Proposed 2040 Hot Springs Forward Hot Springs Comprehensive Plan

HS2040:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

July 2020

DRAFT

Publication Date:
May 2020

Prepared for:

prepared by:

DRAFT

CONTENTS

City Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Envision Hot Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
To Become a Greater City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Planned for a Bright Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Our Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A City Within Nature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Neighborhood Reactivation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Infrastructure that Moves Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
A City that Delivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Be Historic and Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
An Economy of Our Making . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Urban Framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Focal Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Trail Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Streetscape Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Future Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

3

DRAFT

Bathhouse Row and the Arlington Hotel beyond.
4

DRAFT

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mayor Comprehensive Plan Early Focus Groups

Pat McCabe, Mayor Andy Peveto John Hopkins

Board of Directors Brian Gehrki Keith Jones

Erin Holliday, Director, District 1 Bryan Smith Keith Jones
Elaine Jones, Director, District 2
Becca Clark, Director, District 3 Charles Smith Kwendeche, FAIA
Carroll Weatherford, Director, District 4
Karen Garcia, Director, District 5 Cheryl L. Batts Larry Raney
Randy Fale, Director, District 6
Chris Polychron Laura Miller
City Administration
Clyde Covington Liz Robbins
Bill Burrough, City Manager
Lance Spicer, Deputy City Manager Darryl Mahoney, Judge Lynn Blankenship
Kevin Brownlee, Deputy City Manager
Dick Antoine Mark Scott
Planning Commission
Doug Ross, Dr. Michelle Sestili
Tricia Michelle Baker, District 1
LeDante Walker, District 2 Elmer Beard Richard McGrew
Joe Goslee, Jr., District 3
Brian White, District 4 Emmily Tiampati Sallie Culbreth
Wayne Thomason, District 5
Mike Dugan, District 6 Gary Troutman Scott Green
Rick Ramick, At Large
Hillarie Dzianott, County Jack Fields, Ft. Lake Mayor Shawn Cook
James Bart Newman, Alternate 1
Karie Hobby, Alternate 2 Jean Wallace Steve Arrison
Baker Jackson Gold-Smith, Alternate 3
Jeff Stamps Tracie F. Taylor

Joe Brewer Tricia Horn

John Hogan

Planning Consultant - Design Workshop

Kurt Culbertson, Principal-in-Charge
Glenn Walters, Lead Planner
Eric Leshinsky, Project Manager

Planning and Development Department

Kathy Sellman, AICP, Planning and Development Director
Rick Stauder, AICP, Planning Manager
Dawn Sweet-Dobbs, Planner
Robin Wise, Planning and Zoning Inspector

Comprehensive Plan 5

DRAFT

Envision Hot Springs Participants Hal Koppel Rebecca Peterman
Harmony Morrissey Regine Skelton
Aaron Street Hilarie Dzianott Renee Westfall
Adam Moore, Briana Moore & Family Ira Kleinman Rick Stauder
Alan Sims Jamaal Hollinshed Robin Wise
Alix Stafford James C. Lowery Sadie Stamps
Angie Ezekiel James Montgomery Sandler Moore
Anne Guthrie Janet McAdams Sharon Tremor
Anne Quinn Janie Smith Sherry Salvatore
Anthony Whittington Jason Akins Stephanie Blackwater
Barbara Dueschle Jason Stachey Stephanie Nehus
Bart Stafford Jean Lacefield Stephanie Rainwater
Becca Clark Joe Goslee Terrance Scott
Becca Ohman Jordan Johnson Thomas Anderson
Bernadette Davis Karen Garcia Tommy Burrow
Bill Burrough Karie Hobby Tony Dzianott
Brian Albright Katie Yamauchi Tony Peterman
Brian White Ken Freeman Trent Young
Candace Young LaDante Walker Warren Johnson
Carol Scholp Lance Spicer Wayne Thomason
Carroll Weatherford LanMatt McKee William Allen
Charles Smith Larry Raney William Watkins
Cheryl Johnson-Taylor Lavenia Hicks Willie Wade
Cheryl Smitherman Lillie Alexis & Charles Smith Woodie Lee Davis
Cole McCaskill Linda Franklin
Cuba Cheatham Lori Grimm
Dawn Sweet-Dobbs Marcia Dobbs-Smith
DeAngelo Hicks Margaret Burrow
Denny McPhate Marilyn Bates
Dimitrios Perros Mark Toth
Don & Suzanne Nadermann Matthew Sarver
Dorethea Yates Michelle Ratcliff
Ed Davis Mike Scott
Elaine Jones Moman Bates
Erin Holliday Monty Ledbetter
Esther Dixon Nan Cameron
Fil Griggs Odell Taylor
Forrest Spicher Pat McCabe, Hot Springs Mayor
G Lowery Phillip L. McAdams
Gary Carnahan Randy Atkinson
Glenda Lee Perry Randy Fale
Glenn Smitherman
Gregory Andrews

