Wilson park plans still alive in Ark City

The master plan for the renovation of Arkansas City’s Wilson Park is progressing slowly, according to City Manager Nick Hernandez.

Hernandez unveiled the city’s long-term plan for the park in March 2017, which included a refurbishing of the Wilson Park train engine that was successfully done last October.

The CourierTraveler recently asked city officials about the status of the other projects envisioned for the master plan, which was done by LK Architecture with a $33,500 grant proved by the V.J. Wilkins Foundation.

In an email Wednesday, Hernandez said the plan has not been abandoned and efforts are currently being made to secure additional funding so the next phase can be completed.

He said a request has been made to the VJ Wilkins Trust for $263,144 to help fund future improvements.

“We are awaiting the final acceptance from the trust which will meet next month,” he said.

Hernandez said he was also working on a possible grant opportunity that has the potential to match the funds received from the trust, up to $500,000.