Parks & Trails May 2019 Newsletter

City of Hot Springs May 2019 Newsletter

Details pg. 8

111 Opera Street Table of Contents 2
P.O. Box 700 Calendar: meetings and events 3
Summer Concert Series 4
Hot Springs, AR 71902 Pavilion Rentals 5
Seasonal Reminders 5
Call: 501-321-6871 Thank you Master Gardeners! 6
Email: [email protected] Hanging Baskets 7
Arbor Day Celebration 8
Visit: www.cityhs.net Trail Footnotes
10
Like us on Facebook: Provided by Ken Freeman 12
Hot Springs Parks & Trails Park News 14
Growing Healthy Communities- Dedications Coming Soon! 15
2 Awards for Happy Ole Troll Trail 16
Hot Springs School’s Use Parks For Free 17
Free Summer Lunch Program 18
OUR STAFF NATIONAL BIKE MONTH 19
Trail Watch Volunteer Program 20
Director BIKE HOT SPRINGS!
Anthony Whittington Northwoods Full Moon Ride 21
Landscape Superintendent Series 22
Trail Etiquette 23
Brian Fisher Trails in Your City Parks 24
Parks Superintendent Spa Pacers Run Clinic 25
Vandalism Reminder 26
Larry Golden Iron Ranger Challenge 2019 28
Office Manager Super Hero Run Coming Soon!
Kathleen Fason
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Secretary
Jennifer Shinn

• 5/2 This Month Is:
Hanging Basket Installation Downtown
National Bike
• 5/7 National BBQ
Tail Watch Volunteer Training National Salad
(by appointment only) National Photograph
111 Opera Street, 5:30 PM
Special Days:
• 5/14
Arts Advisory Committee Meeting May Day 1
Parks & Trails Conference Room
111 Opera Street, Ste. A The Oaklawn Mile 3
12:00 PM
Hike Like A Girl 4&5
• 5/16
Parks & Trails Advisory Committee 4th Annual Jockey Jog 4
Parks & Trails Conference Room
111 Opera Street, Ste. A Oaklawn Invitational 4
5:00 PM
Arkansas Breeder’s 4
• 5/28 Championship
Urban Forestry Advisory Committee
Parks & Trails Conference Room National Tourist 6
111 Opera Street, Ste. A Appreciation Day
6:00 PM
Mother’s Day 12
• 5/30
Friends of the Parks meeting Love a Tree Day 16
Chamber of Commerce
659 Ouachita Ave. Pick Strawberries Day 20
11:30 AM
Memorial Day 27
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Water a Flower Day 30

For more information or to fill out an
application go to www.cityhs.net

Series to run Memorial Day-Labor Day weekends!
Friday nights: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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Renting a city park pavilion is quick and easy.
Cost is minimal and clean up will be, too!

• Birthday Parties
• Family Reunions
• Wedding Receptions
• Baby Showers
• Retirement Farewells
• Fishing Derbies

Cost to reserve pavilions:
$10 per hour for city residents

$20 per hour for non-city residents

Additional fees may apply for large groups and special events. Please refer to our
Reservation Policy for fee schedules or call the Parks and Trails Department at
501-321-6871 for more information.

To make your reservation, call or come by the Parks and Trails Department at 111 Opera Street,
or fill out an interactive online form at www.cityhs.net. Reservations must be made a least two

Please Remember…. Flowers in Parks and on Trails
Motorized Vehicles
are NOT allowed on are beautiful. Please leave
Trails.
For your protection please be aware them in place for all
of the presence of FIRE ANTS. patrons to enjoy!

Although treated on a regular basis,

fire ants are particularly prone to be

active in parks and especially after a

rain shower. Please be alert!

The Garland County Master Gardeners
(GCMG) have been assisting the Parks &
Trails Department with landscape work on
various flowerbeds around town and at the
city’s greenhouse, 236 Davidson Drive, for
many years.

Every February they assist with planting the
downtown hanging baskets. Every other
year they help us to rebuild the baskets
from scratch. They make additional visits,
other than their once a month schedule, in
order to assist with the baskets.

They also plant and weed flowerbeds at the
Farmer’s Market, Malvern and Grand Ave-
nues, Entergy Park North Loop, and the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail Xeriscape
Garden.

We are extremely grateful for this dedicated
group of volunteers who are willing
to give of their time, skill, and ex-
pertise.

To join the GCMG’s you can obtain
an application at the Cooperative
Extension office, 236 Woodbine in
Hot Springs. Call 501-623-8641 for
more information.

To volunteer with the Parks &
Trails Department go to
www.cityhs.net to apply.

