(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.)
Tourism Development/Creative Culture
Honorable Mention • 5,000-20,000
Population: 6,992 | Mayor: Allen Lipsmeyer | County: Conway | Region: Northwest
The Challenge
Unless adequately maintained or updated, older buildings can become eyesores in a community. For over 13 years, a 22,000 SF, defunct bowling alley and skating rink sat in a city that needed safe, family-friendly entertainment. Seeing the building’s potential and the impact it could have on the city, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer added a quality-of-life project to the city’s agenda.
Playland created 25 jobs for the city.
The Solution
In 2022, the City of Morrilton purchased the building for $11 per SF and renovated it using a bond issue. Today, Morrilton’s Parks and Recreation Department operates Playland, Arkansas’ only municipally-owned bowling alley and skating rink. Playland includes a pro shop, cafe, arcade and party rooms, has created jobs and keeps tax dollars in the town. Renovating and cleaning up an eyesore in an industrial area has helped shift traffic and highlight different parts of the town.
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