VOTE No Bond Q#8 -March 3
We are asking for your support to Save Lewis Park by voting NO to the $61.9 Million Aquatic Center Bond Issue #8, March 3, 2026.
The current aquatic recreation center plan is incomplete, with references to amenities that “may be included.” What is certain is the preferred location of Lewis Park will destroy 4 full sized soccer fields that serve multiple sports. Lewis Park is more than fields, it is a needed vital green space in a residential neighborhood that mitigates stormwater and slows runoff to Hamestring Creek.
The feasibility study estimated operating cost of $2 Million annually, with estimated shortfall of $700,000 +every year, after fees and donations. Many other civic services and salaries could be funded with this amount of our taxpayer money.
The Study: The $151,591 June 2024 – September 2025 aquatic feasibility study selected Lewis Park, at Mount Comfort Road and Lewis Ave., as the preferred site, without recognizing the loss of essential and heavily used multi sport fields being sacrificed at this location. The costs of replacing these fields is not analyzed or included. Building at Lewis will trigger another another major project to purchase and build another field complex. Recommendations from the feasibility study are: Improvements to Wilson Park pool, Multiple outdoor pools, Partnerships with other organizations to manage aquatic facilities.
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38649
Bond Vote: October 21, 2025, the City Council voted 6-2 to approve the ballot language and set the date for a bond referendum with nine issues. Residents will vote on each issue individually, per state law.
Contracts: November 4, 2025, the City Council Council members voted 5-3 to approve two separate items related to work on a proposed aquatics center at Lewis Park. The two contracts combine for a total of $272,523. One of the items was a $232,524 architectural contract with local firm Crafton Tull. The other was a $39,999 construction manager contract with local firm CDI Contractors.
https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2025/11/05/fayetteville-council-approves-contracts-for-preliminary-work-on-proposed-aquatics-center/
