The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission has been reviewing plans and suggestions as to what do with War Memorial Park.   Currently occupied by a ratty 18-hole golf course, residents have urged the city to consider ripping up the golf course and constructing a pristine, urban park in the heart of Little Rock.

The advantages to developing an urban park, complete with walking and biking trails and wide open space for people to come together and enjoy the warm months, are limitless (think about the entertainment opportunities alone).   

Additionally, it appears that constructing the park would have practical advantages as well: it will reduce temperatures in the city.  According to research compiled by British scientists and published in this month’s issue of the journal Built Environment, cities “An additional 10 percent more green space could reduce surface temperatures by 7 degrees Fahrenheit.  Extra parks and green roofs could counteract the predicted rise in temperature until 2080 when summers are expected to be hotter and drier and winters wetter.”

The biggest hurdle seems to be cost.  It’s going to take millions of dollars to develop the park.  But this city should be scared off by these costs.  Opportunties this good don’t come along very often, if ever.  A centrally located park in Little Rock would bring all sections of the city together. Talk about community.