6

DRAFT

Hot Springs residents participating in the planning process.
7

DRAFT

Hot Springs residents participating in the planning process.
8

DRAFT

HS2040: FORWARD HOT SPRINGS
A Living Document for A Bright Future

In 2019, the City of Hot Springs, Arkansas with its Consultant team
initiated a community-oriented effort to update HS2030, the City’s
Comprehensive Plan. Forward Hot Springs will be the City’s play book
for long-term success, outlining achievable strategies and action items
to guide city leaders as they make decisions that will impact Hot Springs
residents over the next 20 years.

What Is a Comprehensive Plan? What Does It Include?

A Comprehensive Plan is a formal planning document, Forward Hot Springs Comprehensive Plan includes
adopted by resolution to provide aspirational and stra- goals, strategies, focal area plans, and implementation
tegic continuity across time and to support successive measures that reflect the Envision Hot Springs commu-
public bodies with a shared community vision. nity-driven process that created the Plan.

A Comprehensive Plan establishes the framework to The Plan is a starting point – where vision is articulated,
focus future public and private investments. It also de- and implementation is identified. It lays the framework
scribes the actions that are needed to realize its com- for future action but purposefully does not resolve all
munity-derived vision. Because a Comprehensive Plan these goals, plans, and measures The Plan itself iden-
is developed through a citizen-driven process, it creates tifies and coherently describes what further work must
political and societal accountability for its success. be done by the community to realize an agreed-upon
vision.
Critical Goals of the Plan
How To Use It
• Integrate existing plans and initiatives into a
As the City’s playbook for success, this document con-
community-wide vision for the future. sists of written recommendations supported by maps,
definitions and action items to guide City leaders in
• Create a resource to inform policy decisions. making decisions that will impact Hot Springs over the
• Set priorities and responsibilities. next 20 years.
• Outline specific goals and strategies to achieve the

vision..

• Align Strategic Plans, Capital Improvement Plans

(CIP), Budgets, and Department Action Plans.

• Guide staff and leadership in initiating tasks and

making decisions..

Why Is It Needed?

To reap the rewards of its ongoing success and to build
a city that attracts people to live, create, do business
and recreate here.

9

credit: Nicolas Henderson

DRAFT

CITY VISION

11

DRAFT

ENVISION HOT SPRINGS

Forward Hot Springs began with Envision HOT SPRINGS IS: “In need of
Hot Springs, a deliberate and tailored public REAL internet”
engagement effort that included numerous “A City-in-Progress”
opportunities for city residents, staff, and
stakeholders to participate in the planning “Full of Potential”
process throughout the project timeline. These
engagement activities included: HOT SPRINGS BECOMES:

• Interactive citywide workshops at four key “A model of “A destination
thoughtful and for upscale
milestones within the planning process intentional growth, tourism”
change and success”
• Targeted workshops with residents and
“A Downtown
stakeholders of the Gateway District and area booming
Four Corners neighborhoods with housing
opportunities ”
• Two online opinion surveys
• Interviews with nearly two dozen key Input received from participants in the
project’s first citywide community workshop
stakeholders

• Focus groups representing key issues

A number of specific priority issues emerged
out of this process, which ultimately guided
the development of the Forward Hot Springs’
core goals, key elements and recommended
actions.

12

DRAFT

Key Takeaways from the Community Surveys:

85% of respondents selected Hot Springs’ image is
best exemplified by:
Neighborhood Revitalization
Access to
as one of their top 3 ‘topics’ for the Nature and
Comprehensive Plan to address. Outdoors

When asked to name the least- When asked about top priorities
positive aspects of Hot Springs for land use planning and policy,
quality of life, respondents listed respondents listed:
as top concerns:
Focus on Downtown
Employment Redevelopment
Opportunities

and Focus on Neighborhood
Revitalization
Traffic/Limited Protect and
Transportation Preserve the Natural
Environment
Options

As it relates to improving Safer walking / biking
Downtown, respondents connections to Downtown

wanted these THREE Better maintenance of
things the most: public space

More shops, restaurants, and
entertainment

13

DRAFT

TO BECOME A GREATER CITY

The citizens have asked for this Comprehen- Our Economy
sive Plan to expand upon the success Hot
Springs is already enjoying to become an even Five focus areas were chosen for expanding
greater and more sustainable city. Hot Springs’ economy:

