Benton to purchase 511 acres along Saline River for camping, trails and sports

The City of Benton has agreed to purchase 511 acres of undeveloped land along the Saline River from the Thomas family of Benton. This land purchase is the largest single land acquisition in the city’s history.

The land will be purchased in 10 installments over the next ten years. The first tract will be 101 total acres just to the right of Interstate 30 and Exit 114. With future tracts moving north along Highway 229 and the next six tracts east of the Saline River which connects to Lyle Park.

The City of Benton and the Advertising & Promotions Commission will host a contract signing event. Tuesday March 14th , 2023, at 9:00 am on Tract 1 near Exit 114 off Interstate 30. Benton officials and a Thomas family member will be in attendance.

The acquisition of this land is a major piece of the Benton 2040 vision. The Benton Parks and Recreation Department will manage and maintain the properties that will house ball fields, disc golf course, RV park and miles of trails that will eventually connect Benton in a biking and hiking loop around the entire city.

Additionally, this will connect the Lyle Park river access to the Cherry Demuth river access. Witness the beginning of this massive project on Tuesday.

See the list of all the events in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/events.