Frequently Asked Questions
Below we've listed some of the questions we've received about our neighborhood, the Association and our website.
Questions About the Association/Membership
Who can join the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association? What are your membership requirements?
Membership is open to anyone. You do not have to own property in the Valley and you do not have to live in the Valley. And yes, renters can join our Association. You only need to be interested in our neighborhood and want to act with others to promote and protect the Valley's unique character (and perhaps make some new friends). If you are interested in joining our Association, see our "Becoming A Member" page. (Posted 7/13/10)
Can I deduct my WVNA dues off my taxes?
Sorry, no. Money paid to the Association is not tax deductible. (Posted 7/13/10)
When does the Neighborhood Association meet?
As a general rule, the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association meets on the second or third Monday of each month, except for June when there is no meeting. Our meetings start at 6:30 pm, generally last less than one hour and are held at the First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Avenue. See our Calendar of Events for the date of our next meeting. That page has a link to a pdf with a full list of our meetings for the year. (Posted 7/13/10; Updated 1/31/13)
Are you a traditional HOA (Home Owners Association)? Do you assess monthly HOA fees?
Short answer: no. Participation in the Whittington Valley Neighborhood Association is completely voluntary. If you own property in the Valley, you are not required to join the Neighborhood Association (although we certainly welcome all new members). Our members pay only ten dollars in annual dues. This money is used to fund the Association's two annual picnics, our annual Christmas party and pay our other operating expenses (like those incurred with this website). (Posted 7/13/10)
Do you enforce a list of design restrictions (CC&Rs) like a HOA?
The Association does not enforce any design or architectural covenants or restrictions on buildings in the Valley. Each homeowner is responsible for their own property without interference from the Association. However, all property in the Valley is subject to Hot Springs' city zoning laws. Moreover, owners have to maintain their houses in accordance with Hot Springs' health and safety regulations. (Posted 7/13/10.)
Questions about our Cookbook
How can I get a copy of your cookbook?
Supplies of our cookbook are very limited and we expect it to soon sell out. There is only one Hot Springs retailer that still offer our cookbook for sale. Visit " Our Cookbook" page for detalls--just scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for their address. (Posted 7/13/10; 1st Update 1/30/11; 2nd Update 6/2/11; 3rd Update 1/31/13.)
Great idea posting recipes from your cookbook on your website. But won't you eventually run out of recipes?
Our Cookbook has two-hundred pages and contains nearly three-hundred recipes. We have plenty of recipes to post online for the foreseeable future.
To see all the recipes we have posted online, visit "Our Cookbook" page. (Posted 7/13/10)
Your cookbook is entitled "Alligators & Artichokes." What does the title mean?
Hot Springs' artist Dolores Justus came up with the name. The "alligators" in the title refers to the Valley's own Alligator Farm, the oldest continuously operating tourist attraction in Hot Springs. The inclusion of "Artichokes" in the title is a reference to the artichoke recipes in the cookbook and was selected because it provided nice alliteration with the word "Alligators." (Posted 7/13/10)
Questions About the Neighborhood
Where exactly is the Whittington Valley?
The Whittington Valley is located in northern part of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a neighborhood of approximately 300 individual homes, three public parks, four churches, numerous local attractions and various other assorted businesses. It is located in a valley just north west of downtown Hot Springs between West Mountain and Sugar Loaf Mountain (see map below). (Posted 7/13/10)
Map showing Whittington Valley (highlighted in blue) in northwest Hot Springs, Arkansas
(Click map to see larger version--opens a new window)
Your neighborhood sounds great. Are there any houses or lots for sale in the Valley?As a general rule, there are always some property for sale in the Whittington Valley. We are a small community so the available housing stock may be limited at any particular time. Most houses are older but affordable. And there are usually some buildable lots for sale on which you can construct a new house if you are so inclined.
