DE QUEEN, Ark. -- The construction of a splash pad at Herman Dierks Park here has been stalled but should be getting underway soon, officials say.
Supply chain issues delayed some materials, said De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown.
"There were issues where we could not get the materials but they have started hauling dirt for the pad, and the project is underway," Brown said.
Pilgrim's Pride is contributing $480,000 for the splash pad.
The money is part of the company's Hometown Strong Program where Pilgrim's works with community leaders to determine where funds could best meet immediate and longer-term community needs.
Brown said he learned the city was getting the splash pad from the manager of Pilgrim's De Queen/Nashville complex several months ago.
In all, Pilgrim's is investing $715,000 in De Queen through the Hometown Strong program. The company is also funding a one-mile walking trail on the campus of Sevier County's new hospital.
The trail will provide landscaped and lighted outdoor space for hospital staff, patients, visitors and the broader community.
Brown said new playground equipment for Herman Dierks Park is already in the city's budget so the addition of a splash pad will help create a 'totally revamped park."
Brown said Pilgrim's is a "great corporate citizen that goes above and beyond for the community," adding, "we are thankful for this donation as it will ensure that families have the opportunity to spend quality time together for decades to come."
The Pilgrim's De Queen/Nashville facility employs more than 1,400 people with an annual payroll of more than $53 million. The facility supports 238 growers, paying them more than $36 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, the complex has invested more than $134 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
De Queen is located about 55 miles north of Texarkana.
(Pilgrim's operates more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods facilities and employing 31,000-plus people in the United States. Nationally, the Hometown Strong initiative represents a $20 million investment from Pilgrim's, which is part of a $50 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA.)