Bryant Mayor and staff announce plans for 2021, including streets, parks, and a half marathon

Projects completed (Public works project)

1. Springhill/Johns Loop – Flooded heavily in 2017. Initial cost estimates were $1.2M. Mark Grimmett with public works has been directing a lot of that work and saving lots of dollars. 70% finished.
2. Boone Rd – Sewer Rehab almost through
3. Mills Park – Flooding at low spot just past Mills Park due to undersized under the road drainage. After the project is finished, Mills Park Road will be overlaid.
4. Raintree/Debswood – Flooding through 2019. Public works project culvert system enlarging.
5. Pattywood Dr. – Flooding up to back doors – after the first of the year.
6. Coraltree and Raintree – working on attaining easements.
7. Tailwater Location crossing Shobe Rd. backs up to houses where fences and debris is clogging drainage.
8. Hilltop and Springhill Rd. – Floods with rain. Public Safety issue. High Priority. Working on easements. Contractor ready to go.
9. Bryant Parkway from Shobe to Airport – https://www.cityofbryant.com/1449/Current-Project-Updates –
   Grant for trail system alongside the parkway to the elementary school and junior high at the airport. Timeline for construction starting is late summer/fall 2021. ARDOT approved. Environmental review yet to come before it can start. People are taking advantage of the trail which is by the parkway which has been finished north of this current project.
10. Bryant Parkway at Hwy 5 intersection has ARDOT engineering in March or so of 2021. When it gets to this point, the city of Bryant will try to figure out how to make it a priority, whether it be with funding or other means. It is recognized that it significantly impacts citizens.
11. Hilltop at Hilldale – First of year intersection improvements.
12. Overlays of Asphalt – Mills Park Rd. and Evans Loop

Thanks to the mayor for being a proponent of parks.

1. Ashleigh Park has been renovated. The playground and restrooms will be finished by springtime or sooner.
2. Alcoa 40 has been a priority. It now has a dog park.  A restroom will be going up in 2021. Our dream down the road is that the park will be a hub for the trail system to connect to other parks in the city.
3. Upgrades have been made to Bishop Park to hold the major event of fall fest for the city every year. A pavillion built like an amphitheater will accommodate performances.

In the next 2 years:

• 2021 – Springhill Park will have new playground equipment, fencing and lighting in the spring. Meeting with residents at the park next month.
• 2021 – Midland Park has a couple of fields which need lighting.
• 2022 – Mills Park which has recently had playground and pool updates. We need to update tennis courts and pickle ball. The walking trail has had grant improvement money that was put to work. It still needs further upgrades.
• 2022 – Forty Acres attached to Alcoa 40 Park. Need to decide with help of residents.
• 2023 – Skate Park, fundraising, grant writing.
• Bryant mobile parks coming to your neighborhood soon. More info later.
• More plans for parks. If you want to know details, email Chris Treat.
  [email protected]
  Let us know what you need in the parks department. They are your parks.

Mayor reports:
The mayor dreams of having a 1/2 marathon run called the Center of Arkansas Run once the park trails are all connected. He would like to have Bryant be the destination for recreation in central Arkansas.

• Someone asked if there was plans for the 14 acres of city owned property adjacent to Debswood park. The mayor said several options had been explored, but there is a significant floodway drainage problem. Road access would have to be considered.
• Trivia – First ever state championship for a team in Bryant was the tennis team in the 1970s. Basketball was dominate in the 1980s. Shane Broadway was on the team at that time along with Chris Treat.
• The mayor wrapped up the meeting by realizing that it is 20 days until Christmas. We all need to continue being careful when you go out. Wear the mask and distance from others. If you are exposed, isolate for 14 days. New guidelines have been announced by the CDC. He encouraged people to seek health aid if you get covid or flu symptoms. Take it seriously.
• City offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan 1.
• The city facebook page is also a good place to comment on city issues as well as cityofbryant.com
• City Council virtual meeting is Dec 15.
• Coffee with the Mayor will not happen in January. Resuming in Feb.