Great and sustainable cities exemplify • Neighborhood revitalization
strengths and balance within the realms of • Technical skills training
culture, environment, economy and communi- • Higher education
ty. Community workshops focused on priorities • Elevating / expanding recreation tourism
within these essential realms. • Entrepreneurship support and events

Our Culture Our Community

Five qualities were chosen for which Hot Five strategies were created to revitalize critical
Springs should strive: neighborhoods that are in need:

• More forward-looking • Property maintenance
• Entrepreneurial • Image / perception
• Diverse • Crime prevention
• Hip • Making streets safer with sidewalks and
• Artsy
additional urban landscape (street trees)
Our Environment
• Providing community amenities and
Five priorities were chosen to protect the natu-
ral environment: services

• Rivers, creeks and stream corridors By 2040, Hot Springs will
• The urban forest and tree canopy achieve its mission and
• Geothermal areas become a more forward
• The 100-year flood plain looking and diverse city.
• The night sky Its best and brightest have
chosen to return to live here
and contribute to its success.

14

DRAFT

Central Avenue in Downtown Hot Springs
15

DRAFT

Planned for a Bright Future

A great and sustainable
city that capitalizes on
its unique economy,
culture, environment
and character to support
healthy neighborhoods
and prosperous citizens.

Transformative Themes: 270

Outlined on the following pages OUACHITA
are six themes derived from the NATIONAL FOREST
community process. Together they
will enable Hot Springs to realize 1 Maximize urban environment
its vision and mission:
• A City in Nature 2 Adapt and transform into
• Historic and Happening walkable commercial center
• Neighborhoods Reactivated
• An Economy of our Making 3 Envision new walkable
• Infrastructure that Moves Us commercial center
• A City that Delivers
A Assist revitalization / rebirth
16
B Anticipate and plan for
revitalization

C Nurture smart growth
and development

D Protect rural qualities at
edges of city

E Maintain success and
ensure water quality

Urban Streets
Greenways
City Limits
Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park

DRAFT

Several transformative goals combine to
enable Hot Springs to become an even greater
city.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

F

MAGIC UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS C
AVE PARK
NATIONAL PARK
COLLEGE 1 D
3
E W GRAND AVE
70
HOT SPRINGS 3 A SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
FUTURE RAIL TRAIL 3 GULPHA CREEK
ALBERT PIKE RD T OKES 70
CENTRAL AVE OAKLAWN MALVERN AVE
2 HOT SPRINGS C R EE 270
HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY
CREEK B C

AIRPORT RD S

AIRPORT

CC HOT SPRINGS 3
2 GOLF AND
COUNTRY CLUB
MEDICAL
270 CENTER K

OUAC E HIGDON FERRY RD 7 270
CARPENTER DAM RD
HITA RIVER

7 D

LAKE HAMILTON CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA
GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

E

17

DRAFT

OUR VISION

HS 2040: Forward Hot Springs Surrounding downtown are thriving and livable
– A Comprehensive Plan For neighborhoods that have new vibrancy with
Hot Springs, Arkansas is the diverse people of all age groups.
result of engaged citizens and
stakeholders contributing to Our neighborhoods include parks, sidewalks,
a vision that will enable Hot housing of varying types and affordability, great
Springs to shine even brighter schools and places to gather all within walking
over the next 20 years with distances.
shared commitment, focus, and
hard work. We live in a variety of houses, from apartments,
townhouses, small houses and estates, with a wide
The following narrative, derived range of affordability, options and character.
from dialogue with the community,
outlines a future vision for Hot Local businesses celebrate the character and
Springs: culture of the neighborhood.

We hunt, fish, hike, boat and enjoy our pristine
lakes, forests and surrounding mountains.

Outdoor recreation enhances our economy and
causes us to protect our natural resources.

We are connected to nature through a Green
Network that provides connectivity between the
mountains and the lakes.

Trails connect to regional and statewide trails and
make us the hub of biking and hiking in Arkansas.

Our history and culture are reflected in our
preserved downtown that offers a variety of living,
shopping and work options.

