A project to renovate Mattocks Park was pitched

EL DORADO, Ark. ( KTVE/KARD ) — El Dorado had their public works meeting on October 8th. The topic at hand was Mayor Paul Choate put together a plan to help make changes to Mattocks Park. Paul was looking to add an aquatic center and make renovation to other parts of the park.

This project is very much worthwhile. It is needed in our park system. There are a lot of kids within walking distance of Mattocks Park. Like I say, used virtually every week there’s something over there and the kids really just don’t have enough to do. This type of place space provides a lot of physical activity.

Paul Choate

This pitch did come with push back. Willie McGhee was asked to stand and express how he felt about the project. Willie was very adamant about the fact he was happy that the project was being put together. But he was not happy with how it was necessarily being done.

Me and Mayor Choate actually talked one time in his office, I mean at lunch about some of the ideas that I see here but I didn’t see this. I’m just saying we have to be honest with the public also. Because I have a lot of input from direct people that actually still thought the pool was going to be a part of this design.

Willie McGhee

The focus is now on making sure the community is involved in the conversation. They are a huge part, and they are the people who are actively involved in the use of Mattocks Park.

Please don’t think I am trying to knock Mayor Choate because I appreciate the effort, and I understand what he is doing. I promise you. We need it. We need this. We need it. But we also got to be the people who actually vote for us to actually have they input.

Willie McGhee

The topic is being pushed to the next public works meeting. This will allow for everyone in the community to come out and voice their opinion. So, when the next meeting is announced, the community of El Dorado needs to be there.

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