HOT SPRINGS – Aided by the support of local legislators, the City of Hot Springs recently accepted a $41,000 General Improvement Fund (GIF) check from West Central Arkansas Planning & Development District for additional infield improvements to Kimery Park. From left: Lance Spicer, Assistant City Manager; Bill Burrough, Deputy City Manager; Steve Arrison, Chief Executive Officer, Visit Hot Springs; David Watkins, City Manager; John Vines, District 25 State Representative; Alan Clark, District 13 State Senator; Bruce Cozart, District 24 State Representative; and Dwayne Pratt, WCAPDD Executive Director.
The funding will enable installation of a “pour in place” safety base which will make the park’s total infield playing surface fully accessible to the disabled. The material, already in use on the playgrounds at Kimery and Whittington city parks, will provide a fall rating of six feet, serving as a warning track for players and creating safer playing conditions. Installation of the new safety base will complete the infield rehabilitation project at Kimery Park that was initiated earlier this year.