Destination Ozarks | 9
areas are in the aquatics locker rooms .
The original gym was restored with a rejuvenated floor , oak benches , and an indoor playground nearby . The Creekside complex is air-conditioned and updated with new sound , internet fiber , and energy-efficient lighting . Two hallways remain from the school ’ s addition in the early 2000s that allowed modern computer and science labs to be built . The blue hallway has two E-Sports gaming rooms , a golf simulator , an indoor practice net , and a meeting room . All games are rated E for Everyone . The green hallway has a large meeting room that can be divided and used for birthday or swim parties because of the close proximity to the pool area . Across the hallway is a large game room , which includes pingpong , foosball , shuffleboard , and more . Plush lounge chairs and two big-screen TVs can make it a great room to watch a game .
A new structure connects the original gym to a building with two basketball courts that can be converted into four volleyball courts and a multi-lane indoor walking / running track on the second level overlooking the courts . An elevator makes it convenient for strollers and wheelchair access .
The city can also host large conventions on any gym floor , with tables , chairs , and facilities available for catered events . The former locker rooms have been converted to new restroom facilities , increasing the number of restrooms in the building from four to more than 50 .
Two snack bars will be open for tournaments , one in the new building and one closer to the pools .
The first day Mayor Jackson took office in January 2019 , four department heads approached him with the idea of building a new community center featuring several indoor pools . The team visited many similar facilities to gather information .
“ I didn ’ t know exactly what we would do , but I knew it would enhance the quality of life for Harrison and the surrounding areas ,” Mayor Jerry Jackson said . “ The original plan was for a $ 55 million facility on 10 acres close to the sports complex . I quickly realized that a $ 55 million project wasn ’ t feasible . During the first campaign , it became clear the price and location were barriers , so we decided to eliminate the outdoor water park and asked the architect to design the best possible facility for $ 20 million – a figure we felt could gain broader support for . Simultaneously , we began discussions with Harrison Schools Superintendent Dr . Stewart Pratt about repurposing the old junior high complex , which included several buildings , including the National Guard Armory .”
A bond issue was successfully passed for $ 20 million . “ An extraordinary aspect of this achievement was securing an interest rate of 1.7 %, which turned out to be the lowest point in the bond market ,” Jackson said , “ As interest rates began to rise , it became evident that this project might never have come to fruition if we hadn ’ t passed the bond when we did .”
Local businesses got involved and agreed to sponsor project areas for five to ten years . Parks and
� LEFT : Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson addresses large Grand Opening crowd
Rec Executive Director Chuck Eddington said , “ This is the first time we ’ ve done a major project with a built-in way to maintain it . As the sponsor money comes in each year , it goes into a specific interest-bearing account that will allow us to replace or update areas as needed .”
“ Our department heads , including CFO Luke Feighert , COO Wade Phillips , Chuck Eddington , IT Director David Wilson , and Matt Bell with Explore Harrison , have been invaluable to this project . We used local contractors where we could , and I believe everyone from electrical , sound , landscaping , painting , and cleaning feel like they ’ ve had a part in this amazing project .”
The Creekside sponsors are Davis Buick GMC , Arvest Bank , DSI Trucking , Kiwanis Club , Harrison Battery and Tire , Wood Motor Company , Tempo Fire and Security , Signature Bank , Wabash Wood Products , First Community Bank , Farm Bureau Insurance Boone County , and Pippin Wholesale Company . Local artist Laurie Morrison has added incredible color to the facility .
“ Thank you to everyone for the unwavering support we ’ ve received . We look forward to this benefiting our surrounding
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communities , too ,” Jackson said . Anyone interested in membership information can go to HarrisonParks . com and see the available discounts for families in the free lunch program at school , veterans and seniors . The phone number is 870-741-2346 . Hours are currently 6 a . m . until 9 p . m . The Creekside Community and Aquatics Center is at 515 S . Spring in Harrison , Arkansas .
OPEN 9-5 • 7 DAYS A WEEK Call 870-749-2298 for more information .
www . Harrison-Chamber . com