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Parks & Trails hosted the 21st annual Arbor Day Celebration at Entergy Park on Friday, April
26! About 250 5th-grade students from Hot Springs School District attended this educational
and entertaining event. Our thanks go out to all those who helped with planning and
sponsoring this program, especially Rick Bonte and Ronnie Carroll of City Plumbing, who
generously provided the bottled water. Additional thanks to go out to Hot Springs Mayor
Pat McCabe for being on hand to present a proclamation recognizing National Arbor Day.
Also, much thanks to the Arkansas Forestry Commission for bringing their Smokey Bear to
entertain the students.
We are also very grateful to each of the eleven organizations that came to educate and
entertain the students:
 Arkansas Game & Fish Commission – Clinton Coleman

and Jimmie Key
 Lake Catherine State Park – Steve Donahou
 C.D.’s Trees
 Hot Springs Urban Forestry – Allen Bates
 Robbie Goodox with his portable sawmill
 Hot Springs Stormwater – Robert Ditty
 Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality –

Chelsey Sherwood
 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 Entergy
 West Tree Service
 Recycling Educator Chris Baber
We look forward to working with everyone again next year!

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Ken Freeman, The Trail Guy

As an advocate of equal opportunity for
all trail users, the Trail Guy likes to see
all modes of use in a trail system. Of
course, part of that is making all modes
of trail users feel welcome on the trails, in
a trail system, that are appropriate for
their use. The Northwoods Trails have
mainly been promoted with mountain
bikers in mind, because it is believed that
the variety of trails there will draw bikers
from far and near, and, it has.
As the international Mountain Bicycling
Association trail crews finish building
all of the trails of phase one in the
Northwoods, I want to remind my fellow
trail lovers that many of the trails in the
Nortwoods Trails System are multiuse
trails awaiting use by hikers, walkers, and
runners, as well as mountain bikers. As L-R: Adrianne Kahn, Kurt Houser, Kim McCallister, Chris Raybon, Tracy
a sign of that, Traci Berry, Visit Hot Freeman, Trail Guy, Erin Young-Dahl lined up along the coast of Lake
Spring’s Northwoods Trails coordinator, Bethel at the Northwoods Full Moon Ride in April.

welcomes runners and walkers to participate in the monthly Full Moon Ride series that Visit Hot
Springs organizes (full details on page 21). On the April 19th Full Moon Ride, there were more than
eight non-bicycle participants and two of them won Full Moon Ride t-shirts in an Easter egg drawing.
Spa Pacers is also offering trail runs/walks on the Northwoods Trails on the second Monday of each
month at 4:30 p.m. starting at the Waterworks Trailhead at the end of Pineland Drive. As always, I
want to remind all trail users to be respectful of and courteous to all other trail users, and enjoy the
Northwoods Trails.

It's not a surprise that users of the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail (HSCGT) think
that it is pretty special, but it is a
surprise when a statewide organization
presents an award for it. B&F
Engineering submitted the most recently
completed section of the HSCGT, which they
designed and for which they prepared
the construction documents, for an
award from the American Council of
Engineering Companies of Arkansas. The
project was given a 2018 - 2019 Honor
Award, they received it at a ceremony
recently, and Holly Vetch, an engineer with B
& F, then presented it to the City. Thank you
to B & F for being such a friend of the
HSCGT (see more about this on page 15).

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It’s not too early to start thinking about National Trails Day,
which, this year, will be celebrated on June 1st. Locally,
National Trails Day, which is promoted nationally by
the American Hiking Society, will be celebrated at
Entergy Park, 530 Lakepark Drive, with a trail run/walk, The
Superhero 2Mile, organized by the Hot Springs
Family YMCA (details on back cover). There will
be awards for the run/walk, and children’s activities to
encourage a healthy lifestyle. Mark your calendars, and I’ll
see you on the trails.

Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the
Keep Arkansas Beautiful event held on April 6, 2019. So
many organizations and individuals came out to help clean
up along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway that morning and
what a difference they made!
We would like to give a special thanks to the Hot Springs
Friends of the Parks, Diamond Lakes Master Naturalists,
Hot Springs Young Professionals, Hot Springs National
Park Rotary Club, Spa Pacers, and the City of Hot Springs
Solid Waste Department for all of their help with this annual
event.
The Hot Springs Young Professionals conduct pop-up clean
-ups along the greenway throughout the year to continue
the work and keep it looking good! To join them email
[email protected] or LIKE them on Facebook.

Spa Pacers Dana Murphy, Darin Sand-
ers, and Lorri Saracini cleaning up along
the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail
during the Keep Arkansas Beautiful
event in April.

Get Out on the Trail May 4-5 for
Hike Like A Girl Weekend 2019

Invite your friends and family out for
a hike and share your experience on
social media using #HikeLAG2019 or
#HikeLikeAGirl2019 for a chance to
win gear. Any trail, anywhere. Find a
trail and hike. It's that simple.

