Parks & Trails June 2018 Newsletter

City of Hot Springs June 2018 Newsletter

Connie Larsen, David O’Brien, Bobby and Catherine
Bledsoe, and Lisa McKellar after the Du for the Parks
Duathlon Event on Sunday, May 27, 2018.

111 Opera Street  6/2
P.O. Box 700 National Trails Day

Hot Springs, AR 71902  6/5
Trail Watch Volunteer Training
Call: 501-321-6871 111 Opera Street, 5 PM (by appointment only)
Email: [email protected]
 6/12
Visit: www.cityhs.net Arts Advisory Committee,
111 Opera Street
Like us on Facebook: 12:00 pm
Hot Springs Parks & Trails
 6/14
Growing Healthy Flag Day
Communities-Hot Springs
 6/17
Father’s Day

 6/21
Parks & Trails Advisory Committee
111 Opera Street
5:00 pm

 6/21
GO SKATE DAY

 6/21
Summer Solstice

 6/28
Friends of the Parks, Chamber of Commerce
659 Ouachita Ave
11:30 am

 6/29
Jean Wallace Retirement Party
Board Chambers Room, 133 Convention Blvd.
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Drop in and wish her well!

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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 resdents
$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 (2) weeks prior to your event date. Postings in the information kiosks of each park
reflect who has a pavilion reserved and when each week (Monday - Sunday).

Please Remember…. The City of Hot Springs
Motorized Vehicles Noise Ordinance is
are NOT allowed on Trails.
enforced from 10:00 PM
For your protection please be aware of the to 7:00 AM in all city parks.
presence of FIRE ANTS. Although treated on a
regular basis, fire ants are particularly prone to Fireworks are NOT
be active in parks and especially after a rain allowed in any
shower. Please be alert!
of the City Parks.
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Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe and Smokey the Bear were
on hand to celebrate Arbor Day at Entergy Park, 530
Lakepark Drive, on April 27, 2018. Urban Forester Anthony
Whittington and Parks & Trails Director Jean Wallace joined
in the fun with 5th graders from Hot Springs School District.

Parks & Trails hosts this event each year to fulfill one of the
requirements of the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree
City USA program. Hot Springs has qualified as a Tree City
since 2000.

Mayor McCabe welcomed the crowd of
approximately 250 students, presented
Whittington with an Arbor Day Proclamation and
entertained the children with some little-known facts
about trees.

The students then broke into groups and rotated
through 12 educational stations set up by local
agencies and businesses sharing topics ranging
from recycling, litter prevention, water and boat
safety, compost, clean water, and urban forestry.
The program finished with the students assisting
Parks & Trails employees plant a tree at the park.
We appreciate everyone who helped make this
event a success: Co-sponsor City Plumbing; Hot
Springs Fireman Ty Farris who staffed the First Aid
tent; AR Forestry Commission and Regine Skelton
for bringing Smokey; AR Game & Fish Commission;
Lake Catherine State Park; Hot Springs Urban
Forestry, Stormwater, and Compost; AR Dept. of
Environmental Quality; US Army Corps of
Engineers; Entergy, AR; West Tree Service; and
Recycling Educator Jessica Botte.

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Bruce Wood of Sherwood, Chenin Doiron of
Arkansas won the 2018 Sherwood, Arkansas
Arkansas State Duathlon won the 2018 Arkansas
Championship, Male State Duathlon
Division Championship, Female
Division. She also won
the overall female
division in the regular
Du for the Parks event.

Noah James of Tulsa, Oklahoma ran in the
Kid-Du when he was just 8 years old and
placed third in his age division in 2007. He
came back to win first place overall male
division in the 2018 Du for the Parks with a
time of one hour, two minutes, and three
seconds. Noah’s Grandfather told Race
Director Ken Freeman about running in the
Kid-Du so Freeman looked back to find the
recorded results from that year (see
above). “We love to see a legacy of ’Doing
the Du’ and it’s really something special to
see Noah come back and win,” he said.
Congratulations Noah from all of us in Hot
Springs!

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Steve Winkel of Memphis, TN
came in first place overall in
the DU IT 2 IT event and also
won the male division.

Jessica Soroka of Hot
Springs, AR came in first
place, female division in the
DU IT 2 IT and third place
overall.

This challenging event
includes an additional bike
and run route for a total of 24
miles of cycling and 6 miles of
running. They both finished in
just over two hours. WOW!!!

Jessica Soroka emailed race director Ken Freeman after the event to thank him. She said, “The
volunteers are fantastic, the course is well-marked, and the road crossings are very protected. I
had a great time!” It’s always nice to get great feedback and he appreciated her taking the time
to let him know.

Soroka, a 39 year old US Forest Service employee for the Ouachita National Forest, completed
in the USAT Duathlon National Championships, Sprint Duathlon event on April 8th of this year in
Greenville, South Carolina and placed 5th in her age group. That earned her a spot on the Na-
tional Team to compete at the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Fyn, Denmark in July.
Congratulations to Jessica for all of her duathlon successes so far in 2018! Parks & Trails staff,
Friends of the Parks, and everyone in Hot Springs wish her well in Denmark!

