outdoor recreation
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 -
Gearhead Outfitters Expands to Colorado With Store Acquisitions
The deal for two Summit Canyon Mountaineering stores grows Gearhead's footprint to more than 20 locations in seven states. read more >
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 -
State Awards $4.34M for Outdoor Recreation Projects
The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Park grants and matching grants. read more >
Outdoor Recreation Accounts for 2.5% of Arkansas GDP
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis on Nov. 17 released statistics measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The new U.S. […] read more >
Arkansas Leaders See Utah’s High-Tech Success as Model for Economic Transformation
Utah, with its emphasis on research, entrepreneurship and quality of life, has become one of the top states for high-tech industries. Arkansas is looking to borrow from the western state's playbook. read more >
by Lara Farrar -
Pulaski County Set to Open State’s Largest Inclusive Playground
The 64,000-SF playground features an open-air pavilion, paths connecting to existing facilities in the park and rubber and turf surfaces ensuring no physical barriers for people using wheelchairs. read more >
Camping World Agrees to Buy Breeden RV in Van Buren
The acquisition is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2023 and will increase the company’s Arkansas location count to four. read more >
State Awards $6.5M in Outdoor Recreation Grants
Projects in 35 counties across the state will receive funds. read more >
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 -
Sanders Appoints Husband to Lead New Recreation & Tourism Council
He won't be paid. Other members of the council have yet to be appointed. read more >
Wilderness Conference Set For Bentonville
The conference will be co-hosted by Visit Bentonville, the city’s visitors bureau, and the Runway Group. read more >
Sanders Picks Mike Mills to Lead Department of Parks & Tourism
Mills, who has nearly 50 years of experience in the tourism industry, would replace Stacy Hurst, who was appointed by outgoing Gov. Asa Hutchinson. read more >
Outdoor Recreation Accounts for 2.4% of Arkansas GDP
Nationwide, it accounted for 1.9%, or $454 billion, of current-dollar GDP in 2021. read more >
Walton Family Grants $4.1M For UA Outdoors Entrepreneurs
The money will help fund three new programs. read more >