The newly built Brumps Bayou Bridge has been damaged by vandals, forcing a delay in its opening.
“We are not deterred by this vandalism,” said Greg Gustek, Lake Saracen Project Association treasurer. “We are trying not to make an issue out of it.”
Gustek said he hopes to have new handrails installed by the end of March and a dedication ceremony in April. He is talking with the builder, Larry Diggs Construction of Hot Springs.
“There will be an extra cost and that cost is to be determined,” Gustek said. “It could be $500 to several thousand dollars. We will probably go for a more durable type of material to withstand what it went through the first time.”
The bridge was built using a $100,000 grant issued jointly by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The city of Pine Bluff received the grant money on behalf of the Lake Saracen Project Association.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Gustek said he and Joy Blankenship of the Lake Saracen Project Association found the damage. He said that he appreciated Larry Diggs Construction for meeting expectations.
The bridge is 308 feet long and includes a covered area with a red roof with benches underneath. The bridge includes a ramp to allow people in wheelchairs access to fishing and viewing of wildlife.
Located at the end of King Street, the bridge is part of phase seven of a walking trail that surrounds most of Lake Saracen.
The eighth and final phase of the walking trail will begin at the bridge, turn south on Linden Street, then turn east on Pullen Street to return to Saracen Landing. Once the last link is finished, the trail will cover five miles.
Gustek said that he expects police officers to visit the bridge in light of the vandalism. He said that police officers visit other sections of the walking trail and there have not been any issues elsewhere.
The issue was mentioned briefly as part of the Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Commission meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, but commissioners ultimately did not hold an official meeting because of a lack of a quorum.
Commission members Jeff Pulliam, Alexandra Kosmitis, Krandon Henry and Fabian Fentenot heard from Parks and Recreation Director April Layher.
Layher said that the recently completed splash pad had a broken pipe under its water fountain in January. The contractor Hydco and project manager ETC Engineers and Architects are working together to build a shut-off valve, which should have already been built per the contract, Layher said.
The city of Pine Bluff entered into a contract with Hydco guaranteeing its work for one year, Layher said.
The splash pad consists of jets of water that spray from the ground. The repairs will be completed before the splash pad opens for the first time on Memorial Day weekend, Layher said. The park will be free for general use. People will be able to rent the space at a charge to hold private parties, she said.
“We intend to install a sound system and install four picnic tables,” Layher said.
In other news, Pulliam congratulated Trudy Redus for being selected as president of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association.
The Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a chili cook-off on Saturday, April 25. Details: 870-536-0920 or email saracenlanding@att.net