Mother and daughter female team
Catherine and Kaitlyn Bledsoe from
Hot Springs, AR (L) receiving their
awards.

Second place Female team Lorri
Saracini and Tracy Freeman from Hot
Springs (R) receive their awards from
volunteer and friend Darin Sanders.

Emily Hartman and Charles Sanders of
Little Rock, AR were the first place
mixed team winners.
2nd place: Megan Jernigan and Paul
Grove of Rogers, AR
3rd place: Leslie Reilly of New Orleans
and Jack Riley of Fayetteville, AR
(Team In-law)
4th place: Colin and Ann Geurity of
Fayetteville, AR

9 year old Liam Williams
came in first place overall
and first in the male division!
This is the second year in a
row Liam has won. GREAT
JOB!

Katelyn Davis of Colorado
Springs, CO came in first in
the female division and fourth
overall. Nice job!

Isaiah Reilly and his dad Jack wait
to have body markings applied to
their arms and legs. Isaiah came
in second overall.

Ethan Paul who came in third
overall was all smiles after
crossing the finish line!

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Local non-profit Friends of the Parks hosts the event each year and couldn’t do it without the
help of many volunteers who willingly give of their time and talents to make it all happen!
From registration to food prep an army of more than 75 volunteers helped race participants
to feel safe, secure, and well informed before, during, and after the event.
All proceeds for the Du for the Parks event go toward completing the Hot Springs Creek
Greenway Trail. The planned 4.2 mile trail will eventually end where the creek spills into
Lake Hamilton. Parks & Trails appreciates each and every one who participated whether
volunteering or racing. You are all HERO’s!

Trails In Your City Parks

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
Yes 1/2 Mile
Playground Connector Trail Asphalt No 1/4 Mile
Pavilion on the Point Asphalt Yes
Sunnybrook Connector Trail Asphalt No 1/4 Mile
1/2 Mile
Hill Wheatley Park - 688 Majestic Lodge Rd Natural Surface No 2/3 Mile
Yes 1/2 Mile
Hinsley Park - Kingsway and Meadowlake Natural Surface 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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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

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Hot Springs Arts Advisory
Committee and Parks & Trails
hosted a sculpture and butterfly
garden dedication on the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail
Thursday, May 10, 2018.

The Indian and Maiden
sculpture by John Mark Baker
of Baker’s Fabrication and
Welding in Glenwood,
Arkansas was dedicated in
honor of his parents. Mr. Baker
fashioned the piece with them in mind and spoke lovingly of their marriage and of
parenting him and his siblings. A poem written by his sister is on the plaque.
Pictured above is John Mark with his mother, wife, Nikki and their children.

The Monarch Butterfly Garden was
also dedicated along with three
beautiful butterfly sculptures
created by Lee Fields and Laura
Blue Waters of Tri-lakes
Ornamental Ironworks in Hot
Springs.

The Arkansas Master Naturalists-
Diamond Lakes Chapter and the
Garland County Master Gardeners
helped build, plant, and irrigate the
garden last year. Parks & Trails is
grateful to all who attended and to
all who continue to help us create
beautiful spaces in Hot Springs.

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Members of the Arkansas Master Naturalists - Diamond Lakes stand at
the Monarch Butterfly Garden with Parks & Trails Director Jean Wallace
at the dedication.

Jean Wallace speaks to the crowd gathered for the dedication. The but-
terfly garden and another new sculpture, “The Bird Feeder” are in the
background.

Garland County Master Gardeners spent a day at
Entergy Park clearing weeds, adding new plants to
the North Loop garden, and cleaning up around the
Entergy Park entry sign. The MG’s also maintain
flowerbeds at Malvern and Grand Avenue, the
Farmers Market, the Xeriscape Garden on the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail, and assist the Parks
& Trails crews with the beautiful hanging baskets
that grace downtown Hot Springs. We are grateful
to these hardworking volunteers for their
commitment to beautification!

At the recommendation of the
City’s Complete Streets Team,
Parks & Trails staff recently
installed new bicycle racks in the
downtown area along Ouachita
Avenue. This installation is
another example of Hot Springs’
commitment to a walkable and
bikeable downtown.

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Parks & Trails crew installed new information kiosks
at Desoto, Hollywood, and Linden Parks during the
month of May. The kiosks are a great way to find out
what’s happening each month such as holidays,
special programs and events, and department
contact information. Most importantly, this is where
you find the weekly reservation postings that tell you
who has rented the park pavilion and when.

ADA improvements have been made at
Chattanooga Park, 530 Chattanooga Street.
Connections to the playground and the covered
pavilion were installed. Also, a new concrete
foundation was poured for the grill.

Welcome William Watts of Hot Springs!
He is our newest Trail Watch Volunteer
and loves to hike and bike the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail. He also
enjoys meeting new people and
helping others maximize their city park
experience. If you see William on the
trail give him a smile and a wave!

