Parks & Trails May 2017 Newsletter

City of Hot Springs
May 2017 Newsletter

Details on page 3

 18th Annual Du for the Parks
 U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

visits Entergy Park
Treasures found at UpCycle

Sculpture Festival
 Arbor Day Celebration at

Entergy Park
 Food Truck Friday
 Eating a low stress diet

111 Opera Street  5/9
P.O. Box 700 Trail Watch Training,
111 Opera Street
Hot Springs, AR 71902 5:30 pm (call ahead for availability)

Call: 501-321-6871  5/7
Email: [email protected] National Tourist Appreciation Day

Visit: www.cityhs.net  5/9
Arts Advisory Committee,
Like us on Facebook: 121 Orange Street
Hot Springs Parks & Trails 12:00 pm

Growing Healthy  5/14
Communities-Hot Springs Mother’s Day

 5/17
Nutrition Education Committee Meeting
111 Opera Street
3:00 pm

 5/18
Parks & Trails Advisory Committee
111 Opera Street
5:00 pm

 5/19
Bike To Work Day

 5/20
Armed Forces Day

 5/25
Friends of the Parks,
Chamber of Commerce
659 Ouachita Ave
11:30 am

 5/26
Food Truck Friday.

 5/29
18th Annual Du for the Parks Duathlon
100 Broadway Terrace
8:00 am Start

 5/29
Memorial Day

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

Hot Springs Friends of the Parks will be hosting the 18th Annual Du for the Parks
on Sunday, May 28, 2017. We’ve moved the event date to Sunday in order to
bring back the Kid Du and offer a new challenge - “Du It 2 It” which consists of
the regular 2 mile run, 12 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run but then adds another 12
mile bike and 2 mile run! Who’s up for the challenge? You can register online at
raceroster.com or printout a form when you visit www.cityhs.net and click on the
Du for the Park button. This is where you can find all the event details and past
year’s results.

We’re also excited to have a new host hotel, The Hotel Hot Springs, providing
space for pre-registration the day before and room specials for all participants.
Be sure to call Barrie Kiger Nagy at 501-623-6600 ext. 255 for specials and visit
www.hotelhotsprings.org for a view of this beautifully refurbished hotel in
downtown Hot Springs!

We hope to see you there this year! All proceeds will once again go toward
completing the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail and helps to pay for match
grants and property purchases along the corridor. We are so grateful for all the
public support we have received in the past and hope to see you all again this
year. TO THE LAKE!

Ned Skoog A “Park Friend” enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that they
President, Friends of the Parks are taking an active role in keeping our public parks and
760-1696
recreation facilities secure and beautiful, for today and for the
[email protected] www.hsfriendsoftheparks.org future. To renew your membership or become a “Park Friend”

mail your annual membership fee: Family-$35, Adult-$25,
Youth-$10, Business-$50, Organization-$50

To: Friends of the Parks, P.O. Box 996, Hot Springs, AR 71902

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Test Kitchen & Juice Bar

Cool, wet weather didn’t stop participants from joining Marshal Miller stands with his sculpture Kyoto Bush
members of the Hot Springs Arts Advisory Committee (AAC) which won in the Professional Artist Category. It
and Parks & Trails as they hosted the 2nd Annual UpCycle also had the most votes to win the People’s Choice!
Sculpture Festival on Saturday, April 22, 2017. It was Earth
Day and festival goers enjoyed the outdoor event where they
could visit with artists, vote for a People’s Choice winner, eat
some terrific food from Itz Gud Fud, and walk along the Hot
Springs Creek Greenway Trail.

The artist with the most votes in the People’s Choice contest was Marshall Miller with his sculpture named Kyoto
Bush. Miller said he wanted to make an Earth Day statement with the piece which depicts a burning tree on top of
a chemical gas barrel with fried eggs in a bird’s nest above. The sculpture depicts one of the world’s worst
industrial disasters in 1984 when methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas was accidentally released from the Union Carbide
India Limited Pesticide Plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Over 500,000 people were exposed to the gas which left
3,787 people dead and thousands more left with crippling disabilities.

