Anyone who wants to share ideas or offer input for a master improvement plan for the El Dorado-Union County Recreation Complex will have the opportunity to do so during a public forum at 5 p.m. today in the Council Chamber of City Hall.
The meeting will begin prior to the El Dorado City Council regular meeting, which is set for 5:30 p.m.
Members of the complex’s board of directors are working to raise money for the master plan, which was drafted in 2014 by CADM Architecture, Inc., and revised earlier this year by the Little Rock-based ETC Engineers and Architects, Inc.
ETC has worked on projects for various parks and recreation, multiuse and aquatic facilities around the state.
More than a decade ago, ETC assisted the complex board in securing a state grant to build the two newest fields at the complex.
In February, ETC unveiled the revised master plan for the complex that not only addressed additional fields and parking improvements, but also offered different concepts that included upgrades to existing amenities, such as the RV site, and the addition of new features, such as a college baseball field, junior soccer fields and a splash pad for the playground.
The options came with respective probable cost budgets, ranging from $1.2 million to just over $7 million.
Complex board members have been reviewing the proposal to decide on a design concept that best suits the needs of the Champagnolle Road facility.
Board members have said the intent of the project is to make the complex the premiere recreation facility for south Arkansas in order to generate more revenue, host more and larger tournaments and to better help area youth hone their athletic skills.
The group has been working to sell the plan in the community and exploring funding options, including applying for a grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
The purpose of the public forum is to discuss the 2018 ADPT grant application, which must be submitted by Aug. 25, said Greg Harrison, chairman of the complex board.
Perry Carr, of ETC, is expected to be on hand today to discuss the proposed project.
Carr has appeared before the Union County Quorum Court and other local groups.
Harrison said two additional public forums are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 7 and June 21 in the Council Chamber.
A single item of new business appears on the council’s tentative agenda.
Aldermen are expected to hear a presentation from Christopher Wasson, customer service manager for Entergy Arkansas.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862 6611 or by email at [email protected].