David F. Watkins Memorial Tunnel Park, 811 Park Avenue, is pretty bare bones at
the moment. A partial amphitheater and some bike racks are in place but the plans
for this space will set your imagination in high gear. And that is what has catapulted
a massive fundraising campaign led by the Park Avenue Community Association. To
date, fundraising partners include local businesses, civic organizations, non-profits
and community-minded individuals. The fundraising goal is to provide a cash match
for a 2019 Outdoor Recreation Grant that will double our funds. In addition to local
fundraising efforts, city departments contributing towards the match include Parks &
Trails, Public Works’ Stormwater and Urban Forestry divisions, and Planning &
Development’s CDBG program. To donate to this special park send you check or

money order to: FOBC/Watkins Park
Fund, C/O Dave Reagan (Treasurer),
PO Box 894, HS AR 71901.

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A 30 minute information class is available 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.

Lightning Safety Week is always the fourth week in June. Knowing lightning
safety tips can safe your life and the lives of others. Here are some
excellent tips for you to follow when lightning is in your area.

1) Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle.
2) If you can’t get indoors, avoid open fields or hilltops and ridges, stay away

from tall objects, such as poles or lone trees, and get out of the water,
lakes and/or pools.
3) If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to get struck by lightning! It
can travel up to 5-10 miles (8-16 kilometers) from a storm.
4) While indoors, refrain from using corded electrical devices, avoid running
water, including baths and showers, and also avoid windows.
5) Stay in shelter until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

Don’t count on the odds, a million to one or 10,000 to one, the important
thing to remember is to not be THE ONE!

Congratulations to the 2018 Spring
League Regular Season Champions
Hitmen. They defeated some stiff com-
petition ending the season with a spec-
tacular 12-0 record. They will try to
continue their perfect season next
week in the Playoffs!
The regular season MVP of the 2018
Spring League is Wesley Hoover.
Wesley was a huge part of the 12-0
regular season for the Hitmen.
Congrats Wesley!

Congratulations to the 2018 Men’s
Slowpitch Spring Upper League
Champions Willis and Son Roofing.
They defeated K & P in 2 hard fought
games to claim the upper league title.

Tournament MVP Tyler Thomas was a
spark plug for his team offensively
and made some great plays in the
outfield to help Willis and Son Roofing
win the championship. Congrats Tyler!

Congratulations to Mass Destruction/
Vulcan Bat Grips/Ritter Wholesale for
winning the 2018 Men’s Slowpitch
Spring Lower League championship!

Josh Ritter was the MVP of the
tournament for Mass Destruction. Josh
hit a walkoff 2 run homerun to win the
lower league championship, as well as
a great diving play in game 1 of the
night. Congrats Josh!

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Congratulations to 8U division team

Gigerich Electrical, Inc. Thunder on their

perfect 16-0 regular season record.

Nice work Thunder!

Congratulations to 10U division team
Spa City Shockers on an undefeated
regular season! The Shockers claimed
their regular season championship with
a perfect 10-0 record. Well done
Shockers!

Congratulations to the 14U division
Southern Gals on their perfect season!
Great Job Gals!

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Although, not yet open to the public, Cora Easterday of
Visit Hot Springs recently got a chance to take a ride at
the Northwoods Urban Wilderness Park with Josh
Olson and Randy Spangler, Trail Builders with the Inter-
national Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Lucky
for us local photographer Aaron Brewer was on hand to
snap some fantastic photos and allow us a little peek.
This 2,000-acre tract of unspoiled woodlands owned by
the City of Hot Springs is located north and west of
historic downtown. A beautiful, old-growth forest
surrounds lakes Sanderson, Dillon, and Bethel and the
pristine area will eventually become an international
mountain biking mecca.
Visit Hot Springs began work on the trails last
year after funds were matched with a
generous donation from the Walton Family
Foundation. IMBA is currently constructing
Phase I of a multi-phase trail system that will
connect to Cedar Glades park and beyond.
Phase I is expected to open to the public later
this year.
For more information call Visit Hot Springs at
501-321-2027. And to find more great trail
systems in and around Hot Springs visit
www.hotsprings.org/pages/bike-hot-springs.
*All photos provided by Aaron Brewer Photography

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To volunteer on a Growing Healthy Hot Springs
committees contact one of the committee chairs below.

Community Gardens:

Jodie Sprague - President of the HS Area CG Network
Phone: 501-802-3469
Email: [email protected]
Dave Reagan - Volunteer, Park Haven CG
Phone: 501-538-8283
Email: [email protected]

Walkability:

Jean Wallace - Director, City of Hot Springs Parks & Trails
Phone: 501-321-6870
Email: [email protected]

Nutrition Education:

Alisha Chatman, Levi Hospital, Director of Community Health
Phone: 501-622-3325
Email: [email protected]

Worksite Wellness:

Minnie Lenox - Director, City of Hot Springs Human Resources
Phone: 501-321-6840
Email: [email protected]

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