Arkadelphia expands city limits, slightly

PHOTO: Satellite imagery shows an aerial view of a property southwest of Arkadelphia that was annexed into the city limits during a meeting Tuesday, June 17. | Google Maps

By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard

The city of Arkadelphia grew by 18 acres Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025.

Meeting in regular session, the Board of Directors held a brief public hearing during which no one spoke for or against the issue of the petition of land owners Randy Haynes and Doug Story to be annexed into the city limits.

The property is located at 3200 Hollywood Road across from Magnolia Estates and consists of an air-conditioned storage area as well as what City Manager Gary Brinkley termed “flex space” that can be used for two additional business ventures. In addition, there is room for expansion on the property, which is zoned highway commercial.

At the motion of Directors Emily Merryman and Jason Jones, the motion passed.

Brinkley then informed the board that a Great Strides grant is available that, for no cost to the city, will improve DeSoto Bluff’s parking as well as other amenities. He explained that the county has been laboring to connect the city and DeGray Lake with a walking trail, and to that end has secured a grant to extend the trail across the soon-to-be replaced Highway 7 bridge over the Caddo River.

DeSoto Bluff is significant in the project because it will become a trailhead for the trails project, the city manager said. At the motion of Vice-Mayor Roland Gosey, the motion was approved.

In other business, the board:

• Agreed to enter into an agreement with the Arkansas Community Foundation to be able to receive certain event sponsorships. The city has the same agreement for the MLK Park, Brinkley said.

• Accepted a bid from Geo Services for $244,500 to place turf on Field 6 in the Feaster Park Complex.  Brinkley also noted that the surfaces on Fields 3 and 4 are also being rehabilitated as well.