If you are interested in moving to the Valley, we suggest that you contact your realtor who can provide you with a listing of all the properties for sale in the Valley. (Posted 7/13/10)
How much does a typical house in the Valley cost?
Like all neighborhoods in Hot Springs, prices vary depending on several factors: age and condition of the home, location, amenities, etc. Most of the homes in the Valley are at least forty years old. In 2009, several homes in the Valley were sold. According to records maintained by the Garland County Assessors' Office, sale prices ranged from $55,000 (for a small one-bedroom house on a side street) to the mid-$90,000's (for a three bedroom home facing the Federal Park). (Posted 7/13/10)
How do I get out of the Valley and across town (I live near the racetrack) when Central Avenue is closed?
There are three main routes connecting the Whittington Valley (located in the northern part of Hot Springs) with the southern parts of the city.
First, you can take Central Avenue through downtown (shown in blue on map below). This is generally recognized as the shortest and most direct route connecting the Valley to locations south. However, during special events such as holiday parades, Central Avenue through Downtown may be closed for short periods (2-3 hours at a time).
Another popular route is over West Mountain (shown in red). In the 500 block of South Whittington, take West Mountain Drive through the National Park (over West Mountain) to Prospect Avenue. Once on Prospect, cut over to Pecan to reach Grand Avenue. This route is very scenic but watch your speedometer-- the 25 MPH speed limit over the mountain is strictly enforced.
The third route connecting Whittington to southern Hot Springs (shown in purple) is much more circuitous. From the intersection of Whittington and Central Avenues, take Park Avenue north two miles to Gulpha Gorge Road. Proceed south through Gulpha Gorge Federal Park to Grand Avenue near Magic Springs Amusement Park. Then head west on Grand Avenue approximately 1.5 miles to reach Central Avenue. (Posted 7/13/10)
Roads Connecting the Valley (area in yellow) with southern Hot Springs
1 - Central Avenue Through Downtown (in blue)
2 - Over West Mountain (in red)
3 - Park Avenue to Gulpha Gorge to Grand Avenue (in purple)
(Click map to see larger version--ones a new window)
Why are you so proud and positive about your neighborhood?
Short answer: because it's a great place to live.
The Valley is beautiful. We are surrounded by the National Forest on all sides. Whittington Federal Park, which runs down the middle of the Valley, is a vibrant green ribbon filled with towering one-hundred year-old magnolia trees.
The Valley is filled with history. Landmarks such as the Arkansas Alligator Farm, Dryden Dryden Pottery and the First Presbyterian Church are located in the Valley. Roanoke Baptist Church, on Whittington Avenue, is the oldest continuously operating African-American church west of the Mississippi River. Many of the homes in the Valley are seventy years old--and some are much older. The Latta house, which is currently being restored, was built in the 1870's. We're part of a vibrant community. The Hot Springs Concert Band performs rousing concerts in the Valley several times a year--for free. Families gather to enjoy the Valley's three public parks. And the Arkansas Math, Science and Arts School, educating some of the
brightest students in the state, is located in the Valley.
Finally there are the people. We are a diverse community made up of people of all ages and interests. We are artists, musicians, retirees, educators, builders, and small business owners. But more important that any one person's occupation, we are fortunate enough to have neighbors that we can call friends. (Posted 7/13/10)
Why are you always arguing with City officials about their plans for your neighborhood?
We have worked amicably with City officials on many projects in our neighborhood. But because there was no conflict or disagreement, our cooperation with City officials did not generate much coverage in the media. For example, in the Fall of 2010, we partnered with the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department to obtain a Federal Grant to improve the Valley's own Whittington City Park. The process was amenable and very productive and the improvements in the park should be in place sometime in 2013. Likewise, in April 2011 we worked with City officials to have a road in the Valley added to the City's 2011 Paving program. In 2012 we worked to obtain another federal grant, this time to begin repairs to the sidewalks around Whittington Federal Park.