18

DRAFT

A calendar of music festivals and other events Sidewalks, greenways, and bike lanes get us where
offer regular entertainment options. we want to go safely and keep us active and
healthy.
Art, craft, culture and music shape new
developments and our public spaces. Our city services are efficient and distributed
throughout all our neighborhoods.
Our population is growing with talented people,
both home grown and new, that are transforming We are healthy. We bike and walk to parks, open
our economy and giving the city new energy. spaces, healthy food options, health care, social
services, school and recreation centers.
Businesses of all types grow in Hot Springs,
offering a wide range of career opportunities to our We work collaboratively throughout the
citizens. region to elevate our potential, share in our
resources, protect our environment, and channel
Plentiful educational options, workforce development to areas well-suited for it.
development, access to capital, economic
incentives, and a culture that values homegrown Our shared commitment increases the value of
businesses make our economy strong. our community and protects our quality of life and
long-term economic sustainability.
Our historic buildings are home to eclectic
businesses (and residents!) that reflect the historic In 2040, Hot Springs
and happening character of the city. exemplifies the vision
desired by its citizens. It has
We have broadband connectivity that makes living established itself as a mecca
and working in Hot Springs even easier. for outdoor recreation and
boasts a diverse economy
Whether you drive a car, take the bus, ride a bike that is accessible to its
or walk, getting around Hot Springs is easy. citizens. It offers a high quality
of life in thriving walkable
We can live in Hot Springs’ downtown neighborhoods.
neighborhoods without a car and enjoy economic,
academic, and social success.

19

DRAFT

A City Within Nature

A city-wide green
infrastructure and open
space network preserves
our vital natural features
and links the city to the
lakes and National Park.

270

When choosing a new OUACHITA
business location, small NATIONAL FOREST
businesses rank the
amount of open space GREENWAYS
and proximity to parks Existing and Proposed
and recreation as the On-Street and O -Street Trails
number-one priority in site Proposed Rail-Trail Conversion
selection.
GREEN CORRIDORS
Source: The Trust for Public Land: Existing and Proposed
“Economic Benefits of Open Space” On-Street and O -Street Trails
Roadways
20
SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
Existing and Proposed
On-Street and O -Street Trails
Blueway Paddle Trail

Greenway In uence Area
Trailhead Center
City Limits
Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park and City Park

DRAFT

Greenway, blueway and rail trail links establish
a comprehensive city-wide system.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

F

MAGIC UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS
AVE PARK
NATIONAL PARK
COLLEGE

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 70
NATIONAL PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
TO LITTLE ROCK
ALBERT PIKE RD 70

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK 270
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

21

DRAFT

Hot Springs Creek Greenway
22

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

The economic value of natural features, trails, boating, fishing, hunting
and other outdoors activities has benefited Hot Springs for decades.

Promoting biking, walking and outdoor activities in all of its forms can
provide the city with increased exposure, tourism, events, and residents,
while raising the quality of life for its citizens and protecting its unique
environmental assets.

KEY ELEMENTS • Recognizing the value and importance of the

• Preservation of our natural environment, with city’s tree canopy and its natural and urban
forest.
protected natural open spaces that link the
mountain to the lakes. • Examination of the impact of light pollution on

• Expansion of the city’s greenway system, based the visibility of the night sky.

on current plans, to connect the mountains to • Ensuring that the city’s waterways are protected
the lakes and across the city.
with storm water quality standards that follow
• Linking greenways, that include trails, to the best practices.

city’s neighborhoods with sidewalks, trails • Recognition of the acceptability and viability of
and bike lanes - expanding their desirability,
economic potential, and livability. conservation tools that protect valuable open
space and agricultural lands.
• Weaving environmental stewardship into the
• Leveraging the economic potential of Hot
planning, design and engineering of new
developments, protecting our unique natural Springs through promotion and marketing of
environment, which is important to our lifestyle our connections to nature and the outdoors.
and economic success.
• Regional collaboration on essential
• Including the impact of development as part
development standards that protect the natural
of new development planning, particularly in environment
areas adjacent to greenways, waterways and
protected open spaces.

23

DRAFT

Neighborhood Reactivation

Reactivated, where
infrastructure exists,
will support population
growth, diversify
demographics, and
promote economic
development.  

270

A Transportation for OUACHITA
America survey shows NATIONAL FOREST
that 80 percent of 18-
to 34-year-olds want Residential Types
to live in walkable
neighborhoods. MAJOR Downtown Core
INVESTMENT
Source: Urban Land Institute:
“Sustainability/houston-economic- need toIn-Town Neighborhood
case - walkability when choosing a new Near-Town Neighborhood
business location, small businesses rank moveTraditional Suburbs
the amount of open space and proximity Rural Low Density
to parks and recreation as the number- legendMAINTAIN
one priority in site selection”.
SUCCESS
Lake and Amenity Communities

City Limits
Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park

24

DRAFT

The neighborhoods that surround
downtown have the highest need for
revitalization and should be focused on first.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

MAGIC F UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS 70
AVE PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
COLLEGE 70

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 270
NATIONAL PARK

ALBERT PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

25

DRAFT

Park Avenue in Uptown Hot Springs
26

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

Revitalizing the neighborhoods that surround downtown will energize
them with new residents, economic opportunities, renewed spirit, art
and culture.

