The Department of Geography at the University of Central Arkansas recently completed a tourism feasibility study for a “Little Dam Bridge” across the Arkansas River between Morrilton and Petit Jean Mountain.
The study, done on behalf of the City of Morrilton and the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce and supported by funds provided by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, examined the potential for constructing a bike and pedestrian crossing of the Ormond Lock and Dam south of Morrilton. The project would be a smaller version of Little Rock’s Big Dam Bridge.
Faculty and student researchers in the UCA geography department investigated similar projects across the country and evaluated the local market for participation in recreation activities such as cycling and running to determine the potential support for the Morrilton project. Based on these factors, the study estimated that the proposed Little Dam Bridge could attract up to 90,000 visitors a year with total economic impacts of over $5 million for the Conway County economy.
“This is an exciting potential addition to the regional recreation landscape,” said Dr. Stephen O’Connell, chair of geography and author of the report. “With growth in the Arkansas River Trail in Little Rock and mountain biking trails around Fayetteville, a project such as this could provide both Arkansans and tourists from beyond the state with additional destinations for outdoor activities.”
City officials in Morrilton, in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism staff, will evaluate the results of the study to determine a course of action. Smaller projects to boost local participation, such as expanding biking facilities or improving local parks, may be targeted before the full Little Dam Bridge project is undertaken.
For more information, contact O’Connell at (501) 450-5636 or soconnell@uca.edu.
