Save Lewis Park

Author: Joy Ramsey

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VOTE No Bond Q#8 -March 3

VOTE No Bond Q#8 -March 3

February 12, 2026 , Joy Ramsey 0

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/


Why Help Save Lewis Park

Why Help Save Lewis Park

February 10, 2026 Joy Ramsey 0

Vote No Bond Q#8 = $61.9 Million Aquatic Center
Preferred site from feasibility study is Lewis Park. We save the park by making the city rethink their plans to destroy 4/6 full sized fields. These fields are vital, central, and needed. Please ask the city to consider other options suggested in their study.

Preserve Lewis Park, Build Aquatic Center Elsewhere

Preserve Lewis Park, Build Aquatic Center Elsewhere

December 5, 2025 , , , , Joy Ramsey 1

The plans to build a proposed Aquatic Center at Lewis Park will decimate the existing fields, reducing quantity, size, and flexibility of this park. Addition of asphalt for parking and rooftops for the indoor pool and peripheral buildings, lazy river, slides and other features, will have detrimental impact on the areas ability to mitigate stormwater. Increased traffic will negatively impact the walkability and safety of the residential neighborhood. This proposed Aquatic Center will cost from $61- $107 Million dollars, which will be presented in the bond issue to be voted on in March of 2026.

Please support us in asking the City Council, Parks Department, and Mayor to find another location for this planned project rather than destroying this multipurpose, central, essential, neighborhood park. Logic would dictate maintaining Lewis Park over trying to replace what would be lost.