Meetings - September 04, 2004

Members of the Headwaters Partnership met at 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2004 in the Sister Cities Conference Room at Little Rock City Hall. The focus of this meeting was to introduce new partners, provide updates and information regarding trail planning and construction, fundraising progress, and establishment of new priorities and meeting dates.

The group welcomed two new partners - Ms. Judy Dietz representing the Office of the Honorable Charlie Daniels, Secretary of State and Paul Ward, President of Little Rock Roadrunners.

Marcia Atkinson, CEO, Heart Clinic Arkansas, discussed the "Doctors Building Trails" fundraising program and the Medical Mile. She provided illustrations of key interpretive kiosks, lighting, a plaza design, and other amenities associated with the project. She reported on the activities of the Heart Clinic Arkansas fundraising c committee and their plans for Fall presentations at the Health Dept., Pulaski County Medical Society Board of Directors mtg., and elsewhere. A plan to create a fundraising DVD has been implemented. Drs. Kennedy, Lambert, and Davis from HCA have done a remarkable job translating the health benefits of trails and the need for more trails and trail systems to their colleagues in the private medical community.

Sherman Smith, Director of Public Works for Pulaski County, reported the completion of 4.5 miles of new trail in Two Rivers Park. These loop trails provide an excellent opportunity for cyclists, nature enthusiasts and walkers to experience nature in a pristine environment. Additionally, these new spur trails will be a terrific addition to the Arkansas river Trail and an eventual comprehensive county-wide system.

John Scott gave the group an update on plans for North Little Rock's new Inland Marine Museum. He reported a high level of community interest in the Razorback submarine. City officials have been giving presentations and gathering resources necessary to get the museum operational. A recent community festival that offered tours of the facility was very successful. Plans are in place to move the sub and a companion barge to their final location soon.

Bryan Day, Director of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, discussed progress and pre-construction preparation for the remaining city sections of the trail. He reported that several key design and easement hurdles had been overcome in the Riverdale section which would allow development of final plans and bidding specifications on sections between the eastern end of Rebsamen Park and Harvest Foods on Cantrell. Plans are in place to start construction on the Medical Mile portion of the trail early in the new year.

Ron Salley, Superintendent of Pinnacle Mountain State Park discussed recent additions and higher levels of upkeep in Pinancle Mountain State Park. He talked about the enthusiasm exhibited by Partners For Pinnacle with regard to the trail. Stan Graves, Director of Planning for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism discussed opportunities for trail routes and connections to the Ouachita Trail.

Recognition was given to Nancy Ledbetter, Director of Communication for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC). Their commitment to the project and the often unseen services provided by the agency have made a significant impact on our successes. Arlene Green, our webmaster, manages the <www.rivertrail.org> website, and Angela Kirkland, the agency's artist, designed our final logo, brochures and marketing materials. Neil Curry, Director of Education for AGFC has made a firm commitment to supporting trail construction efforts and to identification of key watchable wildlife sights for birders and other nature enthusiasts along the trail.
 

A note from the Project Coordinator:

As mentioned above, we have new members, projects in process, and a dynamic, focused group of facilitators. Fulfilling our mission to continue outreach efforts and include new organizations means that project is continuing to thrive. Our partners are meeting individual agency/organization goals while contributing to the establishment of a premiere central Arkansas trail facility. This is a win-win partnership.

Mayor Jim Dailey's support, enthusiasm, and participation in fundraising, outreach to the medical community and leadership in all partnership projects has guided Little Rock Parks and Recreation efforts and created an environment where the marriage of better health and trails is finding its roots. Judge Villines is steadily moving forward with two complicated bridge projects that are key to completion of the trail system. North Little Rock Mayor, Pat Hays, whose sections are complete, is busy adding new amenities and developing spur trails. Together, these men have exemplified the spirit of cooperation necessary to create a model project that impacts the health of our citizens, inspires others across the nation (see below) and enhances the beauty and viability of our Arkansas River corridor.

Thanks to Mark Webre at LRPR, I received a letter from a lady who lives in Centuria, Wisconsin. She indicates in her message that she's been on a two year path toward improving her health and developing a trail system. She reports that she has attended committee meetings, board meetings, town hall meetings, and written letters asking for advice and support without much success. Recently, a response from Tommy Thompson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services led her to our project and our website as an example of how to create a successful project. Her letter praises our effort and asks for advice. To me, this is what our success is all about - helping ourselves, certainly, but, also helping others from across the country.

Many thanks to all of you. Because of your cooperation and participation, this project is a grand success.