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City of Fort Smith purchases historic 113-acre property with plans to repurpose it

The land, previously owned by ACME Brick Company, will be turned into a park.

FORT SMITH, Ark. — The City of Fort Smith announced Jan. 5 that it has officially acquired a 113-acre parcel of land on Old Greenwood Road formerly belonging to ACME Brick Company.

The land, purchased for $2.88 million, is located in the heart of Fort Smith and "represents a pivotal step in urban development and environmental management," a release from the city said.

For about a year, Fort Smith city directors have been working with ACME Brick to buy the tract of land that the company had for more than a hundred years. 

The land was previously used as a quarry and brick production site, but the city says that it has new plans for the site.

"Plans include the creation of mountain biking and hiking trails on the west side, offering residents new outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally, the east side of the property will feature a detention pond, aimed at mitigating stormwater and reducing flash flooding in the Maybranch drainage area," the city said.

City Administrator Carl Geffken says that the land purchase symbolizes the city's direction.

“This acquisition is more than just a purchase of land; it's a bold statement about our city's direction," Geffken said. "The transformation of this historic site into a recreational space, coupled with our proactive approach to managing flooding, reflects our deep commitment to not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also to preserving and celebrating our city's rich heritage.”

Funds for the project come from the city's general fund and the 1% sales tax designated for streets, bridges, and drainage improvements, the city said.

5NEWS first reported on the project in May 2023, when the group Friends of Recreational Trails, or FORT, proposed the purchase and repurposing of the land. 

Geffken says next steps will be hiring firms that specialize in engineering and design to finish the project within the next few years. 

That story and access to the full proposal can be found here.

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