Focusing development and redevelopment within these neighborhoods
can lower the service cost per home because of diverse land uses,
existing infrastructure, compactness and higher densities.

Once revitalized, these neighborhoods will enhance the image of the
city. Also, the people that have called these neighborhoods home for
generations will better participate in Hot Springs’ prosperity and quality
of life.

KEY ELEMENTS • Optimize time and predictability through

• Engage residents in the neighborhood building permits and development review.

revitalization process. • Maximize effectiveness through City-approved

• Collaborate with neighborhood associations, house and redevelopment plans executed by
qualified builders and developers.
grassroots efforts, programs and groups.
• Ensure consistency between plans for the
• Celebrate the revitalization process through
redevelopment of the neighborhoods and the
community-supported events. vision of the community.

• Validate market potential and affordability of • Maintain enforcement strategies that result in

neighborhoods undergoing revitalization. functioning and healthy neighborhoods.

• Enact programs focused on making home • Make neighborhoods more marketable through

ownership more affordable, more accessible neighborhood beautification, such as signage,
and more efficient for the majority of Hot art and landscaping.
Springs residents.
• Reinforce high levels of collaboration and
• Accelerate home building through strategic
connection between residents and the police
grassroots efforts. force.

• Use land trusts to purchase vacant lots and

position them for redevelopment.

27

DRAFT

Infrastructure that Moves Us

A city with modern,
well-maintained, cost-
effective infrastructure
balances the needs of
people, businesses and
the environment, as well
as the needs of bicyclists
and pedestrians with the
needs of cars.

270

Natural assets, such as OUACHITA
our tree canopy, make NATIONAL FOREST
Hot Springs livable and
healthy. People shop Priority Streets for Upgrades to
longer and pay more Pedestrian-friendly Mutimodal Street Design
per item in tree lined Urban Threshold
shopping districts.
need toRegional Transit Hub
Taken city-wide, our moveIntercity Transit Corridor
tree canopy provides
annual storm¬water Existing Bus Route
interception of 986 million
to 1.23 billion gallons legendBroadband Access
which equates to 7 to 9
million dollars in benefits Urban Corridor In uence Area
of not having to build City Limits
28 stormwater facilities. Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park

DRAFT

The major roadways that enter Hot Springs can become
more walkable and bikeable, with urban amenities. Transit
can one day link Hot Springs to Little Rock.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

MAGIC F UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS 70
AVE PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
COLLEGE 70

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 270
NATIONAL PARK

ALBERT PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

29

DRAFT

Pedestrian crossing at Hollywood Avenue
30

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

Well-maintained and highly-functioning infrastructure helps the image,
livability and character of the city.

Becoming more walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly helps keep and
attract younger residents. Considering broadband, maintaining high-
quality water and sewer service and reducing the cost of development
also improves the city.

KEY ELEMENTS • Institute right-sized parking requirements and

• Redevelop key streets within the city into innovative parking management strategies to
improve parking downtown and across the city.
“complete streets”.
• Develop bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, greenways
• Link complete streets with neighborhood
and rail trails to enhance walking and bicycling
revitalization plans and green network plans, within neighborhoods and across the city.
focused on the in-town neighborhoods, in order
to maximize value and impact. • Provide water and sewer service that meets

• Continue maintenance of best practices for growth and development demands.

water quality, water conservation and storm • Accommodate traffic demand while ensuring
water management to protect important natural
resources that create economy for the city. the city’s major roadways are safe and
multimodal.
• Include ultra-high-speed internet in the
• Weave environmental stewardship into the
city’s infrastructure to provide access for
residents, new industries, their employees and design of the city’s infrastructure.
telecommuters.
• Expand fixed-route and flexible public transit

to reduce dependence on automobiles and
parking supply.

31

DRAFT

A City that Delivers

A city where each
neighborhood has
access to community
services, healthy food,
parks, education and
investments.

270

Lack of transportation to OUACHITA
grocery stores presents a NATIONAL FOREST
serious problem for many
people. The lowest vehicle Equity Service Gap Area
ownership occurs among School Property
low-income people, Public Open Space
further exacerbating the
challenges to accessing need toPrivate Open Space
healthy food in low-
income communities. 1/2 Mile Walk Radius

Source: The Food Trust: moveSchool Districts
“access-to-healthy-food.original.pdf” legendFountain Lake

32 Hot Springs
Lake Hamilton
Lakeside

City Limits
Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
NationalPark

DRAFT

Areas of the city are not yet adequately served
with basic services such as schools, parks,
access to healthy food and public open space.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

MAGIC F UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS 70
AVE PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
COLLEGE 70

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 270
NATIONAL PARK

ALBERT PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

33

DRAFT

Mayor Pat McCabe and Board member Elaine Jones at the opening Rev. Donald Rice Park
34

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

Equitable investment and distribution of City services supports ongoing
neighborhood revitalization efforts and makes them more attractive
places for incoming residents and financial investors. Hot Springs can
become a leader in enabling and promoting a healthier, safer and more
accessible city for all people.