During the judging of each category AAC member Nan Cameron said “Art reflects our culture, hopes, dreams,
successes, and failures. Kyoto Bush reflects on tragedy but with uplifting hope that the world can be a better

place.” Many festival goers felt the piece helped remind us of a past accident so
future generations will be less likely to repeat it and Cameron agreed saying, “It is a
testament that we must do better with caring for our earth.” Other UpCycle winners
and photos can be seen on page 6.

A very special moment occurred during the festival when local artist Laura Waters
accepted a marriage proposal with the sculpture that she entered. Laura has a
Master’s in Art and has been teaching high school art students in Romania until
recently when she moved back home to settle in Hot Springs. Her fiancé is local
business owner Lee Fields, Tri Lakes Ornamental Ironworks, and they had dated in
High School before reconnecting forty years later after a school reunion.

Laura Waters and Lee Fields The AAC is very grateful for all of the community support and encouragement they
stand next to the sculpture she received while planning the festival this year. A big thanks goes out to our sponsors,
entered in the festival. Spa City Co-op, The Artists’ Workshop Gallery, and various individuals who made
donations that allowed for category awards of $25 each and the People’s Choice
award of $50. Also, there were enough donations received for AAC to purchase one
new sculpture to add to the City of Hot Springs’ Art Collection.

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Jamon Linwood, Silhouette Landry Cate, Yarn-a-lisa Mark Searles, Peace Out
Cutwell 4 Kids

St. John’s Catholic School 5th Grade Class, Hobbit Village A. Molmar, Spinning Armor

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Parks & Trails staff hosted our Annual Arbor Day event at
Entergy Park on Friday, April 21, 2017. Fifth grade
students from local schools attended the event where
they visited nine educational stations and were
scheduled to assist in a tree planting ceremony. Rain cut
things short but not before students got a special visit
from Smokey the Bear!
Staff would like to thank everyone who participated from
students and teachers to those who manned the stations.
A special thanks goes our to City Plumbing, Heating, and
Electric who co-sponsored the event, provided bottled
water and financial assistance for the event.

We’ll see you at the park next year!

U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman joined Parks &
Trails Director Jean Wallace and City Trails Coordinator
Ken Freeman for a tour of Entergy Park on Wednesday,
April 12, 2017. His office scheduled the tour because he
was unable to attend the Tikes, Trikes, and Trails event
last year in October. Jean had the opportunity to explain
how Hot Springs’ parks benefited from the federal Land
and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program as well as
the CDBG program. Since Congressman Westerman is a
forester, he understands the benefits that trees bring to
cities in alleviating flooding, cleaning air, and cleaning
water. Another topic of conversation was Green
Infrastructure and how this preventative ecosystem
management technique of connecting open space for
community health, active transportation, and
environmental reasons also provides recreation and
tourism benefits.
We want to thank Congressman Westerman for his
interest, enthusiasm, and support for city parks.

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The Parks & Trails Department awarded two of
its outgoing advisory committee members
plaques in honor of their years of service.

Parks & Trails Director Jean Wallace is pictured
here with Donnetta Frierson who accepted the
plaque on behalf of her husband, James Frierson,
who was our longest servicing member with 14
years of service. James has recently accepted a
position on the Civil Service Commission. Citizens
can only serve on one committee at a time.

Parks & Trails Director Jean Wallace is pictured
here with Kay Ekey who served 8 years on the
advisory committee. Kay is president of the local
chapter of Civitans and is a believer in the spirit of
rotation. “I’m grateful for the time that I’ve been
able to serve on this committee but feel it’s
important to let new blood get in the mix” said
Ekey after receiving her plaque.

