22 Jul 2011 In Morrilton – Vacant lot turned peaceful retreat

by Jacob Ward

When a vacant building in Downtown Morrilton was condemned in 2008, city officials wanted to avoid yet another vacant lot in the heart of their city. Three years later, the area has been transformed into a green oasis for downtown merchants and the public.

In the last few decades, cities all around the state and country have been faced with the same dilemma. As individuals have fled downtown areas in favor of suburban homes and shopping, historic buildings have been left abandoned and neglected. In some cases, large, lurking structures have become ignored to the point of disrepair, eventually falling victim to the wrecking ball and becoming “repurposed” as vacant lots.

The city of Morrilton has been no stranger to such a situation. Just four years ago, one downtown building met such a fate but has since been repurposed as a much welcome green space thanks to the vision and donations of city officials and dozens of Morrilton citizens.

When the wrecking ball fell on a condemned building standing prominently on Broadway Street (Highway 64), then Mayor Bobby Kirby was determined to not let another vacant lot become an eyesore in the downtown area. Rather than create yet another parking lot, Kirby approached the Morrilton City Council with the idea of creating a small “pocket park” in the space.

Often found in larger cities, pocket parks are small, public parks usually created on a single vacant building lot or an irregular piece of land, allowing area residents a place to sit, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Council members embraced the idea, and the project was born.

As often happens, the city council soon realized it was going to need help – and a lot of it – to complete the project. The Morrilton Parks Commission soon stepped in to lend a hand, followed by literally dozens of other donors, both corporate and private. The Morrilton Historic District Commission, made up of area citizens aiming to preserve the downtown area’s rich past and rejuvenate dilapidated structures, also lent a hand in the process, providing direction for the aesthetics of the park.

Fundraising for the endeavor was a multi-faceted process, with donations from the Morrilton First Assembly of God, Mobley Concrete, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and many others. Members of the Conway County Vision 2020 class and Sacred Heart School in Morrilton also sponsored “Party for The Park,” a fundraising event that featured a dinner, auction, live music and dancing, with all proceeds going toward completion of the park.

The official grand opening for the Broadway Park was held last summer, and the park has quickly added to the charm and functionality of the downtown area. The park serves as a welcomed spot for downtown merchants to have lunch and relax without leaving the area and is also attracting larger events. The University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton, in conjunction with Main Street Morrilton, has used the park to sponsor a free outdoor movie night for the community.

For the donors and volunteers who made the Broadway Park possible, the satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment comes when individuals are seen utilizing the space. While small in size, the space has greatly improved the look and atmosphere of Downtown Morrilton.

Those who championed the venture hope it can inspire even more development in the area and serve as an example for other communities.