A Night of Celebration: Little Rock Parks & Recreation Shines at the 2024 ARPA Conference 🎉

At this year's Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) Annual Conference, the City of Little Rock Parks & Recreation team took center stage with three prestigious awards! 🌟 Our talented staff and exceptional programs were honored during the conference's banquet, bringing well-deserved recognition to the work happening across our city.

Lewis Hamilton: Maintenance Professional of the Year 🏅

A special highlight of the night was Lewis Hamilton, a cornerstone of our Parks Maintenance Division, receiving the first-ever Maintenance Professional of the Year award. With 34 years of dedicated service, Lewis's impact on Little Rock's parks is unparalleled.

Starting his journey with the City in 1990, Lewis has climbed the ranks to oversee the maintenance of 63 parks spanning 1,200 acres. Despite challenges, Lewis's problem-solving skills and commitment to "getting the job done right" have inspired his entire team. His leadership has kept our parks beautiful and fostered a culture of teamwork.

Lewis exemplifies the heart of our mission and vision —promoting quality of life and "Creating A City In A Park." We are immensely proud of his recognition as a trailblazer in his field!

Champions of the Year: Therapeutic Recreation Division ❤️

Our Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Division participants also received well-earned recognition, taking home the Champions of the Year award for their extraordinary volunteer efforts. The TR Division's programs are designed to empower individuals with disabilities, helping them gain independence, build relationships, and develop lifelong leisure skills.

These participants have gone above and beyond by volunteering in various community programs, demonstrating the spirit of inclusion and service. Their dedication reminds us all of the power of recreational activities to transform lives and foster community connections.

MacArthur Museum's Vintage Car Show: A Historical Hit 🚗

Finally, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History was honored for its Annual Vintage Military Vehicle Show, a community favorite that brings history to life at MacArthur Park. This year's event showcased military vehicles from World War II through Desert Storm, with free admission and family-friendly activities like hot dogs, ice cream, and living history exhibits.

The museum's unique combination of military heritage, education, and fun continues to attract visitors and engage residents, highlighting the vibrant history that lives within our parks.

Celebrating Success Together 🎊

These awards reflect the dedication and passion of every staff member, volunteer, and participant involved in Little Rock Parks & Recreation. They embody our vision of creating inclusive, high-quality recreational opportunities for all residents.

We are so proud of Lewis, our TR participants, and the MacArthur Museum team for their achievements. As we look to the future, these successes inspire us to continue building a stronger, more connected community through parks, recreation, and shared experiences.

Congratulations to everyone involved! We can't wait to see what amazing things the future holds for our programs and parks. 🙌