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If the old saying about April showers bringing
May flowers has any validity, we should have
some good flower viewing this month, because
we certainly had plenty of showers in April.
I don’t remember any saying about a cause and
effect relationship between rain and bugs, but
my bet is you should be stocking up on
mosquito, chigger, and tick repellant if you’re
planning to be outdoors later this month. There
may not be a better way to appreciate the flower
viewing than from the seat of your bicycle, which
brings us to the next bit of information. For those
of you who may not keep up with this sort of
thing, May is National Bike Month – let’s hear for
our friends on two wheels – Yay!

If you needed a reason to get your bike out of
hibernation, oil the chain, check the brakes, air
up the tires, and get outside, National Bike
Month can provide that little extra push to get out the door. National Bike Month, sponsored by the
League of American Bicyclists, was established in 1956 to showcase the benefits of bicycling and to
encourage more of us to give biking a try. There are several events on the calendar, both nationally and
locally, to encourage us to get out on two wheels during National Bike Month. National Bike to Work
Week 2017 will be held the week of May 15-19, with National Bike to Work Day being May 19. If you live
too far from work to bike all of the way, or if there isn’t a good route to ride, park a mile or two from work
and ride those last couple of miles. I guarantee you’ll feel better when you start your work day. For
anyone that can, on May 19, take your bike for a ride on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail, on the
Park Avenue bike lanes, on Central Avenue using the bike sharrows, or on Whittington Avenue. The
more bikes we get out in May, the more aware motor vehicle traffic will be of bikes on the road for the
rest of the summer. Another let’s-make-bike-riding-visible opportunity will happen on May 26. On that
date Hot Springs will conduct a Slow Roll event. It will start at the Spa City Cycling bike shop on Park
Avenue at 4:30 p.m. and do a SLOW group ride to the Parkside Cycle bike shop, and eventually to the
Farmers’ Market for Food Truck Friday. At each of the stops there will be music and things to do, and
the Slow Roll emphasis will be on riding together as a group and obeying all traffic rules, to include
stopping for traffic signals, etc. And, of course, I have to plug Hot Springs’ 18th annual Du for the Parks
event on Sunday, May 28. This year’s event will have a choice of two adult duathlons and a youth
duathlon. There are more details in this Newsletter, but this year’s Du for the Parks has an event that will
be fun and challenging for everyone. What a great way to wrap up National Bike Month. It takes lots of
volunteers to put on Du for the Parks, so volunteer to help others, if you really can’t participate yourself.
I look forward to seeing you out there on your bike during May, and on the Sunday of Memorial Day
weekend for Du for the Parks.

Ken Freeman
Trails Coordinator

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Park Name and Location Surface Type ADA
Baseball Trail Park - 1201 Whittington Ave Asphalt Accessible Length
Chattanooga Park - 530 Chattanooga St Asphalt Yes 1/6 Mile
Yes 1/4 Mile
Desoto Park - 1700 Park Ave Asphalt
Yes 1/5 Mile
Family Park - 215 Family Park Rd Asphalt
Yes 1/5 mile
Entergy Park - 530 Lakepark Dr
North Loop Trail Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile
Wildlife Observation Trail Asphalt Yes 2/10 Mile
Water Tower Loop Trail Natural Surface No 3/4 Mile

Lakefront Trail Natural Surface No 1/5 Mile

Fenceline Trail Natural Surface No 1/2 Mile

Eagle Scout Trail Natural Surface No 1/10 Mile
Playground Connector Trail Asphalt Yes 1/10 Mile
Pavilion on the Point Asphalt No 1/10 Mile
Sunnybrook Connector Trail Asphalt Yes 3/10 Mile
Hill Wheatley Park - 688 Majestic Lodge Rd Natural Surface No 1 Mile
Hinsley Park - Kingsway and Meadowlake Natural Surface No 1/2 Mile
Wade Street Park - 300 Wade St Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile

Hot Springs Creek Greenway- Concrete Yes 1/4 Mile
Asphalt Yes 1/2 Mile
Transportation Plaza Trail Concrete Yes 2/3 Mile
Valley Street Creekwalk Asphalt Yes 1/2 Mile
Jaycee Trail and Friendship Park Trail Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile
Hollywood Trail Asphalt Yes 1/4 Mile
Blue Heron Trail
Utility Service Center Trail 11

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

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Walk or ride the city trails system
as a Trail Watch Volunteer.

