Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

We are looking for partners in the design phase of the Trails at Mena project, a mountain bike trail system that would, through phased development, ultimately connect the City of Mena to Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This project is a unique opportunity to help shape a community’s future through outdoor recreation. The model of a downhill gravity park designed specifically to create exceptional mountain biking experiences is a rare opportunity. A willingness to think creatively, work collaboratively, and develop an operating model that matches the character of Arkansas, the Natural State and the community of Mena will be critical to success. Check out the Master Plan for more details: https://lnkd.in/e_TumSpZ Apply to join the project through the RFI process here - https://lnkd.in/eVRA_qge #TrailsAtMena #OutdoorAdventure

Arkansas Heritage recognized recipients of Small Museum and Arkansas Heritage grants last week. These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’ small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $55,600 to 17 recipients from across the state!

We’re excited to be featured in AY Magazine (About You)’s article about the upcoming 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! This event celebrates the incredible diversity of Arkansas’ culinary scene – from beloved local restaurants to food-themed events and standout proprietors. This year’s spotlight is on honey, the 2024 Food of the Year, highlighting Arkansas' rich agricultural heritage. ?? Join us on Sept. 30 from 5-7 PM for the induction ceremony, and don't forget to bring a nonperishable item to support the Arkansas Foodbank. Let’s continue honoring the flavors and traditions that make Arkansas truly unique!

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission is currently hiring for a part-time (extra help) Land Management Specialist. Are you passionate about restoring and maintaining our state's natural diversity? Join our team at the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in Little Rock, Arkansas! While this position is based out of our Little Rock office, the Land Management Specialist will spend much of their time in the field within the 74,000 acres comprising 79 natural areas spread across all eco-regions of the state. Responsibilities: Conduct on-site land management, including prescribed fire, boundary demarcation, trail maintenance, and invasive species removal. Collaborate with stakeholders for impactful initiatives. Manage budgets and resources efficiently. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in land resource management, biology, forestry, or a related field Strong organizational and communication skills Experience in land management Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gkvdv-he Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in the natural state!

?? Exciting Opportunity! ?? We're looking for a dynamic leader to join our team as the ADPHT Chief of Communications! As our media liaison, you'll be the voice of ADPHT, coordinating with news outlets, the Governor's Office, and the public. If you're passionate about storytelling, leadership, and making an impact, this role is for you! #ArkansasJobs #Communications #LeadershipOpportunity #ADPHT

Tune into Arkansas Week tonight to hear about the incredible progress being made with the Main Street Arkansas program at Arkansas Heritage. Their efforts are aimed at preserving, revitalizing, and developing downtown areas throughout the state. Is your community part of this initiative? If not, you’re missing a great opportunity. Greg Phillips and Arkansas Heritage director Marty Ryall recently discussed this with Chris Kane. Catch the episode tonight at 7 PM and Sunday at 10 AM on Arkansas PBS.

ICYMI: On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Secretary Shea Lewis, Secretary Renee Mallory and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Katherine Andrews to present $500,000?in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects in seven?counties across the state. The Sanders Administration revived Great Strides after the program went dormant in 2017, fulfilling one of the recommendations of the Natural State Initiative. Read the full press release below.

??Exciting News from Conway County!??♂? The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway County Economic Development Corporation has announced the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Entrepreneur Program! This groundbreaking initiative is designed to help new outdoor recreation businesses succeed. As the first program of its kind at the local level in Arkansas, we’re confident it will be a game-changer for entrepreneurs in Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley. In 2023, Petit Jean State Park and the surrounding area were designated as a Natural State Initiative Economic Opportunity Zone by the State of Arkansas. Managed by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, this designation offers special sales tax and income tax benefits to qualifying businesses within the zone, creating even more incentives for growth and success. This is a fantastic opportunity for the outdoor recreation industry! #Arkansas #OutdoorRecreation #NaturalStateInitiative??#ArkansasStateParks

Happy Juneteenth! The significance of Juneteenth centers on June 19, 1865, the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free. This announcement came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2021, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. In Arkansas, the end of the Civil War brought significant changes. On September 10, 1863, Union forces captured the state capital, Little Rock, marking a pivotal moment in the state's Civil War history. However, many enslaved people in Arkansas did not learn of their freedom until later, similar to the delay experienced in Texas. The state played a crucial role during Reconstruction, with significant strides in education, civil rights, and political representation for African Americans. Juneteenth not only marks a day of freedom but also reminds us of Arkansas' journey through the Civil War and its aftermath, reflecting on the resilience and contributions of African Americans in our state's history.