KEY ELEMENTS

• Use of best practices by Basic City services and • Adequate sports fields, recreation programs

assurance that they are accessible City-wide. and facilities are located to best serve the city’s
neighborhoods.
• Development of city services coordinated with
• Providing infrastructure and programs to improve
neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment
plans. general health and wellness.

• Addressing the transportation needs of our low- • Neighborhoods’ access to healthy food choices

income, disabled and older population for items either through proximity or transit.
such as services, healthcare, shopping and housing.
• Supporting the homeless through programs,
• Balance in the quality of schools across the city,
support systems and services.
especially in the in-town neighborhoods.

• Locating accessible, well maintained and

programmed parks and open spaces within walking
and biking distance from homes, while also ensuring
they meet National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) standards.

35

DRAFT

Be Historic and Happening

A city infused with art,
cultural expression,
entertainment and
history, woven seamlessly
into its quality of life,
appearance, image and
branding.

The Travel Industry 270
Association of America
study results show OUACHITA
that two-thirds (65%) of NATIONAL FOREST
American adult travelers
say they included a Cultural Corridors
cultural, arts, heritage, or Cultural Hub
historic activity or event Historic District
while on a trip of 50 miles
or more, one-way, in the Cultural Assets
past year. This equates Museum
to 92.7 million cultural Historic Facility
travelers. Theater
Gallery
Source: Project for Public Spaces: Fountain
“How Art Economically Benefits Cities, Cemetery
Dec 2008”. Historic Baseball Trail Sites
Historic Baseball Trail
36
City Limits
Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park

DRAFT

Hot Springs can build on its existing cultural
elements and create “cultural hubs” and
“cultural corridors”.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

MAGIC F UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS 70
AVE PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
COLLEGE 70

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 270
NATIONAL PARK

ALBERT PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

37

DRAFT

Mural in Downtown Hot Springs
38

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

Hot Springs has supported itself with its unique history. It can now be
the happening place to be for art, music, film, entertainment and culture
in Arkansas and the region.

Promoting and marketing Hot Springs to a new and growing audience
energizes the city with creative, entrepreneurial people and businesses.

KEY ELEMENTS

• Value creative people through strategic selection and creates funding mechanisms and
policies.
planning focused on keeping and attracting
them. • Expand the influence of art on the city through

• Support growth of the younger demographic affordable live-work spaces, such as in
renovated building downtown or in purchased
through programs and funding. houses in the neighborhoods that surround
downtown.
• Design public spaces, buildings and
• Promote the unique qualities of identifiable
infrastructure to support performing arts,
culture and history. districts, such as Park Avenue, Gateway,
and Whittington Valley, so their respective
• Support for grassroots efforts that are characteristics are expressed, whether that
be “artsy,” “historic” or “diverse,” and define
promoting art and cultural activities, such as choices for the market to consider when making
Cutwell 4 Kids. relocation plans.

• Focus on the arts through education, promotion, • Support the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance

events and city marketing and economic and the Arts Advisory Committee.
development efforts, especially within the in-
town neighborhoods.

• Utilize planning that identifies the city’s existing

art, provides the framework for the inclusion
of more art, establishes processes of artist

39

DRAFT

An Economy of Our Making

A city that maximizes its
economic potential and
supports the creative and
entrepreneurial talents of
its citizens in the creation
of thriving businesses.

By encouraging millennials 270
to become involved in
the local economy, many OUACHITA
small to mid-sized cities NATIONAL FOREST
have been able to retain
their graduates and young Commercial Corridors
professionals. A number of Commercial / Employment
successful examples can Nodes (existing)
be found in Richmond, Va., Commercial / Employment /
a city that saw the second
highest growth in millennial need toMixed Use Nodes (proposed)
population (nearly 15
percent) from 2010 to 2015. Greenways

Source: Governing.com: moveGreenway In uence Area
“how-smaller-cities-attract-keep-
millennials”. Trailhead Crossroad Centers

40 legendCity Limits

Planning Area
Thermal Springs Recharge Zone
National Forest
National Park

DRAFT

Existing commercial areas and commercial
corridors can be refurbished over time, and
new centers can be created in key locations.