There have been a few other instances, however, where we have disagreed with City officials. On these occasions, local officials have advanced proposals that we felt were inappropriate for our neighborhood.
In most of these instances, the plans promoted by the City were developed without significant input from Valley residents. Consequently we have since made a concerted effort to expand our contact with local officials. By being more active in the initial planning stages, we hope to minimize potential conflicts and forge a more productive working relationship with City Hall. (Posted 7/13/10; 1st Update 10/2/10; 2nd update 6/2/11; 3rd update 4/21/12; 4th Update 1/31/13.)
Are Valley residents anti-bike?
The Valley is a safe and welcoming place for cyclists. It is true that in 2010 we disagreed with City officials on how best to improve safety on the roadway around Whittington Federal Park. City officials advocated installing a marked bike path around the park. We felt the best way to improve safety was to reduce the number of speeding vehicles and increase driver awareness as to the possibility that cyclists and others might be in the roadway. In the end, after a public hearing where all the various proposals were considered, our City Directors unanimously endorsed our plan. (Posted 7/13/10)
Questions from New Valley Residents
What day is the trashed picked up?
The Sanitation Department collects trash weekly, curbside, Monday mornings. Trash needs to be placed curbside by 7:00 am in the City provided roll-out containers. Many people put their trash out the night before. (Posted 7/13/10)
Who should I call to have some broken furniture and large appliances taken away?
The Hot Springs Sanitation Department operates a CAPS (Clean Attractive Property) Service to collect large items such as furniture, brush, and appliances. Each household is allowed two free CAPS pick-ups a year (there is recycling charge when CAPS picks up appliances with refrigerants, like freezers, air conditions, etc.). To schedule a pick-up, call the CAPS line at (501) 321-6921. For more information on the CAPS program, visit the City's website at www.cityhs.net/dept-sanitation-caps.html. (Posted 7/13/10)
Does Hot Springs have a recycling program for household waste?
Yes. The Hot Spring's Sanitation Department currently recycles the following materials: newsprint, aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, telephone books, and brown paper grocery bags. The City will furnish recycling containers and a calendar of scheduled collection days to residents who wish to participate in the program. The recycling container should be placed curbside on collection days prior to 7:00 a.m. for pickup. The City also recycles yard waste (grass clippings, leaves and small brush). Place yard waste curbside in plastic bags on collection days. For more information about the City's recycling program, call the Hot Springs' Sanitation Department at 321-6911 or visit their website at www.cityhs.net/dept-sanitation-recycle.html. (Posted 7/13/10)
Who do I call to report that a street light is burned out?
Street lights in the Valley are operated by Entergy Arkansas, our electrical utility. You can reach Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749). (Posted 7/13/10)
Who are our utility providers?
Water and Sewer service is provided by Hot Springs Municipal Utilities, phone: (501) 623-6880.
Electricity is provided by Entergy Arkansas,
phone: 1-800-ENTERGY or (1-800-368-3749).
Natural Gas service is provided by Centerpoint Entergy,
phone: 1-800-992-7552.
Land line telephone service is provided by AT&T (phone: 1-800-288-2020) as well as other service providers. For a complete listing of such providers, see the front of your telephone directory.
VoIP service is offered through Resort Television Cable, phone: (501) 624-5781.
Cable TV Service is provided by Resort Television Cable, phone: (501) 624-5781.
Satellite TV Service is available from several local resellers. Check the Yellow Pages under "Television Cable & Satellite Services" for a complete list of service providers. (Posted 7/13/10)
My electricity just went out. Who should I call?
To report an electrical outage, call Entergy at 1-800-968-8243 or 1-800-9OUTAGE.
(Posted 7/13/10)
I want to get internet service. What are the available options for Valley residents?
