Building a Better Batesville

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We are building a better Batesville without increasing taxes. In an August 2023 special election, voters overwhelmingly approved four measures allowing the City of Batesville to improve recreation and water infrastructure with our existing tax rates.

Allowance of operation/maintenance funds to be expended in case of emergency. FOR: 866 • AGAINST: 236 (79% approval)

Refinance of recreation bonds. FOR: 858 • AGAINST: 243 (78% approval)

Issuance of recreation bonds. FOR: 840 • AGAINST: 270 (76% approval)

Extension of current sales tax for new water bonds. FOR: 930 • AGAINST: 179 (84% approval)

We will continue to refine plans for a signature Riverside Park and Downtown Plaza to benefit all residents. Input from community stakeholders and subject matter experts will ensure that recreation areas and facilities are tailored to meet users' needs, offering upgraded amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, trails, picnic areas, and natural habitats.

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Uploaded by None on 2023-07-06.

Recreation

Quality of life is central to attracting and retaining talented people, which is more important to our economy than ever. A better Batesville includes reimagined parks that serve all people.

The master plan focuses on expanding and upgrading parks and recreation facilities to provide residents with more recreational and social opportunities. The proposed updates will highlight the White River's historical and ecological significance. Parks will be designed to reflect the unique character of each neighborhood and will include amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, trails, picnic areas, and natural habitats.

The reimagined Riverside Park (Click to Expand)

A refreshed Downtown Plaza (Click to Expand)

Overwhelmingly, voters chose to extend the current half-cent sales and use tax to fund priority parks and recreation projects. As always, additional support, partnerships, and funding sources will be continually evaluated until the Master Plan is realized.

A Reimagined Riverside Park

Located on the banks of the mighty White River, the reimagined Riverside Park will be something the entire region can be proud of. The proposed updates to Riverside Park will celebrate the White River's historical importance and ecological significance.

One of the main attractions of the new Riverside Park is its extensive trail system, which includes paved and unpaved trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. The trails wind through wooded areas and alongside Stillhouse Branch, offering visitors stunning views of the natural surroundings.

In addition to the trails, the proposed upgrades to Riverside Park include several amenities, such as courts, inclusive play areas, water play, nature play, a pump track, and the park's crown jewel — the Events Center.

While some land acquisition is part of this plan, many projects will repurpose city-owned land, including Riverside Gardens, Conoco, Specialized Industries, and the Fire Training Center. The city is also negotiating the sale of the VFW property.

Whether looking for a peaceful walk in nature, a game of pickleball, or a day spent fishing on the river, you will find it at the future Riverside Park.

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Recreation FAQs

What about parking?

The reimagined Riverside Park includes significant parking expansions. The city is working with the VFW to acquire property to completely revamp the entrance to Riverside Park and expand parking at the park's perimeter. Planned parking expansions will provide 2.5 times more parking than currently available. Planned parking spaces will be separated from the main pedestrian walkways.

How will this affect our Christmas Lights display?

For years, Riverside Park has hosted Batesville's impressive White River Wonderland Christmas lights display. Our team has been discussing improving the visitor experience, maximizing display capacity, and increasing pedestrian safety. Currently, the size and location of the lights display are limited by existing power infrastructure. The new Riverside Park will have more power and improved walkways.

The 2024 White River Wonderland display will not be affected by the construction at Riverside Park.

What about flooding?

We are working with Ecological Design Group, a landscape architecture and engineering firm that specializes in developing environmentally responsible infrastructure that has multiple functions, is sustainable, and minimizes impact on the natural hydrology and aesthetic of the site. EDG is dedicated to developing environmentally responsible infrastructure that has multiple functions, is sustainable, and minimizes impact on the natural hydrology and aesthetic of the site.

Large portions of Riverside Park are in a flood zone. EDG concepts include moving dirt to create plateaus to raise designated areas out of the flood zone.

The Arkansas Department of Health requires new structures to be built a certain distance from the banks of the river. The redesigned Riverside Park will feature facilities adhering to flood zones and ADH rules.

What about the greenway expansions?

The greenway trail system has been incrementally expanded throughout Batesville through grant funding. Long-term plans include a city-wide expansion of the trail system.

As part of this project, there is a planned connection between Riverside Park and Maxfield Park in downtown Batesville, with a new trail running adjacent to Poke Bayou.

The City of Batesville is working with TAGGART Architects and Ecological Design Group (EDG) to plan the future of Riverside Park and other opportunities.

Water

The City of Batesville is replacing its 1960s-era water treatment plant, which has served for 40 years beyond its expected life and is in danger of catastrophic failure. A series of necessary repairs and improvements have been implemented over the years to keep the system running.

As industries expand and the population increases, so does the need to take this critical step to ensure enough quality drinking water for Batesville.

Out of nearly a thousand projects state-wide, this project is currently listed as #16 on the Arkansas Natural Resources Commissions' list of priority projects.

Ensuring Safe Water for All

The City of Batesville has been working with engineers and Tolm (Construction Manager at Risk) to replace the outdated system to ensure that water is treated and delivered safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively. Plans are currently being finalized.

84% of voters chose to extend the current one-percent sales. Funds generated will be used to construct the new water treatment system. Construction on the new plant is set to begin in 2024. Check back later for more information.

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Water FAQs

How do we know the new water treatment system is safe?

The City of Batesville produces higher quality water than required for its residents and industries. Many treatment options were considered, four of which were evaluated in detail through the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) process. The treatment options the City of Batesville has chosen are conventional treatment methods that are tried and true and have been used for water treatment for decades. The PER documents have been made available at City Hall for public viewing.

How do we know that changing the water treatment process is safe?

The treatment processes of the proposed plant are very similar to the existing plant. Finished water chemistry will not be measurably different than it is today. In addition, we will not be changing our source water, which has been cited as a problem for other communities, namely, Flint, MI.

Have we considered moving the water treatment plant upstream?

Yes, relocating the intake and the plant were evaluated. Relocating to a suitable location that meets regulatory requirements makes the project cost prohibitive—and would require extensive replacement of the existing water distribution system throughout the city of Batesville and surrounding areas.

Have we considered short-term solutions, like rehabilitating the existing plant?

Yes, rehabilitation of the plant was considered and evaluated. In short, rehabilitating the existing plant would have been more costly than building a new treatment plant. Several million dollars have been spent on short-term fixes over the past 15 years.

When was the last rate study completed?

A third-party rate studies were completed in 2009 and 2023. In addition, rates are evaluated each year internally. The numbers show that our current water rates are competitive with those of other Arkansas cities. Recent rate studies show that non-residential customers pay for nearly 66% of the cost of producing water.

How will we fund this project?

The project will be funded through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC)'s revolving loan fund with an estimated 1.75% interest rate.

Overwhelmingly, Batesville voters chose to extend the current one-percent sales. Funds generated will be used to construct the new water treatment system.

The refinanced bond would be paid off in an estimated twenty years. White River Planning and Development District and ANRC will also pursue other funding assistance in partnership with the City of Batesville. Any successful grants/principal forgiveness awards will also go towards loan repayment.

Have we applied for any government infrastructure funding?

We are currently in the process of securing funding with a low-interest rate through ANRC's revolving loan fund. We have, in the past, and will continue to apply for grant/principal forgiveness as funds are made available through federal and state programs. We partner with local, state, and federal agencies to assist in locating conduits of free money that may be available.