Little Rock unveils plans for parks with sales tax funds

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The penny sales tax increase that will be voted on in November comes with a plan to draw in people from around the state and country to draw in revenue.

The focus at the Little Rock City Hall on Wednesday was on parks and an indoor and outdoor sports complex that can be built with the added tax.

The indoor facility could have 30 basketball and volleyball courts, along with an event space for concerts and other gatherings.

The outdoor complex would have 10 flex fields for baseball, football and more.

Little Rock Parks and Recreation Director Leland Couch says it’s time to make Little Rock a hub for local sports teams and a stop for out-of-state tournaments.

“We need to be able to do that here locally and come and have people do that here to help offset the cost of our city operations,” Couch said. “I’m really excited to see some of these, so that children that I know, children in the neighborhoods, can come and utilize them as well as others who travel in for tournament play.”

The plan would also upgrade Hindman Park and transform War Memorial Park into Little Rock’s central park.

The penny tax increase could generate $650 million if it passes.

The park portion would cost about $115 million.

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