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.

*Cell phone required to volunteer

Next Training Classes - May 9, 2017
5:30-6:00 pm at 111 Opera Street, Ste. A

You must be signed up to attend.

For more information call (501) 321-6871
or email [email protected]

or sign-up online at www.cityhs.net

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Did you know that what you eat and drink can contribute to emotional turmoil in your daily life?
According to the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), increased stress affects the body in
the following ways:

• Vital nutrients are depleted in the body and are generally not replaced because of
stress-prone eating habits.

• Individuals gravitate toward foods that promote a stress response to fulfill a need. These
foods include refined sugar, processed flour, salt, caffeine, etc. These foods can compromise
the immune system.

Sound familiar? Do you eat poorly when stressed? Many people do partly because of strong
cravings for junk food but also because of poor planning or a lack of time to make healthy
choices. Start filling your day with a low-stress diet that promotes a relaxed state of mind.

Here are some ways to avoid stress food traps:

 Eat a diet rich in foods of many colors, such as vegetables.

 Select foods that are high in antioxidants, like broccoli, “Habits,
carrots, whole grains, spinach, and any kind of berries. not cravings,
drive food choices
 Opt for organic foods whenever possible. during times

 Drink filtered water to keep you hydrated. of stress.”

 Reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake. ~Institute of Food
 Cook with fresh herbs and spices. Technologists

 Consume free-range meats to avoid ingesting synthetic
hormones and fertilizers.

 Avoid eating genetically modified foods, especially meat
products.

 Consume at least 30 to 40 grams of fiber each day. Good
sources of fiber include apples, peas, whole wheat bread, and bran cereal.

 Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, either by way of a supplement or in foods such as
salmon, walnuts, shrimp and soybeans.

Combining these wise dietary choices with proper exercise will go a long way toward helping
you avoid the pitfalls of stress eating. Your mind and body will thank you!

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These are some wonderful statistics that should having you celebrating National Bike
Month all year! Don’t forget to join Bike Hot Springs for their SLOW ROLL on May 26th
(details on the Visit Hot Springs website) and Friends of the Parks for their 18th Annual
Du for the Parks duathlon on May 28th.

There are lots of trails in and around Hot Springs! Entergy Park, the Hot Springs Creek
Greenway Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, Cedar Glades Trail, Lake Ouachita Vista (LOViT)
Trail, Womble Trail, and Ouachita National Recreational Trail. Great news bicycling
enthusiasts we have even MORE trails coming in the future!

Let us hear a collective HOORAY!

Enjoy this year’s National Bike Month, National Bike Week (May 15-19), and National
Bike to Work Day (May 19) and we’ll keep the trails coming!

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Get involved in your “Thriving Community”
and help us grow healthy in Hot Springs!

Choose the committee you are interested in
and contact a leader to learn more.

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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Volunteer opportunity available
in Hot Springs at the Historic
Downtown Farmers Market.

If you are interested in assisting low income families and individuals in
purchasing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at the Historic Downtown
Farmers and Artisans Market, 121 Orange Street, please sign up at
www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a4a628a5fb6-snap.

Volunteering for just one shift on one Saturday will help so many in Hot Springs
to eat healthier.

A shift is from 7:00 am—12 noon. You will be sitting at the SNAP table and
processing payments using a cell phone and portable printer (equipment
provided by the Farmers Market). You will give customers coins to use when
they make purchases. You will also receive coins from farmers (vendors) during
the last hour of the shift.

This is a quick and easy volunteer assignment that will make a HUGE impact
on everyone involved: the farmers, the customers, and the community!

Nutrition Education Contact:

Alisha Chatman
Levi Hospital
Director of Community Health
Phone:501-622-3325

Email: [email protected]

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https://www.facebook.com/HSGardenNetwork/

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