The next step in fulfilling the Bell Park Master Plan got the green light from Greenwood City Council and Mayor on Tuesday night in a Special Called Meeting that followed a study session on the issue of the $1, 441,000.00 facility.

The sources of funding include a series of grants the City has received from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services, the portion of the ¾ cent sales tax that goes for parks and a loan that the city will need for about half the project.

A bid of $1,419,000.00 was accepted by the City from Circle M Construction Management, Inc. of Ratcliff, Arkansas at the August City Council meeting for construction of the center that is the focal point of the Bell Park Master Plan.

Mayor Kenneth Edwards pointed out that there will still be funds from the sales tax collections to build a splash pad or similar water park feature in Bell Park as a next phase of the full Master Plan development of the park. “I think our citizens will enjoy and benefit from the community center and I want the Parks Committee and Director Doug Kinslow to begin plans immediately for the splash pad”, said Mayor Edwards. City Councilmen Rod Powell and Dr. Lee Johnson agreed that the splash pad project could be planned very soon for the park.

It was pointed out by Finance Director Steve Tedford that the interest on the borrowed funds cannot be paid with city sales tax revenues. The interest money can be paid from other sources and perhaps grant funds or private contribution. City Councilman Lance Terry and City Clerk Wilma Jo Cabe expressed concern that the interest portion of the debt should not burden other city departments. “As long as I know where this interest money is going to come from, I will be totally in favor of this project.” Terry said. City Councilman Tim Terry also encouraged immediate plans for a water feature in the form of a splash pad in the park for younger children who might not use a pool or water park attractions.