NORTHWOODS TRAIL

7

MAGIC F UTURE BYPASS EXTENSIO
N
E GRAND SPRINGS 70
AVE PARK SOUTHWEST TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK TO LITTLE ROCK
COLLEGE 70

HOT SPRINGS W GRAND AVE 270
NATIONAL PARK

ALBERT PIKE RD

AIRPORT RD FUTURE RAIL TRAILT OKES GULPHA CREEK
CREEK CENTRAL AVE
MALVERN AVE
S HOT SPRINGS GREENWAY HOT SPRINGS C R EE
OAKLAWN
AIRPORT

270 HOT SPRINGS
GOLF AND
OUAC MEDICAL COUNTRY CLUB
CENTER K

7 270
HIGDON FERRY RD
HITA RIVER CARPENTER DAM RD

7

LAKE HAMILTON

GARVAN WOODLAND
GARDENS

CITY LIMITS
PLANNING AREA

41

DRAFT

Superior Bathhouse Brewery has successfully transformed an historic bathhouse into a thriving microbrewery
42

DRAFT

OPPORTUNITY

Hot Springs is a regional hub for shopping, entertainment, health care
and tourism. It can continue to grow by expanding through specific
additional marketing and promotion of its outdoor resources, such as
biking and blue water trails, supporting entrepreneurism, growing its
fiber optic infrastructure, and providing the support and training to its
citizens for new business opportunities.

KEY ELEMENTS • Grow the Arts, Craft and Maker economies,

• Support entrepreneurism by providing space especially in the In-Town Neighborhoods.

and facilitating entry into the market and local • Enhance the economy through expansion of
economy.
broadband development and access.
• Encourage new businesses to focus on
• Increase Hot Springs’ visibility and connectivity
properties and buildings located in-town.
within the region through specific marketing and
• Prioritize local business within neighborhood promotion.

revitalization efforts. • Stay up-to-date with the needs and preferences

• Support the Entrepreneurs Workspace of the tourism market regularly, making
adjustments to accommodate them.
and similar efforts that create access for
entrepreneurs in order to enable success. • Plan for the redevelopment of the Majestic site

• Ensure manufacturing candidates focus on and other key downtown sites.

vacant or underutilized lots within the city.

• Reuse dilapidated buildings for residential or

business opportunities.

• Position our citizens for employment through

comprehensive workforce development,
training, and apprenticeship programs.

43

DRAFT

DRAFT

ACTION PLAN
PURPOSE & PROCESS

45

DRAFT

ACTION PLAN

“How can we best leverage FHOSR20W4A0R: D HOT SPRINGS
the great things we already
have, focus our efforts, The Action Plan
align our human capital,
and concentrate our limited The efforts of the Forward Hot Springs comprehensive
resources, to capitalize on plan convey a community supported vision, goals,
our momentum and secure strategies and actions derived through a collaborative
our future?” “community based” planning process. It is designed to
help ensure Hot Springs maintains and promotes its
This Action Plan provides high quality of life, its unique landscape and access
the steps to answering this to nature, its low country aesthetic and expanded
important question. economic opportunities.

To realize this vision, implementation should be viewed
as a shared opportunity and commitment for the City’s
departments, leadership, private sector interests and
citizens As such, these constituent groups can hold
each other accountable to act on the comprehensive
plan. Implementation will require capital investment,
human capacity, collaboration and shared commitment.
In some ways, developing a plan is the easy part. The
real challenge comes with the hard work needed to
realize the vision. Each of the strategies and actions
included in this document are critical if the City wants
to achieve its aspirations and visions. In that sense, this
comprehensive plan is a living document that needs to
be referenced regularly.

Key Goals and Strategies

• Transform the city’s livability, sustainability, and

identity by supporting efforts to revitalize the once-
thriving neighborhoods and districts that surround
downtown. Our legacy neighborhoods are where

46

DRAFT

the ideas expressed by the community can be Focus Investment and Energy
incubated, nurtured and realized in a “critical mass”.
Hot Springs has limited financial resources. Providing
• Position Hot Springs as a new “mecca” for biking of City services in and around Hot Springs is an expensive
proposition. Hot Springs works with the revenue it has,
all types to leverage the success of the Hot Springs and City departments leverage talented staff with
Creek Greenway trail, the bike and pedestrian available financial resources to get things done. The
plan, the Northwoods Trails, and efforts to connect City of Hot Springs operates primarily on sales tax
regional biking trails. revenues as there is no property tax (“millage”). This
creates a challenge to fund government needs and
• Collaboratively act on plans that are already in place, community desires. Making this more difficult has been
the expansion of suburban areas to the outlying areas
such as the Green Infrastructure Plan, the Downtown of the City’s service areas in recent decades. Serving
Economic Development and Redevelopment Action these areas is more expensive on a cost per acre/per
Plan and The Malvern Avenue Gateway Corridor and household basis than the cost to serve our existing in-
District Plan, as well as the work of the Complete town neighborhoods. In simple terms, there are three
Streets group and others. ways to proceed:

• Expand economic opportunities, such as supporting • Spread limited resources evenly across the city to

private efforts to implement broadband internet “share the wealth” and address political concerns.
service, broadening the tourist experience,
promoting Hot Springs in new and different ways • Focus resources so that the investment becomes
and supporting entrepreneurship businesses
through assisting businesses to get started and more visible, creating leverage and momentum for
succeed. more investment and energy.

