Jeff King has been deputy director of Arkansas State Parks since March 2022. He previously led its planning and development section. King has worked at the parks department since 2008, when he began his career as a park planner.
King has a Bachelor of Science in education and a master’s degree in recreation management, both from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
How has the approach to state parks changed in your 16 years at the department?
The Arkansas state park system has continued to grow and evolve. We have opened new park properties, modernized our facilities, and provided expanded recreational opportunities within our parks, all while continuing to conserve the natural and cultural resources that make Arkansas’ parks so special. In 2023 we celebrated our system’s centennial. As Arkansas State Parks move through year 101 and beyond, we want to continue investing in our team of professionals, build on the hospitality our parks are known for, and modernize our brand as we look to the next 100 years of Arkansas State Parks.
How does the state Parks Division work with private businesses to promote tourism?
Our division works closely with the Arkansas Tourism Division under the unified banner of One ADPHT (Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism). Together, we are prioritizing joint marketing, co-hosting events and outdoor experiences, and developing strategies that encourage tourists to explore not only our parks but also the surrounding communities and their businesses and attractions. This approach amplifies Arkansas’ appeal as a travel destination and brings economic benefits to local businesses surrounding, and sometimes even within, our state parks.
Are there plans for more recreational amenities at state parks?
In December 2023, the Natural State Advisory Council released the Natural State Initiative recommendations outlining key areas of focus within Arkansas State Parks and the larger outdoor recreation economy. Enhancing the overall state park experience was a pillar of those recommendations, and we are focused on improved campgrounds, cabins, restrooms, food and beverage, and broadband connectivity. We are also working on expanding focused outdoor recreation in the areas of rock climbing, mountain biking and other outdoor adventure opportunities.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started your career?
I’ve grown to more fully appreciate the complexities of the parks’ operations. With 55,000 acres, more than 200 cabins, four lodges and more than 1,700 campsites serving 8.4 million visitors in 2023, I realize it takes an unbelievably diverse team of dedicated park professionals to operate our amazing system of state parks.
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