FORT SMITH, Ark. — Improvements to Creekmore Park at 3301 South M St. in Fort Smith are now underway, according to a Facebook post from the City of Fort Smith's Parks and Recreation Department.
The city says that portions of the park will be temporarily closed while the improvements are being completed. Multiple projects are set to be taken on amidst the improvements, all of which are scheduled for completion in 2024.
Below is information regarding the projects set to begin over the next several weeks:
Picnic Patio & Play Amenities:
- In addition to the conversion of the existing sandbox (former wading pool) to a picnic and patio area, improvements to the walking paths are necessary to meet ADA requirements.
- Additionally, a custom train-themed toddler play area will be installed to the west of the train depot. The dilapidated spring toys and swing bays will be replaced with a new multi-swing bay.
- Poured-in-place rubber surfacing in place of traditional playground wood fiber mulch will be installed in both play areas.
Creekmore Miniature Train Tracks:
- The subsurface of the train tracks will be regraded and new railroad ties and stakes installed.
- This will also include the repair/replacement of the railroad switches and reconfiguration of the tracks to allow the Creekmore Express to run clockwise and counterclockwise.
- A miniature trestle bridge and 54-foot tunnel will also be installed.
Sidewalks, Drainage, & Basketball Court:
- The remaining interior sidewalks around the play areas, train depot, inclusive playground, and pavilion will be replaced. Drainage improvements to mitigate the pooling of water on the sidewalks are also included in this project.
- The addition of a basketball court next to the pavilion behind the Creekmore Community Center is being incorporated into the design.
Current Progress:
- Picnic Patio & Play Amenities: Parks Maintenance Staff will begin site preparation on Jan 16th with construction crews set to begin mobilizing the site on February 1st.
- These improvements are expected to be complete by late Spring 2024.
- Creekmore Miniature Train Tracks: Parks Maintenance Staff will begin removing the train tracks in March. Installation of the tunnel is expected to be complete for the 2024 Operating Season.
- Sidewalks, Drainage, & Basketball Court: Design plans are nearing completion.
Any questions about the projects can be directed to the Parks & Recreation Administration Office at 479-784-1006.
Renderings of the projects can be found below:
Creekmore Park improvements
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