent to the parking lot at the River Park Events Building from the Marshals Museum for this development. The project consisted of additional parking, skate park, pump track, landscape, and lighting. The private sector raised $600,000 for the construction of the skate park and the City allocated $500,000 for the parking lot, landscape, and lighting. Frontier Engineering, Inc. of Fort Smith served as the engineer on the project.

Greg Smith River Trail Phase III

Future Fort Smith Goals

ED-6.1      HN-1.6      CCD-1.1      TI-1     PFS-5      NCR-1.4     TI-3

Z

Completed

October 2018
U

Scope of Project

The 1.5-mile walking trail extension begins at the end of the Rice Carden Levee Trail and extends past Fort Smith Park, ending at the railroad tracks along Riverfront Drive. The completion of this segment brings the total length of the Greg Smith River Trail to 6.3 miles, connecting the River Park Events Building to Fort Smith Park.

Fort Smith Park Playground

Future Fort Smith Goals

PFS-3.2.3     NCR-1.1     NCR-1.3     PFS-5

Z

Completed

August 2018
U

Scope of Project

The playground at Fort Smith Park was in dire need of a renovation. The new playground was designed to be fully inclusive to children of all abilities. Crawford Construction Company was awarded the bid for the project and completed the work on time and to specifications. In order to save on costs, the existing swing set frame remained at the park, and Maintenance Staff painted the frame to match the orange color on the playground amenities. Two artificial turf berms and a handicap accessible parking space were also added in the area.

Fort Smith Park Dog Park

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1.3     FLU-2.2

Z

Completed

July 2018
U

Scope of Project

During community meetings, citizens suggested we construct an additional dog park. The dog park is located in the Northwest corner of the park. The primary expense for this project was the fencing around the perimeter and agility equipment. Play pieces from the old playground at Fort Smith Park were able to be repurposed into additional amenities for the dogs to enjoy. Maintenance Staff performed the majority of the work: installing equipment, running water lines, pouring concrete, and repurposing old fire hydrants into drinking fountains.

Fort Smith Park Fishing Pavilion and Parking Lot

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.2      ED-6.1      NCR-1

Z

Completed

Spring 2018
U

Scope of Project

The purpose of this project was to construct a quality fishing pavilion in order for Fort Smith to serve as a host for large fishing tournaments. Additional parking was added to accommodate increased traffic. Axioo Construction, Inc. completed the parking lot, and Steve Beam Construction, Inc. completed the fishing pavilion.

Marshals Museum Property Purchase

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.1     FLU-2.2     NCR-1.1

Z

Property Acquired

February 2018
U

Scope of Project

The City of Fort Smith purchased 3.49 acres adjacent to the parking lot at the River Park Events Building. This property was used to develop the Riverfront Drive Skate and Bike Park Phase I and to construct an additional parking lot to provide expanded parking for events.

Riverfront Drive Sports Fields (51 Acres) Phase I

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-1.5     FLU-2.1     FLU-2.2       TI-5.2.1      ED-6.1      NCR-1.1    NCR-1.5    PFS-3.2.3

Z

Completed

August 2017
U

Scope of Project

Phase I consisted of two tournament quality adult soccer fields and gravel parking lot.

Greg Smith River Trail Phase II

Future Fort Smith Goals

ED-6.1        HN-1.6       TI-1      PFS-5        CCD-1.1     NCR-1.4     TI-3

Z

Completed

April 2017
U

Scope of Project

This project repaved the existing Rice Carden Levee Trail, adding 3.2 miles to the Greg Smith River Trail. The trail was designed by the City’s Engineering Department, constructed by Forsgren, Inc., and construction oversight was provided by Frontier Engineering, Inc., all of Fort Smith.

Grizzly Field

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-1.4     ED-6.1     NCR-1.1     NCR-1.5      PFS-3.4.1

Z

Completed

February 2017
U

Scope of Project

After the Andrews Field Softball Complex was turned over to the National Cemetery, the Northside Softball team was left without a home field. The team used the existing softball field at MLK for practices, but it was not suitable for play. The Lady Bear softball team had to travel across town to Ben Geren Regional Park to play their home games. This was a joint project between the City, Fort Smith Public Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Northside Alumni. The renovated field serves as the home playing field for the Northside Lady Bears Softball team and is available for public use when it is not reserved by Northside. Rodebush Construction, Inc. and Crawford Construction Company both served as contractors for the project.

Greg Smith River Trail Phase I

Future Fort Smith Goals

ED-6.1     HN-1.6     CCD-1.1     FLU-2.2     PFS-5     TI-1     TI-3     TI-1.2     NCR-3.4      NCR-1.5      NCR-1.4

Z

Completed

October 2016
U

Scope of Project

The 1.6-mile trail is constructed along the Arkansas River, extending from the River Park Events Buildings down to where the Rice Carden Levee Trail begins. Amenities along the trail include a stone walkaway leading to the River for fishing, a pedestrian bridge, pavilion, seating areas, and five statues donated by the Griffin family. Dixon Contracting, Inc. served as the initial contractor on the project. The project was then completed by subcontractors and Parks Maintenance Staff.

