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Friends,
In about a month, runners from across the country and around the world will descend on our city to participate in the annual Little Rock Marathon. This event brings thousands of people and millions of dollars to Little Rock's economy. It's the highlight of the year for our dedicated Little Rock Marathon staff and for many runners who call Little Rock home.
Fortunately, our team doesn't only focus on Marathon weekend as it relates to our vibrant running community. Running is a simple and affordable way to exercise, and it is important that we ensure Little Rock is safe and accessible to anyone who wants to get out and enjoy a run.
We prioritize all forms of recreation as we emphasize improving quality-of-life amenities for our residents. For instance, we are upgrading safety for cyclists and pedestrians by planning to add new sidewalks and bike lanes (and decreasing vehicular traffic lanes) on Markham Street in the Capitol View/Stifft Station neighborhood. Our Parks and Recreation Department continues to focus on new ways to connect our neighborhoods and parks to trails used by both runners and walkers.
Our efforts to promote running recently earned national recognition from the Road Runners Club of America, which designated Little Rock as a Runner-Friendly Community. Little Rock is among fewer than 50 cities across the country to earn the honor. Runner-friendly communities must show collaboration among public and private entities to advance the cause of running. We do that in Little Rock with a multitude of community partners, including the Little Rock Roadrunners Club, a leading advocate for the Runner-Friendly Community designation.
According to the national organization, a runner-friendly community is required to have "a safe network of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, multi-use trails, paths, share lanes and more" while showing support for running as a sport and healthy activity. I appreciate our team and others who are helping us maintain and build a safe, robust network of outdoor running trails.
With the Little Rock Marathon just 34 days away, on Sunday, March 3, many in our community are utilizing our sidewalks and trails right now to prepare for this popular event. Be sure to register now for the race named Best Marathon in Arkansas and for the associated races and events that make for a fun and exciting weekend.
And, if you aren't already a runner, there's no better time than now to take advantage of the infrastructure and support that Little Rock -- America's newest Runner-Friendly Community -- has to offer.
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Pothole Repairs in Progress
Potholes are a persistent problem after major winter storms, as we have seen across the region and here in Little Rock in the past week. The extreme winter weather followed by several rounds of heavy rain exacerbated the pothole problem, though Public Works Department crews are working tirelessly to repair potholes across the City.
To report a pothole, call 311, download the 311 app and submit a repair request there or email LittleRock311Service@LittleRock.gov. Right now, we are prioritizing repair on busy streets that have sustained substantial damage. Typically, our crews respond to pothole repair requests within two to three days. Because of the high number of potholes caused by the most recent storm, response time is a little longer. Rest assured, multiple crews will continue to work every day until repairs are completed.
For reference, potholes form when water seeps through pavement then freezes and expands, causing pavement to lift. When the ice melts, that causes an air pocket to form under the pavement. A vehicle's weight then causes the air pocket to give way, creating a pothole.
Because of the excessive amount of rain last week, Public Works has used a "cold mix" material to patch potholes. This is a temporary fix. When weather conditions are suitable, crews will begin permanent repairs using a "hot mix" asphalt material.
Our crews make pothole repairs by driving city streets identifying problem areas, as well as from 311 requests.
We appreciate your patience as we work to repair the trouble spots caused by the recent winter weather.
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A City of Little Rock Public Works Department team member repairs a pothole on Chenal Parkway on Friday, Jan. 26.
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Unity Service is Sunday
Please join us this Sunday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at Saint Mark Baptist Church for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Service. This yearly event honors Dr. King's legacy and commitment to justice and equity. We rescheduled the service from earlier this month because of inclement weather, but are eager to kick off Black History Month with the Unity Service.
I always look forward to the opportunity to host this service with our Board of Directors and city officials. Faith leaders from our community will be in attendance along with a cross-section of residents from every neighborhood, faith and background. Together, we will demonstrate the spirit of unity and inclusion that was at the heart of Dr. King's mission and ministry.
Our featured speaker for Sunday's event is Dr. Gina Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis. Dr. Stewart recently had the distinction and honor of being the first woman to ever preach at the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. We know Dr. Stewart will bring a unifying word that inspires and challenges us to make a difference in our City.
The service Sunday starts at 6 p.m. at Saint Mark Baptist, 5722 W. 12th St. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
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Save the Date
Early each year, we have the opportunity to share directly with Little Rock residents our vision and goals for the new year during the State of the City address. In this annual speech, I will share what our team at City Hall has done to get results for our residents and talk about how we can work together with intentionality and innovation to generate even better results in the years ahead.
The 2024 State of the City address is Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. I encourage you to mark it on your calendars and join us in person for the event. This year, we chose to host the State of the City address at AMFA, one of our newest and most important attractions. This internationally recognized museum is an anchor of our Downtown resurgence and a showplace for our City.
The address begins at 6 p.m., but be sure to get there early to visit with team members from City departments. You will be able to ask questions and learn a little more about city services at our first City of Little Rock Involvement Fair. That starts at 5 p.m.
Again, make plans to join us Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501 E. Ninth St.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m. at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. to set the agenda for its next regular meeting. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda, click here.
- The Little Rock Historic District Commission meets Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- A public meeting to discuss certain drainage improvement projects in Ward 3 is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1, at 5:30 p.m. The City's Public Works Department welcomes interested residents to provide feedback and learn more about the projects. The meeting will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road.
- As mentioned previously, the City of Little Rock's annual Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. Unity Service is Sunday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St. Please join us for this event rescheduled from MLK Day weekend because of inclement weather.
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As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
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