Wilson Park is just about ready to show off its new wardrobe.
Crews this week are putting the final touches on a series of improvements to the iconic park, which include three brand new play areas and several upgrades to the western parking lot and entry drive.
The work began in February with help from a $150,000 Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Grant, and a $30,000 donation from longtime local developer Fadil Bayyari who requested a musical playground in honor of his late son David Lyle Bayyari.
The project included complete demolition and replacement of the 20-year-old playground equipment that featured separate structures for younger and older children. The new playground also includes age-specific structures, but the two areas are closer to each other. All three playgrounds are now open.
Asphalt on the entry drive off Prospect Street was removed and replaced with a one-way drive from Prospect to the parking lot. Concrete curb and gutter was also added to the drive and the northwest side of the parking lot to help contain parking and redirect stormwater.
The new drive and parking area is currently closed for the final stages of asphalt work, but should be open this weekend. The work is expected to wrap up next week when crews apply the driveway and parking space striping.
Main playground
Playground for smaller children
Musical playground