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The 4th Annual Jockey Jog 5K run will
take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019,
starting at the Transportation Plaza,
100 Broadway Terrace, at 8:00 a.m.
This event is hosted by Garland
County Circle of Friends and benefits
the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

The City of Hot Springs is applying for
an Entergy Arkansas grant that, if
awarded, would provide funding for
bank stabilization along the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail. This
photo shows the type of creek bank
damage that will be addressed. Parks
& Trails is partnering with Engineering
and Public Works on this grant
application.

The Urban Forestry Department
purchased two Bald Cypress and two
Water Oaks to place at Hill Wheatley
Park, 688 Majestic Lodge Road. The
trees, planted by Parks & Trails staff
on April 12, will provide needed shade
near picnic tables and the beach
area in the park as they grow.

Photo by: Brian Fisher

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Parks & Trails employees stand with
City Manager Bill Burrough and
members of the Garland County
Master Gardeners during the
dedication of a bench they donated.
The bench is placed near the end
of the newest section of the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail.

Landscape crews have been busy
around town changing out the
flowers in the city flowerbeds.
This beautiful photo, provided by
Landscape Superintendent Brian
Fisher, shows the Panola Series
Pansies that have been planted
across from Transportation Depot at
the corner of Broadway and
Broadway Terrace.

Parks & Trails Director Anthony Whit-
tington snapped this photo on one of
his recent trips to the Northwoods
Trails. What an absolutely gorgeous
shot of Lake Bethel in the sunlight.

May is National Bike Month! It’s a
great time to get out and discover the
beauty of Hot Springs, AR.

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Parks & Trails intern Landen Rossini is
pictured here with an unidentified volunteer
and Parks & Trails crew members Jeff Bairett
and Daryl Edwards working to install a flower-
bed at the new Sponsors Plaza along the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail. A dedication
has been set for Thursday, June 27, 2019 at
11:00 am. The public is welcome and encour-
aged to attend.
Jeff Bairett is pictured again cleaning the
historic fountain in front of the Regions Bank
at the intersection of Malvern Avenue, Con-
vention Blvd., and Broadway Street.

Bemis Tree Company installed two 8” caliber
Willow Oak trees in front of the Reverend
James Donald Rice Park, 511 Pleasant Street.
The park development is moving along swiftly
and the park dedication date has been set for
Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 11:00 am. The
public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Left-right: City Engineer, Gary
Carnahan, B&F Engineering
Representative, Holly Vetsch,
Parks & Trails Director,
Anthony Whittington, and
City Trails Coordinator,
Ken Freeman

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) presented the City of Hot
Springs and B&F Engineering with the 2018-2019 Engineering Excellence Honor
Award for the Happy Ole Troll Trail along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.
ACEC is the voice of America’s engineering industry. Council members-numbering
more than 5,000 firms representing more than 500,000 employees throughout the
country-are engaged in a wide range of engineering works that propel the nation’s
economy, and enhance and safeguard America’s quality of life. These works
allow Americans to drink clean water, enjoy a healthy life, take advantage of new
technologies, and travel safely and efficiently.
In other news! The Arkansas
Chapter of the American Public
Works Association (APWA) has
also honored the newest section
of the greenway with a Small
Project of the Year Award! It will
be accepted on May 9th during
the APWA Spring Conference.

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Recently, students and teachers from
Langston Magnet School were rewarded
with a day at the park. The school uses
Linden Park, 309 Linden Park Lane, each
year for their Day at the Park outing.

Parks & Trails’ policy allows schools to
reserve the park pavilions and use the
parks at no charge. April and May are
popular months for schools who are
rewarding students with a park day at the
end of the school year.

Park pavilions are available on a
first come, first served basis
unless reserved.

We post who has reserved each pavilion
every Monday-Sunday to alert the public.
The postings can be found in the
information kiosks next to the pavilions.

Teachers and school administrators are
encouraged to call 501-321-6871 or
email ([email protected]) the Parks &
Trails Administrative office with the
following information to reserve their time
in the park:
 school name,
 number of students,
 desired pavilion,
 date of reservation,
 start and end time of the reservation.

Please alert us if you plan to have
bounce houses, water slides, etc.

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Improve the quality of life in Hot Springs by providing
and modeling proper trail etiquette and safety as
well as assisting users in trail navigation.

A 30 minute information class where you will receive
a vest and supplies will take place on the second
Tuesday of each month, March-September.

To sign-up call Kathleen at 501-321-6871 or
email [email protected]. For more information about
the Trail Watch program and proper trail etiquette go
to www.cityhs.net and look under the Parks & Trails

Department for Trail Watch.

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BikeHotSprings.com is the place to
go online for information and maps
of not only the Northwoods Trails
but all trails in and around Hot
Springs, AR. From intermediate
to advanced, there is a trail for
everyone who wants to get outside
and walk, run, or ride the trails!

