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The city is making improvements to the parking lot on Crawford St., behind the Decatur County courthouse.

When finished, the parking lot will have 41 spaces — including two ADA-accessible spots. The improvements include putting the River Walk through the parking lot and to the town square. The path will connect to the sidewalk behind the courthouse and lead to West St. and Willis Park.

Assistant city manager Roy Oliver spoke with the Post-Searchlight about the construction work. “Basically, it connects the two blocks from the square directly to Chason Park and down on the river,” Oliver said. Decatur County Administrator Allen Thomas said the county is “happy” that the city is extending the river walk. He said that he feels it will enhance the walk from Willis Park to the river.

After the parking lot and river walk improvements, the city will work on improving the walkways on the Bruton St. side of the river, according to Oliver.

It is all a part of the Chason Park expansion project. Starting in 2019, the project has moved along in three phases. The first phase entailed installing a handicap-accessible ramp in 2019. The second involved the construction of a staircase that connects the park with the river walk below. Phase three — the current phase — consists of the main park expansion. The park will include a pavilion modeled after the courthouse clocktower, playgrounds for younger and older children, restrooms and a splash pad.

The Chason Park expansion is projected to be completed by the end of August.