DODDRIDGE, Ark. - Miller County's Alex Smith Park might soon get some state financial aid for recreational development and improvements.
The county's Quorum Court members approved a measure last week to apply for Outdoor Recreation matching grant funds from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Presently, the county has collected about $125,000 in funds generated by timber sales and from permit sales to residents seeking to use the park's gun range, said Miller County Judge's Office administrative assistant Carla Jenkins.
The court's justices of the peace are hoping to receive an additional $125,000 in matching funds from the state's Parks, Heritage and Tourism department, thereby having $250,000 available to work on installing restrooms inside the park as an immediate goal.
Eventually, county officials would like to see both permanent water and electrical installations inside the park as a long-term goal.
Besides applying for Outdoor Recreation matching grant funds, the JPs also approved a measure allowing the county to apply to the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program for $15,000 to help Doddridge with finance interior improvements to its new community center.
Doddridge Community Center officials have furnished proof that they have raised $15,000 through both cash and in-kind donations, according to county records.