Arkansas State Parks
Growing Arkansas Tourism: Jeff King on State Parks’ Role and Partnerships
Jeff King has been deputy director of Arkansas State Parks since March 2022. read more >
Reading The Future: Tourism & Hospitality (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
The future of the tourism and hospitality industry in Arkansas is so bright you just might need shades, particularly if you came to the state to view the total solar eclipse on April 8. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Final 13.4 Miles of Delta Heritage Trail Within Sight
The most expensive section of the trail so far is under contract with work poised to begin in Desha County. read more >
by George Waldon -
Outdoor Recreation is ‘Big Business,’ With Room to Grow
Outdoor recreation contributed nearly 40,000 jobs and $3.5 billion to Arkansas’ gross domestic product in 2021, but state officials believe that is just a fraction of what the industry can accomplish. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Arkansas Parks Celebrate 100 Years
A yearlong birthday bash will promote notable events and upgrades at some of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. read more >
by George Waldon -
‘Flexibility’ Is Job One for Hospitality Employers
The Arkansas hospitality industry, like industries across the United States, has worked hard to recruit and retain workers in the tightest labor market in decades. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Shea Lewis Keeps Communities, State Parks in Same Camp
Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis says he expects the trend of record visitation to continue this year. read more >
Shea Lewis Picked to Lead Arkansas State Parks
He now leads the operation of 52 state parks and oversees a $158 million annual budget. read more >
$13.8M Grant Could Bridge the Gap for Delta Heritage Trail
Boosters of the Delta Heritage Trail in east Arkansas hope to hear good news very soon that the second time was the charm to land a momentous check from Uncle Sam. read more >
by George Waldon -
Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann To Retire
Spann started his career with Arkansas State Parks in 1993, as superintendent of Parkin Archeological State Park, and he was named director in 2016. read more >
East Arkansas Tourist Byway Pedals Toward 2025 Finish
The stage is set for an especially busy year of progress on the Delta Heritage Trail. Construction will be complete or in motion on more than 24 miles of biking-hiking pathway in east Arkansas backed by an estimated $9.4 million during 2021. read more >
by George Waldon -
Cycling Gears Up After Two Decades of Investment in Northwest Arkansas
Cyclists in northwest Arkansas are spreading the gospel statewide and the message is simple: People love cycling trails and cycling trails generate significant revenue. read more >
by Marty Cook -
COVID-19 Cramps Arkansas Camping Season
For now, the camping ban through April 30 extends to overnight stays in lodges, cabins and group lodging in the Arkansas State Parks system. Where it goes from there is undetermined. read more >
by George Waldon -
$20M Matching Grant Starts Clock Ticking to Finish Delta Heritage Trail
A $20 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation promises to complete the Delta Heritage Trail. read more >
by George Waldon -
Walton Family Foundation Gives $20M for Delta Trail
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Walton Family Foundation announce a $20 million matching grant from the foundation that will complete a 84.5-mile Delta Heritage Trail. read more >
Funding Legacy Supports Arkansas State Parks, Keeps Coffers Full
The conservation tax approved by Arkansas voters in 1996 remains a dynamic funding source to help upgrade and maintain the 52 state parks in Arkansas. “Without the conservation tax, we couldn’t do what we’re doing,” said Grady Spann, director of Arkansas State Parks. read more >
by George Waldon -
Arkansas Tourism Website Reborn, With Advertising
For all its images of scenic rivers, brooks and waterfalls, the most striking new feature on the state’s overhauled tourism website may be a revenue stream. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Parks & Tourism Lodges Highlight Mountains & Lakes
The big five money-makers in state parks last year were cabin rentals, more than $5.2 million; camping, $4.8 million; restaurants, more than $4.7 million; lodges, nearly $4.6 million; and gift shops, almost $3.2 million. read more >
by George Waldon -
Margaret Willis Joins CJRW (Movers & Shakers)
Margaret Willis has been hired as media planner and buyer at CJRW’s Little Rock office. She will manage planning and buying of digital, print, outdoor, TV and radio media for the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism and Arkansas State Parks. read more >
Rockfish Names New VP; Associate Dean Recognized at Lyon (Movers & Shakers)
Jason Bennicoff has joined Rockfish, the digital marketing agency in Rogers, as vice president of digital strategy. read more >
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