Don’t be surprised if Mayor James “Jitters” Morgan soon announces establishment of a Whiteaker Park here.
Long-time residents Buddy and Mary Whiteaker are retiring and leaving the city, but as a parting gift they’ve granted the city a three-acre slice of the 40-acre Colonial Park subdivision they founded nearly 40 years ago.
Morgan announced the donation at the Tuesday, Jan. 19, city council meeting. He assigned Aldermen David Beck, Andy Lunsford and Scott Ray to help the city parks committee in deciding upon a name for the park, most of which is within the subdivision’s southwest section at the end of Heritage Park Drive.
That site, which features a tennis court, is connected by a walking trail that extends to the end of Franklin Court, where a play area for young children is located.
Morgan said the tennis court will be renovated and playground equipment and benches will be added to the site. “It’s a generous gift,” said Morgan, a neighbor of the Whiteakers, “and a fabulous site.
“It’s going to be a great addition to the city, and I hope it’ll be in use by the summer.” Morgan said the property is valued at about $40,000.
The park may wind up including some playground equipment recently given to the city by the Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA). Stating appreciation to PBA Commander COL Franz Amann, Morgan told the council that the two slide units being donated were originally purchased in 2000 at a cost of $68,000.
The two-tier units feature covered balconies.
The Whiteakers are both former public school teachers and have long been community champions. Whiteaker is a former aide to the late U.S. Sen. John L. McClellan.
At its meeting, the council also unanimously approved the city’s 2010 committees, and amended the 2009 budget to satisfy actualities that resulted in higher street and water/sewer expenditures, and reduced general funding.
Don’t be surprised if Mayor James “Jitters” Morgan soon announces establishment of a Whiteaker Park here.
Long-time residents Buddy and Mary Whiteaker are retiring and leaving the city, but as a parting gift they’ve granted the city a three-acre slice of the 40-acre Colonial Park subdivision they founded nearly 40 years ago.
Morgan announced the donation at the Tuesday, Jan. 19, city council meeting. He assigned Aldermen David Beck, Andy Lunsford and Scott Ray to help the city parks committee in deciding upon a name for the park, most of which is within the subdivision’s southwest section at the end of Heritage Park Drive.
That site, which features a tennis court, is connected by a walking trail that extends to the end of Franklin Court, where a play area for young children is located.
Morgan said the tennis court will be renovated and playground equipment and benches will be added to the site. “It’s a generous gift,” said Morgan, a neighbor of the Whiteakers, “and a fabulous site.
“It’s going to be a great addition to the city, and I hope it’ll be in use by the summer.” Morgan said the property is valued at about $40,000.
The park may wind up including some playground equipment recently given to the city by the Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA). Stating appreciation to PBA Commander COL Franz Amann, Morgan told the council that the two slide units being donated were originally purchased in 2000 at a cost of $68,000.
The two-tier units feature covered balconies.
The Whiteakers are both former public school teachers and have long been community champions. Whiteaker is a former aide to the late U.S. Sen. John L. McClellan.
At its meeting, the council also unanimously approved the city’s 2010 committees, and amended the 2009 budget to satisfy actualities that resulted in higher street and water/sewer expenditures, and reduced general funding.
