(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Diversity and Inclusion
Honorable Mention • Over 20,000
Population: 29,094 | Mayor: Jeff Elmore | County: Pulaski | Region: Central
The Challenge
Jacksonville lacked an inclusive playground where children with disabilities could play alongside their peers. After an EF-3 tornado devastated parts of Dupree Park in early 2023, the city faced the challenge of rebuilding the beloved outdoor space, while making it more accessible for children with physical and developmental disabilities.
The Solution
Using $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, Jacksonville built its first inclusive playground at Dupree Park. Opened in October 2023, the Marshall Smith Inclusive Playground features accessible equipment, sensory spaces and wheelchair ramps. The playground promotes inclusivity, allowing children of all abilities to play together. This project revitalized the park as a welcoming space for all residents and earned recognition as a National Demonstration Site for inclusive play.
Dupree Park is the largest of Jacksonville’s 14 public parks, and it now has an inclusive playground, disc golf course, fishing lake and multiple athletic fields.
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