Green Eureka Makes Sweet Music

First posted on 10-29-2008

(EUREKA SPRINGS, AR) – It was music to her ears. Oboe player, Celeste Johnson was “just driving down Main Street looking for a place to park” when she saw it. Not only was it a parking space, but it was also free! And, seemingly, it had been saved just for her.

In truth, the parking spot had been reserved specifically for hybrid vehicles as part of the city’s “Greening of Eureka” program. Mayor Dani Joy explained, “Gas-efficient cars are eco-friendly, and the more hybrid vehicles there are in this country the less we have to depend on foreign oil. So we feel it’s important to show our support for owners of hybrids.”

Ms. Johnson, a music instructor at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, is a new fan of the town known as The Extraordinary Escape. She’s been playing in the Opera In The Ozarks orchestra at nearby Inspiration Point and has occasionally used the designated hybrid parking spot next to the City Auditorium while shopping and dining in Eureka Springs. “In the short time I’ve been here I’ve grown to love this town!”

Not only is her Toyota Prius friendly to the environment, but it’s also easy on her wallet. The hybrid averages between 45 and 50 miles per gallon.