The Searcy courthouse is about to receive a facelift — or rather, a chairlift.
As of Nov. 12, the Arkansas Historical Preservation Program (AHPP) approved a proposition by Judge Michael Lincoln for a new and improved chairlift that will assist with the overall accessibility of the courthouse.
Lisa Brown, administrative assistant to Judge Lincoln, said she is glad that the courthouse will soon be equipped with a newer, more effective chairlift because the current one is too old to fill the needs of citizens and employees.
“I can tell you it’s desperately needed,” Brown said. “I don’t know how long this chairlift has been here, but it’s been a long time.”
According to the project bid documents received by Judge Lincoln at the end of October, White River Planning and Development District will be responsible for the installation of the lift.
White River Planning and Development employee Mitzi Hargan said the current chairlift is “old and has repair issues,” which makes it challenging for citizens with disabilities to attend court located on the second floor.
“It creates a hardship not only for the person trying to get to court, but also for the judge and everyone else involved,” Hargan said. “The addition of the new lift will be a tremendous benefit for all of White County.”
Sophomore Caitlyn Spears has been a Searcy resident since she was 6 years old and said she is glad to hear about the new lift because it will benefit the entire community.
“I would say it’s a very good thing,” Spears said. “Getting a chairlift will allow the downtown courthouse to be accessible to all of the citizens of Searcy now, instead of just those who are without a handicap. It will definitely provide a stronger sense of community.”
The project should be complete within 60 days of the starting date of construction, although Brown said the date has not yet been set. Funding for the project will come from Arkansas state taxes and form the AHPP.
The contract specifies that the new chairlift will fold and unfold automatically as well as manually and will contain passenger restraining arms and retractable boarding ramps. It will also include a call station that will activate the chairlift. These additions will ensure that the new lift meets the requirements of the official Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts by Garaventa Lift.
