Candidates Offer Opinions On Park Options

Last updated Friday, October 10, 2008 8:22 PM CDT in News

By Richard Dean Prudenti
THE MORNING NEWS

As member of the National Rifle Association, he knows residents who would recommend a shooting range. That's just one idea, Zachary said.

A public forum, he said, would allow a healthy exchange of questions and answers, such as, 'Would the city share in profits and when does the city take back the developed property, if ever?' He also wants to know how often the park will be used and by whom.

The First Tee is planning a campaign to raise an estimated $1.5 million to $3 million for the project, so the city would not pay for any improvements. Youth Golf of Northwest Arkansas, which owns The First Tee, would own and operate the facility and be responsible for maintenance.

Brad Crain, who is competing for the Ward 2, Position 1 seat, would encourage the city to reach out for public input on how best to use the land.

"If we are not gathering information from our citizenry on what they want, then we are missing the boat," Crain said.

Crain sees no problem with a nonprofit organization using the land, which was bought with tax revenue meant for developing uses that would promote tourism. A golf course for children will accomplish this goal, Crain said, because the organization would schedule golf tournaments for children, youth and families.

Another Ward 2, Position 1 candidate, Jody Coberly, likes the golf course idea.

"It has to be used. If it's something that benefits our young people, I'm all for it," Coberly said. His wife, Terry Coberly, was mayor of Bentonville when the city bought the land.

The First Tee has not decided how much to charge, but representatives have said the fees would be drastically reduced for residents.

Bryan Bennett, incumbent for Ward 3, Position 2, voted for the resolution because he hasn't heard of a better alternative, he said.

"Based on everything that I have heard, and the research I've done, it seems to be a very worthy and sound use of the land," Bennett said.

The nonprofit group intertwines the lessons of golf with character development for children of any socioeconomic background.

Nevertheless, Ward 3, Position 2 opponent W.P. "Bill" Burckart said the city should weigh residents' opinions.

"Send (surveys) to households and ask what is the best use of that acreage," Burckart said. "Is it a golf course? I don't know."

Ward 4, Position 1 Candidate James Dotson said it depends on the alternatives whether he would support a golf course. "I haven't heard any other suggestions. If there are other suggestions, we should consider them," he said.

Anita Zentner, candidate for Ward 4, Position 1, said that city should avoid a rash decision.

"A dollar doesn't cover the cost of the land," she said. "I wouldn't be OK until it was really looked into and to see if it is really going to help the hotels and restaurants."

Also vying for Ward 4, Position 1, Clay Phillips said he would not support a golf course, although he called the idea a "beautiful sentiment."

"It's not wrong or bad, but it's very restrictive. A small percentage of our youth want to play golf. If you are going to put together a park, it has to be all-encompassing," Phillips said,

"What about the kids that are not athletically inclined? Shouldn't there be a pavilion for the arts and crafts," he added. "I don't think they should promise anything. It needs to be revisited. The people need a chance to respond."

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