Blue Lion Bikeway

Future Fort Smith Goals

TI-1.2     TI-3     HN-1.6     PFS-5

Z

Completed

August 2016
U

Scope of Project

Sharrows were painted on the streets extending from Kinkead & Park Avenue to North A & North B Street. Other streets were incorporated into the bikeway as well. This project connects the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith to Downtown Fort Smith. Advanced Workzone Services performed the striping for the project.

Mill Creek Trail Evaluation

Future Fort Smith Goals

ED-6.1     HN-1.6     TI-1     TI-3     PFS-5     CCD-1     NCR-1.4

Z

Completed

July 2016
U

Scope of Project

This approximate 5.5-mile trail was identified as a priority by the Trails and Greenways Committee. An evaluation of possible alignments was completed by McClelland Engineering. Four (4) routes were presented that ranged in estimated construction costs of $7.9 million to $9.4 million. These estimates are based on construction. There will be additional costs for the acquisition of easements and engineering services. Due to the significant dollar amount of the estimates and a lack of adequate funding, this trail was deemed cost prohibitive and was pushed back on the priority list.

Tennis Court Resurfacing

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1.3     FLU-1.4     PFS-4.3.1     PFS-5

Z

Completed

June 2016
U

Scope of Project

The Western Arkansas Tennis Association regularly attends the Parks Commission meetings and have expressed the continuing growth of the tennis community, and as a result of wear and tear the tennis courts had cracked and striping had worn off. WATA extended an offer to apply for grants to aid in the cost of this project and were awarded $15,000 in grant monies. Work completed at the Tilles Park courts consisted of the filling in of cracks, painting, and striping of the courts, performed by Tim’s Painting. The bottom four tennis courts at Creekmore were resurfaced with a rubber matting material, as well as striped, which was completed by Ace Surfaces N. America, Inc.

Stagecoach Park

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1.1    PFS-3.2.2     PFS-5

Z

Completed

Winter 2015
U

Scope of Project

This development consisted of a playground unit, half-court basketball court, concrete path from the parking area to and around the playground, picnic areas, benches, and a bike rack. RJR Enterprises, Inc. served as the contractor for the project.

Imani Park

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1.1    PFS-3.2.2     PFS-5

Z

Completed

October 2015
U

Scope of Project

Land for this project was donated by the McGruder family with the stipulation the park be developed within two years. The completed project consisted of playground equipment, fencing, benches, bike rack, concrete sidewalk from the parking area to the playground, half-court basketball court, crusher dust walking trail, and picnic pavilion. RJR Enterprises, Inc. performed the installation of site amenities.

River Park Pavilion Addition

Future Fort Smith Goals

NCR-1.5     FLU-2

Z

Completed

September 2015
U

Scope of Project

Due to the high volume of rentals of the Glass Pavilion and citizen input, this project added a warming kitchen and storage space. These additions allow renters to store unused tables/chairs in a designated area as opposed to the facility floor. The warming kitchen has a refrigerator, sink, and ice machine.

Compass Park Splash Pad & Shade Structures

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-2.1.2     ED-6.1.1     PFS-4.3.1     NCR-1

Z

Completed

Splash Pad -June 2015; Shade Structures – Spring 2016
U

Scope of Project

This was a joint project with the Central Business Improvement District, who donated $150,000 towards the construction of the splash pad and funds for shade structures. The splash pad is located at Compass Park and has proven to attract several patrons to the Downtown area. Creative Design Pools, LLC of Fort Smith served as the contractor for the project.

Parrot Island Waterpark

Future Fort Smith Goals

PFS-4.3.1     PFS-5     CCD-1.1     NCR-1.1      NCR-1.2

Z

Completed

May 2015
U

Scope of Project

This $10.9 million facility was a joint project with Sebastian County. Bonds were issued for this project. Funds from the 1/8% SUT were used as supplemental funding for this project, which included expanding the parking lot ($335K). The completed waterpark features a wave pool, 500-foot lazy river, four distinct waterslides, a small children’s area, activity pool, concessions, and bath house.

Ben Geren Softball Fields

Future Fort Smith Goals

FLU-1.4.2     PFS-5     NCR-1.2
Z

Completed

October 2014
U

Scope of Project

Construction of two softball fields located at Ben Geren Regional Park. These fields serve as replacements for the Andrews Field Complex that was relinquished to the National Cemetery. In addition to the two playing fields, a concession stand, restrooms, and a gravel parking lot were added. LJB Construction Inc. of Fort Smith served as the contractor for the project. Sebastian County is responsible for the maintenance of the fields and submit invoices to the Parks Department for maintenance costs up to $11,000 annually. The City pays for utilities of the addition.

Cisterna Park Improvements

Future Fort Smith Goals

CCD-1.1     ED-6.1.1
Z

Completed

September 2014
U

Scope of Project

The existing aggregate concrete work around the fountain was removed and replaced with concrete sidewalks with a brick border. Additionally, the area surrounding the fountain was bricked and a granite top was laid. In order to increase beautification efforts Downtown, new sod, irrigation, two flowerbeds, and four trees were added. To encourage citizens to visit the park, four benches were placed around the fountain. Prep work for installation of the Darby monument was also completed with these funds.

Rules and Regulations

Providing safe & enjoyable recreation for all.
Fort Smith Parks & Recreation exists to provide engaging experiences to the community through its parks, trails, and community events. In order to keep these areas safe and enjoyable, all parks follow the same rules and regulations.

Read Our Rules & Regulations