Best of Siloam Springs 2025 | Page 17

Siloam Springs Herald-Leader Wednesday , January 29 , 2025 Best of Siloam Springs • 17
with the NWARPC to develop an open spaces plan that is crucial to the infrastructure and natural groundwork of Siloam Springs . Being a part of the Open Space Plan helps the City of Siloam Springs to receive grants , funding and support in order to uphold the integrity of its valued wildlife and the natural , open space areas in its capacity .
Sager Creek Mountain Bike Trail www . discoversiloam . com
included hosting public workshops , which allowed community members to tell project planners what open spaces they value and to provide the community with information regarding the project ’ s goals , scope , schedule , input received and work completed to-date . These workshops included “ favorite places ” mapping to prioritize specific areas in each of the five mapping categories . The Kayak Park at Fisher Ford on the Illinois River , was one of the locations identified and has recently taken steps in preserving the riverbanks and limiting overcapacity .
Staff and residents alike have worked
Parks and Recreation Responsibilities
The Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation Division is the centerpoint in continuing the open spaces work in the community . Listed as their key responsibilities are :
• Maintaining green spaces : Preserve and beautify the city parks , playgrounds , trails and open spaces while committing to sustainable practices to ensure these areas remain lush and inviting for generations to come .
• Recreational programs : Offer a diverse range of recreational programs and activities that cater to the interests and needs of community members to promote physical fitness , skill development and social engagement .
• Special events : Organize and host a variety of community events , festivals and cultural gatherings throughout the year , bringing people together and celebrating the
city ’ s rich heritage and vibrant culture .
• Environmental stewardship : Extend the commitment to sustainability in order to protect and conserve the natural environment within the city , engage in initiatives such as tree planting , wildlife conservation and environmentally friendly park amenities .
Vision
Their vision for the future is a city where every resident has access to safe and wellmaintained parks , recreational opportunities
www . discoversiloam . com
that inspire healthy living , and a strong sense of belonging within their community . They aspire to be a model division , constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and desires of our diverse population .
If you live in Siloam Springs or are a visitor to the outdoor and open space areas , rest assured that Siloam Springs is continually working toward better environmental integrity , public experience , and open space continuity to create a place where citizens can enjoy nature .