Batesville Parks Celebrate Greenway Expansion

Parks Director, Lowen Lermitte, enthusiastically thanked all those involved in the project and emphasized the transformation of the half-mile stretch.  “This is an incredible day to stand here on the Greenway and celebrate the future of Batesville's Main Street”, expressed Director Lermitte. “For many years this stretch served primarily as a path for cars, but today we celebrate a monumental change and the thoughtful transformation of this half-mile stretch from two lanes to one lane that paved the way for a dedicated pedestrian and bike path”.  Mr. Lermitte emphasized that the addition is more than a construction project. “It's a real commitment to enhancing our quality of life and strengthening our community, and a transformation this significant requires immense support”, stated Lowen who thanked community members and businesses including Citizens Bank, ETC Engineers and Architects, the owner of ETC Shawkat Ali, and the late Jeff Owens, former Parks Director for the city. 

Mr. Lermitte shared the Parks and Recreation Departments vision of future Greenway trail. “From street-side concerts to festive Halloween fun, or spectacular annual Christmas parades, this new Main Street is built for the safety, health, and wellness of the community. And while we celebrate this fantastic milestone, I want to briefly share a vision for the near future. This work doesn't stop here. We're actively planning an ambitious greenway expansion that will ultimately connect, the vibrance of Main Street directly to the city’s beautiful Riverside Park”, said Lermitte. “This critical link will ensure our citizens have safe, healthy access for walking and biking, opening even more fun and recreational opportunities, by tying our downtown core to our natural assets and new amenities” declared Lowen, who then turned the presentation over to Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. 

“It’s a great day to be in Batesville, Arkansas,” said Mayor Elumbaugh. “We’ve already celebrated so many wonderful additions to our community, including the new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center and Cafeteria at Batesville High School, and now this—another project that enhances our quality of life and connects our city in new ways.”

“This Greenway Trail Main Street Addition represents collaboration and community spirit,” Mayor Elumbaugh continued. “It was the last project our late and beloved Parks Director, Jeff Owens, saw from start to finish. His attention to detail is visible throughout—from the placement of every tree to the glowing stamped concrete that makes this trail truly unique. It’s a tribute to his vision and his love for this community, and we are so honored to have his parents Darlene and Danny here to see Jeff’s vision come to fruition.” 

The project was completed through the combined efforts of the City of Batesville, the city’s engineer – Damon Johnson, ETC Engineers, and Wagner Construction. The new benches along Main Street were generously sponsored by Citizens Bank.

Ambassadors in attendance include: Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashlyn Blevins (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), and Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville).