Public Comments Sought On Ft. Smith Memorial

The construction of a memorial, as well as the naming of basketball courts in Ft. Smith, was requested of the City Parks Commission in June.  It has been asked that the courts located at Martin Luther King Jr. Park be named after Almer Lee, as well as a memorial.  Names were sought from the public, with the majority suggesting Lee.  The Commission voted earlier this month to go forward with honoring him.

Lee was a star at Northside High School and a former Razorback.  He was the first African-American at the University of Arkansas to letter in basketball.  He played for them from 1970-72.  Lee's career was ended by injuries.  He retired in 2013 from the Arkansas Depart- ment of Human Services after 25 years.  Lee passed away at the age of 63 in November of last year.

Comments are being accepted from the public regarding the recommendation from the Co- mmission.  They may be hand-delivered or mailed to the Parks & Recreation office - 3301 S. 'M' Street, Ft. Smith, AR 72903 thru August 3.

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