Conway Community Center Special Election

Election Day

Tuesday, February 8 • 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Don Owen Sports Center
10 Lower Ridge Rd, Conway, AR 72032

McGee Center
3800 College Ave, Conway, AR 72034

Early Voting

February 1 - February 7 • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Faulkner County Courthouse
801 Locust St, Conway, AR 72034

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the special election?

To vote on the issuance of bonds to finance (i) a community center that will feature an indoor/outdoor aquatic facility, fitness center, volleyball & pickleball courts, and (ii) a soccer complex.

Why hold a special election?

State law only allows Arkansas cities to hold a special election on four dates throughout year (the second Tuesday of: February, May, August, or November). The February 8th special election for the community center and soccer complex projects meets that criteria.

These proposed projects are large enough to warrant a stand-alone election. On February 8th, Conway voters will only be voting on issues related to the City of Conway. There will be no other issues or candidates on the ballot. Also, should the questions pass, a February election will obviously allow the city to begin construction of the projects earlier.

Explain the bond process that we are using for this special election?

The City of Conway is asking voters to approve the rededication of existing A&P sales tax collections currently pledged to secure bonds that were issued to finance various parks and trail facilities in the city. Excess collections from the A&P sales taxes are also used for generating new funds for parks and recreational facilities.

If the ballot questions are approved, the A&P sales tax collections will be dedicated to refinance the existing bonds and to secure new bonds to finance the community center and soccer complex projects. The length of time of the rededication will depend upon which bond question are approved and market conditions at the time of bond issuance.

No A&P sales taxes will be increased to pay for these bonds.

What will the Community Center and Soccer Complex construction cost?

The total cost of the Conway Community Center shall not exceed $27.3 million. The total cost of the Conway Soccer Complex shall not exceed $5.5 million.

How will the City operate the Conway Community Center and Soccer Complex?

Operating costs will be paid by memberships, events, and daily users. The City’s will use a portion of their A&P funding to help assist with the operational expenses since we anticipate these facilities will bring in thousands of people to Conway each year. This will require approval from the A&P Commission.

Will the Conway Community Center be affordable?

The City of Conway anticipates charging $5.00 per person daily admission. This is comparable to what other municipalities charge statewide. We hope to add additional programming to make it even more affordable. Other rates will be determined at a later date.

Will there be activities for adults and seniors?

Yes, there will be activities specifically developed for seniors and adults throughout the center.

What other amenities will the Conway Community Center offer?

Fitness center/classes, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, social area, walking track, and party rooms.

Where is the location of the Conway Community Center?

The Conway Community Center will be located on the old airport property south of 6th Street.

Where is the location of the Conway Soccer Complex?

The Conway Soccer Complex will be located on Museum Road next to the existing Curtis Walker Park (1700 Museum Road).

Who will manage the Conway Community Center and the Conway Soccer Complex?

The City of Conway will maintain and operate both facilities.

Will the Conway Soccer Complex have artificial turf?

The current design calls for natural grass fields; however, the City is researching the affordability of artificial turf.

What about walking & bike trails at the Conway Community Center and Soccer Complex?

Yes, there will be walking trails around and through the Conway Soccer Complex and around the Conway Community Center.

What is the anticipated date of completion for both projects?

The Conway Community Center and the Conway Soccer Complex is anticipated to open 18 months after the general contractor is hired for the project.

When will the election be held and where can we find the latest information regarding the election?

Early Voting

February 1 - February 7 • 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Faulkner County Courthouse 801 Locust St, Conway, AR 72034

Election Day

Tuesday, February 8 • 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Don Owen Sports Center 10 Lower Ridge Rd, Conway, AR 72032

McGee Center 3800 College Ave, Conway, AR 72034