There are several possible options. In no particular order, these include:
DSL service through AT&T or other providers. However DSL service is subject to transmission limits and may not be available at your particular location. Call AT&T or another DLS provider to see if DSL service is available at your house. AT&T can be contacted at 1-866-596-8455 or visit their website at www.att.com. Note: AT&T sometimes offers bundled services (for example DSL & Wireless & Landline) at reduced prices. Be sure to ask about any available specials or bundled specials. Currently prices start at about $25 per month (for the slowest speed) and go up from there. Another DSL provider is Earthlink.
Resort Television Cable offers cable internet to houses with access to Cable TV service. Prices and available speeds vary. Contact Resort TV Cable for more information at
501-624-5781 or visit their website at www.resorttvcable.com. Note: Resort Cable sometimes offers bundled services (for example Internet & Cable TV & VoIP Phone Service) at reduced prices. Be sure to ask about any available specials or bundled specials. Currently prices start at about $25 per month (for the slowest speed) and go up from there.
You can also obtain wireless internet service from a variety of providers. Wireless is a good choice if you have a laptop and want to have internet connectivity when you take your laptop on the road. Check your Yellow Pages under "Internet Access Providers" for a list of local providers. You can also obtain wireless internet service through national companies like Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. Check the white pages for the phone numbers for these national providers. Typically, prices start about $45 per month for wireless internet and go up from there.
Finally, if you have a telephone landline, you can use a dial-up connection provided your computer has a modem. Dial up, while slow, is very inexpensive--often less than $20 per month. National dial-up internet providers include Earthlink, AOL, Juno, and Netzero. Check your white pages and/or the internet for the phone numbers for the national providers. There are also several local Hot Springs dial-up providers. Check your Yellow Pages under "Internet Access Providers" for a list of such local providers. (Posted 7/13/10)
Is there a city agency that will pick up stray dogs and cats?
Hot Springs has a leash law requiring all dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash or in a fenced yard. If you are having problems with stray dogs or cats, call the Hot Springs Animal Control Department at (501) 262-2091. (Posted 7/13/10)
My neighbor's dog barks continuously at night (after 10:00 pm). Is there any city department that can help me?The Hot Springs City Code specifically prohibits keeping "...any animal or bird which causes or makes frequent or long and continued loud sound, including but not limited to barking, whining, howling, [and] yelping... [and which is] plainly audible and disruptive to persons who reside in the vicinity...." Owners can be cited if the dog barks "continuously for a period of fifteen (15) minutes or more at any time of day or night with few, if any, brief breaks or periods of silence" (H.S.C 4-5-4.5). If you are having problems with a barking dog, call the Police Department's non-emergency number at (501) 321-0789 and report the problem. An officer will be dispatched to resolve the situation. Note: when you call the police, you will need to provide the address where the dog is--that is, the dog owner's address.
Penalties for disturbing the peace, including allowing your dog to bark for extended periods, can include fines up to $500 for the first offense, and $1,000 for second or later offenses. (Posted 6/4/11)
Questions About Our Website
How often do you update your website?
Early in the week we post a new recipe online from our cookbook, "Alligators and Artichokes." Then later in the week if there is news or an event of interest to the membership, we'll update the site again. You can always find a detailed list of the latest updates on our Home Page. (Posted 7/13/10)
Who designed your website?
The content and design of the website was a group effort by the WVNA Board of Directors. The Board oversees the website and two of our members share responsibility for designing and maintaining the website. (Posted 7/13/10)
Do many people visit your website?
We are currently averaging about 100 visitors a month to our website and the number keeps growing. Most are from the Hot Springs and Arkansas area, but we have had visitors from California, Colorado, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and several other states--as well as India and Russia. (Posted 6/2/11.)
Do you allow advertising on your Website?
No. The Association's Board of Directors decided early on that advertising on our website could be distracting and make us appear amateurish. We believe most people appreciate our no-advertising policy. (Posted 7/13/10; Updated 10/2/10.)
Which web host do you use?
We use "Google Sites" on "Google Apps" as our host. (Posted 7/13/10; Updated 2/2/11)
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