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 >
A yearlong birthday bash will promote notable events and upgrades at some of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. read more >
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 >
Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis says he expects the trend of record visitation to continue this year. read more >
He now leads the operation of 52 state parks and oversees a $158 million annual budget. read more >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
A $20 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation promises to complete the Delta Heritage Trail. read more >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
Jason Bennicoff has joined Rockfish, the digital marketing agency in Rogers, as vice president of digital strategy. read more >
Grady Spann has been named the new director for Arkansas State Parks, the state Department of Parks and Tourism announced Friday. read more >
