FORT SMITH - A skate and bike park that will be funded by more than $600,000 of city money passed muster with the Fort Smith Board of Directors on Tuesday night, but not without some opposition.
The board voted 6-1 to move forward with the project, which if goes according to plan will be opened by Memorial Day Weekend. City Director George Catsavis voted against the measure, citing the recent hike in franchise taxes and other financial priorities for the city.
First National Bank President/CEO Sam Sicard was one of the men who led efforts for the park, and even donated $100,000 to the project on behalf of his company. Despite some private funding, the city will own the park outright.
According to a presentation, the city invested some $200,000 in the land, and over $466,000 in infrastructure.