By Martin Couch
For nearly four years, and even long before, a decision was in the works to build a state-of-the-art park facility.Thanks to the citizens of Bryant passing a tax, coupled with bond money from the state government, the efforts of the Parks and Recreation Commission of Bryant made it come true.[more]
"Most of the credit goes to Jeremy Lemons and the city officials," said Parks and Recreation Committee chairman Gerald Carr. "This is something I think the community will be proud of for many years."
Bishop Park officially opened last Tuesday with working hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Before it even opened, the new Community Center, that features a weight room and exercise machines, a walking track and three full basketball courts, a five-page list of potential memberships was already on the books and the meeting rooms already had reservations after the first day.
"We're signing up for fall ball and soccer and receiving calls about it," Lemons said. "We're trying to get them all signed up and get them playing out here after Labor Day weekend."
The Community Center is also gearing up for the first Salt Bowl Banquet on Sept. 2 that will house 1,400 people at once.
The committee held it's first meeting in the new Bishop Park Community Center on Monday, Aug. 16.
"Steve Glenn and the people for the parks are the big ones that got this," said honorary Parks and Recreations member Jeff Walker, who has been a part of the parks committee for 11 years. "They got this and went and got all the groups together. They did a really good job."
Other committee members, Casey McJunkin, Sandra Miller, Danny Huber, Carol Ann Boone, Larry Turpin, Joyce Boswell and Beth Hipps were also complimentary of Bishop Park.
"I'm proud of the community for voting in the tax to get this," Boswell said.
Carr, who was originally recruited to the committee by Jim Daivs, was thankful to be a part of it.
"I am thankful for the beginning and now we can see the fruits of the efforts of a lot of people," Carr said. "All of you who have served for years and the community can be very proud of what is accomplished here. We can all be proud of what has happened."
