Click image to enlarge. North is to the left in this map. See land tracts outlined below.
The City of Benton has agreed to purchase 511 acres of undeveloped land along the Saline River from the Thomas family of Benton. This land purchase is the largest single land acquisition in the city’s history.
The land will be purchased in 10 installments over the next ten years. The first tract will be 101 total acres just to the right of Interstate 30 and Exit 114. With future tracts moving north along Highway 229 and the next six tracts east of the Saline River which connects to Lyle Park.
Click image to enlarge. North is at the top in this map.
The City of Benton and the Advertising & Promotions Commission will host a contract signing event. Tuesday March 14th , 2023, at 9:00 am on Tract 1 near Exit 114 off Interstate 30. Benton officials and a Thomas family member will be in attendance.
The acquisition of this land is a major piece of the Benton 2040 vision. The Benton Parks and Recreation Department will manage and maintain the properties that will house ball fields, disc golf course, RV park and miles of trails that will eventually connect Benton in a biking and hiking loop around the entire city.
Additionally, this will connect the Lyle Park river access to the Cherry Demuth river access. Witness the beginning of this massive project on Tuesday.
See the list of all the events in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/events.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but this map is mislabeled. Hwy 229 is labeled as Hwy 5.
Yes, it’s wrong. This is the map they gave us. It’s definitely Hwy 229 – the loop from Blue Heaven (former Ed & Kay’s) that passes Peeler Bend and comes back out at Exit 114.
how much for the land? I haven’t seen any discussion about cost.
It seems like a nice investment. I would like to see a portion of the project to include renovations, added facilities, and animal housing facilities for equestrians, livestock show competitors, rodeo participants.
The junior rodeos, western show events, time event competition’s, junior and senior high school rodeos,
There is a great following for these activities that attract local families, and out of town families for rodeo events.
The people that travel to Benton to attend rodeos, spend a good chunk of change in the community during a weekend. It is a huge boost for restaurants, motels, fuel stops, stores, and many other businesses in the area.
I’m all for the plans drawn up for all the other resources and diverse ideas that offer places for different types of sports and hobbies, for those who have not had anywhere to participate in these things.
The growth and progressing interest in western sports has become more and more popular than ever. The number’s have skyrocketed and the age level starting to participate are lower and lower every year.
Congratulations to the city, county, and surrounding areas for this blessing and opportunity to invest in the future for many years to come.
Very good point!
This is very nice.for Benton residents. How about land to have a solar farm to help with electrical costs for the residents of Benton.? I see where Conway has done this to help their residents.
There is one on Edison, but I believe it’s for the county, not the residents. Good point.