• Foster an environment of support for young • Create investment zones, which can be especially

entrepreneurs and the creative class to support potent if it is directed toward an outcome of greatest
economic and demographic sustainability and need and opportunity.
infuse Hot Springs with new energy.
Community engagement participants emphasized
• Preserve and protect the natural environment, which that focusing resources is the best way for the City
to proceed.
is vital to Hot Springs’ brand, lifestyle and image.

• Through actions and promotions, communicate to

our residents, as well as a broader tourist audience
and a new generation of prospective residents, that
Hot Springs can be both “historic” and “happening.”

47

DRAFT

SMART GROWTH

In general, smart growth 2 Smart growth development
development costs one-third saves an average of 10% on

less for upfront infrastructure, ongoing delivery of services,

and saves an average of such as those from police,

38% on upfront costs for ambulance and fire.

new construction of roads,

sewers, water lines and other Smart growth patterns can

infrastructure. Many studies reduce costs simply by reducing

have concluded that this number the distances service vehicles

is as high as 50%. must drive. In some cases, the

1 Smart growth development actual number of vehicles and
patterns require less facilities can also be reduced,
along with the personnel

infrastructure, meaning upfront required.

capital costs, long-term 3 Smart growth development
operations and maintenance generates 10 times more tax
costs, and, presumably,

replacement costs are also revenue per acre on an average

lower. per-acre basis than conventional

suburban development. This

Smart growth development number includes property tax.

also often uses existing Source: Building Better Budgets: A National
Examination of the Fiscal Benefits of Smart
infrastructure, lowering upfront Growth Development; Smart Growth
capital costs even more.

America: Making Neighborhoods Great

Together

48

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) DRAFT

Action plans for infrastructure need to be coordinated Quapaw Prospect Historic District
to create efficiency, good planning and appropriate Oaklawn Racing
design. Creating a Capital Improvement Plan will help Bathhouse Row
the city maintain consistency between its capital 49
expenditures and its Comprehensive Plan, as well
as coordination between agencies and the local and
regional government.

Implementing and Updating the Plan

The comprehensive plan will be reviewed at least every
five years and updated at least every ten years. When
the City conducts a review of the plan, it will evaluate
the need to update it based on conditions at the time,
including it capital needs, available funding for capital
expenditures, planning and growth trends and other
relevant elements of the plan. .

Ensure that Previous Plans
are Also Acted Upon

This comprehensive plan is supported by previous
plans created by the City. Each of the strategies
and actions assumes that the remaining relevant
recommendations from those plans will be completed
as part of acting on this plan.

Action Plan Matrix

The following matrices provide a tool to monitor
progress on achieving the actions associated with the
comprehensive plan. Each of the action items should
be reviewed and coordinated as yearly work plans are
being created.

DRAFT

ACTIONS: A CITY IN NATURE

CONSIDER / FACILITATE PLAN/
EXPLORE STUDY

1234

Determine acceptable More visibly and County to create basic Create Design
conservation tools – deliberately promote land development Standards and
such as conservation and market Hot standards that protect Guidelines for
easements, purchase Springs’ outdoor environment, character developing land
of development recreation activities and quality of life. areas adjacent to
rights and transfer and amenities - existing and proposed
ACTION development rights especially hiking, greenways, waterways
– and integrate them biking, hunting, fishing and protected open
into common practice and boating. spaces.
to conserve important
lands.

INVESTMENT Low Medium Low Low

RESPONSIBILITY Planning & Visit Hot Springs / County Parks & Trails / Visit
Development / GIS Parks & Trails Hot Springs / Planning
& Development / NPS

TIMING Mid term Near to mid term Mid term Mid term

INITIATED

COMPLETED

Map and publish in Add to current Consider restrictions Coordinate with
GIS areas of steep advertising programs on steep slopes, flood greenway master
slope (>35%, flood plains, riparian areas, planning and
ACTION SUMMARY plains, riparian areas, prime agricultural development and GIS
key habitat areas, areas and important mapping described in
significant landscapes, environmental systems item #1
existing open spaces
and other sensitive
environmental areas.

50