Shea Lewis Keeps Communities, State Parks in Same Camp

Shea Lewis • Director of Arkansas State Parks

What’s your mission, and what falls in your oversight?

It is a big job and a huge responsibility — 52 parks in 48 counties and more than 54,000 acres with four lodges, 204 cabins and 1,700 campsites. That’s just scratching the surface; there are many facets to the Division of Arkansas State Parks.

Speaking of facets, did I mention the public diamond mine we operate?

Depending on the time of year and if you include seasonal staff, we can exceed 1,000 employees. Arkansas’ state parks exist to enhance the quality of life through exceptional outdoor experiences, connections to Arkansas heritage and sound resource management.

How has the pandemic affected the visitor count at state parks?

Coming out of 2021, during which we experienced record visitation (9.4 million guests), we don’t see that trend changing. Arkansas’ state parks have been essential places of recreation during the pandemic. An entirely new audience has found our parks. It is our hope that their experiences will bring them back.

Is the parks division having staffing issues?

Yes, just like others in the hospitality and service industry we are facing staff shortages. But I am extremely proud of our hardworking staff. They have helped us weather these shortages without sacrificing service to our visitors.

What’s new in terms of programming and facilities?

The two largest projects taking place right now are efforts and improvements at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Delta Heritage Trail State Park. We are close to beginning construction on a new visitor center at Pinnacle Mountain and are working toward completion of the rails-to-trails project in eastern Arkansas that will make up the Delta Heritage Trail.

What is the biggest growth opportunity for parks?

Right now, even though both are trending up, [it is] group business at our lodges and conference centers as well as restaurants. While we have seen increases in visitation and record revenue in camping, cabin rentals and other areas during the pandemic, we have experienced decreases in lodges and restaurants. With the recent group bookings, we are optimistic about the return of this service.

How does the parks division work with tourism businesses in the state, and what’s an example of a profitable relationship?

In my interview with [Gov. Asa] Hutchinson, he described Arkansas State Parks collectively as one of the largest economic drivers in the state. I would agree.

Our parks connect people to resources and communities. We wouldn’t be successful without community, concession and contract partners. The Ozark Folk Center is staffed by contract crafters and musicians who support the mission of the park. We have concession operations at Pinnacle Mountain, Lake Catherine, DeGray Lake Resort and Queen Wilhelmina state parks.

Which of Arkansas’ parks do you think is the most overlooked or perhaps is a hidden gem few know about?

How about spending a night in a jail? Our newly renovated Historic Jail Bed & Breakfast at Historic Washington State Park provides modern amenities in a unique setting, making for an unforgettable experience.

What’s been your biggest leadership lesson, and what did you learn from it?

You can’t do everything yourself. I’m so fortunate to have the support and guidance of Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Secretary [Stacy] Hurst [chief of the state Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism]. You have to trust others for success. I’m proud to work with a group of professionals in our central office in Little Rock as well as with an amazing group of customer- and resource-minded employees in the parks.