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Wanna howl at the moon with the Northwoods crew? Shred Valkyrie and Blue Jay by the light of the

full moon? Well, turns out, you’ll have 10 chances to join others on a monthly FULL MOON GROUP RIDE in the
Northwoods.

The ride will be a no drop beginner to intermediate group ride. The route will depend on the skill level of the
participants. Rides will be around an hour on the trails. Interested riders will meet at the trailhead at 6:00 and begin
the ride by 6:30. It will be dark by the time riders return to the trailhead.

All riders must have a mountain bike in working order, helmet, front white light, rear red Light, back-up light source,
and water to hydrate.

After the ride, participants will continue the fun with a little grillin' and some tunes. Bring a chair! Don’t miss the fun...
Come shred with us by the light of the moon!

Sponsored by: Superior Bathhouse Brewery, Spa City Cycling, Parkside Cycle and Visit Hot Springs!

Who: All mountain bikers/All skill levels
What: Full Moon Rides
Where: Northwoods, Waterworks Trailhead
When: 5:30 p.m.
COST: FREE
Why: Full moons are awesome and mountain bikes are too.

*Contingent on weather, Follow Northwoods Trails - Hot Springs Trail Conditions Facebook group for weather
updates leading up to each event!

Full Schedule of Series includes (based on Farmers' Almanac):
March 20 - Full Worm Moon
April 19 - Full Pink Moon
May 18 - Full Flower Moon
June 17 - Full Strawberry Moon
July 16 - Full Buck Moon
August 15 - Full Sturgeon Moon
September 14 - Full Harvest Moon
October 13 - Full Hunter’s Moon
November 12 - Full Beaver Moon
December 12 - Full Cold Moon

More and more Hot Springs residents and visitors are flocking to parks and trails for fitness and
fun! Whether you are on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail or a city park trail, it’s good to
follow these simple etiquette rules so everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the trails.
Be Safe
•Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle
•Use bicycle lights and reflectors after dusk/before dawn
•Wear bright or light colored clothing so you’re easily seen
•Be aware of your surroundings
•Carry a charged cell phone and proper identification
•Communicate to family and friends where you’re going
•Carry water
•Utilize the buddy system when possible
•Observe posted park rules and hours
•Keep an eye on children
•Travel at a safe speed
•Slow down on curves
•Do not ride on wet or muddy nature trails
•Dismount and walk you bike on steep nature trails to avoid locking your breaking or skidding
Stay to right and pass with care
•Always pass on the left
•Ring a bell or give clear, verbal warning to nearby trail users before passing
•Yield to oncoming traffic when passing
•Bikes yield to pedestrians
•Single file in groups
•Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails except motorized wheelchairs
Be Courteous
•Stay on the trails to protect vegetation and minimize erosion
•“Leave No Trace”- carry out what’s carried in
•Do not disturb wildlife
•Keep to the edge when stopped to allow others to pass
Be Responsible with pets
•Keep all pets on a short leash
•Pick-up pet waste

Park Name and Location Surface Type ADA Length

Baseball Trail Park - 1201 Whittington Ave Asphalt Yes 1/6 Mile
Yes 1/4 Mile
Chattanooga Park - 530 Chattanooga St Asphalt
1/5 Mile
Desoto Park - 1700 Park Ave Asphalt Yes
1/5 mile
Family Park - 215 Family Park Rd Asphalt Yes
1/4 Mile
Entergy Park - 530 Lakepark Dr Asphalt Yes 2/10 Mile
North Loop Trail Asphalt Yes 3/4 Mile
Wildlife Observation Trail
Natural Surface No 1/5 Mile
Water Tower Loop Trail
1/2 Mile
Lakefront Trail Natural Surface No 1/10 Mile
1/10 Mile
Fenceline Trail Natural Surface No 1/10 Mile
3/10 Mile
Eagle Scout Trail Natural Surface No 1 Mile
1/2 Mile
Playground Connector Trail Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile
Pavilion on the Point Asphalt No
Sunnybrook Connector Trail Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile
No 1/2 Mile
Hill Wheatley Park - 688 Majestic Lodge Rd Natural Surface 2/3 Mile
No 1/2 Mile
Hinsley Park - Kingsway and Meadowlake Natural Surface Yes 1/4 Mile
1/4 Mile
Wade Street Park - 300 Wade St Asphalt

Hot Springs Creek Greenway- Concrete Yes
Transportation Plaza Trail Asphalt Yes
Valley Street Creekwalk Concrete Yes
Jaycee Trail and Friendship Park Trail Asphalt Yes
Hollywood Trail Asphalt Yes
Blue Heron Trail
Asphalt Yes
Utility Service Center Trail

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Sign-up online! Cost is $10 for adults and children 11 & up.
Children 10 and under are free!

https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/HotSpringsNationalPark/Superhero2MileWalkRun