In January 1990, a major cable TV company servicing Northern Arkansas offered a contribution of making a 30-second-spot commercial and airing it eight times per day in February and March 1990. They set up a date and sent a filming crew to the hatchery. Committee Chairman McFadden and Hatchery Manager Lindsay were used in the spot. A script was written, choreographed, and rehearsed on the site of the proposed park. Several “takes” were done until all concerned were satisfied. They aired the spot as promised. It was even on once during each of two separate broadcasts of the University of Arkansas basketball games.
In early February 1990, final plans and blueprints were presented to the committee and approved. Hatchery Manager Lindsay took these to the Regional 4 Project Leaders’ Meeting in mid-February. They were presented to the Regional Office Fisheries’ Staff and the Regional Director. Based on the blueprint presented and the advanced funds collected, the Challenge Grant was increased to $30,000.
On March 1, 1990, the formal fund-raising was kicked off with a considerable fan fare and a local “media-blitz”. At that point the committee had $21,000 in advance contributions. By the end of March, contributions from the private sector totaled just under $61,000. This made $91,000 available to construct the park.
Excessive rains in April and May prevented any on-site work. June and July were devoted to surveying, layout, and brush cutting in preparation for park construction. Construction began on August 15 and the dedication ceremony took place on October 28.