Town gets fishing pond

Crews from Double J Construction of De Queen, Ark., recently built a fishing pond in Mineral Springs, Ark., to provide recreation, Mayor Bobby Tullis said. This photo shows work early in the process. When water fills the pond, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will stock the pond with brim and bass. (Photo courtesy of the City of Mineral Springs, Ark.)
Crews from Double J Construction of De Queen, Ark., recently built a fishing pond in Mineral Springs, Ark., to provide recreation, Mayor Bobby Tullis said. This photo shows work early in the process. When water fills the pond, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will stock the pond with brim and bass. (Photo courtesy of the City of Mineral Springs, Ark.)

Mineral Springs, Ark., city officials are connecting with nature by creating a fishing pond for residents of all ages, says Mayor Bobby Tullis.

When water fills the one-third acre pond, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) will stock it with brim and bass, he said.

"We just wanted something people could enjoy if they were 8 or 88 years old," Tullis said.

The pond is located next to the pavilion on west Spring Street and Arkansas Highway 27.

Double J Construction of De Queen, Ark., built the pond for $3,750. AGFC will keep the pond stocked with fish.

"I wanted to fix something new. With a little money, we can do this. We've been repairing stuff in the city. We've fixed City Hall, fixed the sewer ponds and paved streets. I wanted one new thing to give extra value to the town and improve the quality of life," Tullis said.

Mineral Springs has a population of about 1,200 people.

Once the pond fills with water, the fish will be released in the pond in early May.

He said the AGFC is growing the fish and then will release the brim and bass in the pond.

"I thought they just already had the fish and put them in the pond. I didn't know they had to grow the fish," he said.

The city has deep well waters, which will provide the water. The pond should never go dry, Tullis said.

"I got the idea from visiting friends in Cabot. The town has a large pond and it's wonderful recreation. On a smaller scale, I wanted to give our people something for recreation," he said.

Upcoming Events