Remembering Mayor James Calhoun
The City of Arkadelphia grieves the loss of our former Mayor and friend, James Calhoun. Mayor Calhoun served on the City Board of Directors for 18 years beginning his service as City Board Member-At-Large in 2001, until appointed as Mayor from 2015- 2019. Mayor Calhoun was instrumental in various ways during his tenure on the City Board of Directors including the Arkadelphia Coming Together (ACT) initiative, which was the plan that brought the Aquatic Park, Recreation Center, River Park Amphitheater, the Youth Sports Complex, and updates to Feaster Trail. During his tenure as Mayor, Arkadelphia progressed in various ways including the development of the new Ouachita River Bridge, Desoto Bluff Trail Pavilion, and Water Utility Consolidation between Arkadelphia and Gum Springs. He also presented more than 100 proclamations for various events/celebrations held in Arkadelphia. Originally from Star City, Arkansas, he and his family moved to Arkadelphia in 1984 when he accepted the position of Pastor at Baring Cross Missionary Baptist Church where they served for 20 years. Mayor Calhoun continued his ministry service as the Promotional Director of Arkansas Missions Projects raising money for missionaries and building plans. Mayor Calhoun retired from his position as Mayor in September of 2019. During a 2019 interview, he shared, “This town has been good to us; we have a lot of friends here, and Arkadelphia is a Great Place to Call Home.”
New Career Opportunities in the Parks and Recreation Department
Join our team! Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation has three openings for the following positions!
Full Time – Recreation Center Operations Manager
Part-Time Seasonal – Concessions Manager
Full Time – Facilities Maintenance Manager
Details on each position are available at the link below!
https://arkadelphia.gov/careers/
City of Arkadelphia Board of Directors Meeting
The City of Arkadelphia Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 PM in the City Hall boardroom, Tuesday, January 21st.
The agenda for the meeting includes:
Approval of minutes from January 7th Meeting
Approval of minutes from January 7th Budget Workshop
Consideration and Action Regarding Resolution to Adopt 2020 Budget.
Acceptance of Ross Foundation Grant
Approval of the 2020 Alliance Contract
Sale of Arkadelphia Fire Department Airpacks
Crist Engineers Agreement
Resolution on Tourism
Registration Now Open for Youth Softball!
Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center! We can email if needed. Fees MUST be paid when registration forms and birth certificates are turned in. The deadline to register is February 26th at 6:00 PM.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Operating Hours
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20th the City of Arkadelphia hours of operations will be as follows:
Town Hall (Administration, Building Department, Water Department) – Closed
Recreation Center – Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Sanitation Department – Closed – No Residential trash pick-up and no make-up day.
Have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Madden 20 Tournament on February 1st at Recreation Center
The Arkadelphia Recreation Center will be hosting a Madden 2020 Tournament on Saturday, February 1st. Each participant must pay a $25.00 entry fee, 30% of the total entry fees collected will go to the winner of the tournament and 15% will be awarded to second place. Special thanks to Game Stop of Arkadelphia for providing the equipment for the tournament! For more information contact Junior Rodemeyer at junior.rodemeyer@arkadelphia.gov.
Phase 1 of Signage Upgrades Begins
Over the course of the next month, new signs will be posted on the streets highlighted on the Phase 1 Signage Map attached below. Batson Signs is helping the Street Department to replace older worn signs with new signs with enhanced reflectivity among the major streets within Arkadelphia.
Youth Volleyball League Beginning in Late February
Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a Co-Ed Youth Volleyball League. Registration deadline is February 8th by 5:00 PM, practice will begin February 19th and games beginning February 25th. Participants will be divided into two divisions based on grades (3rd and 4th Grade Division and 5th and 6th Grade Division.)
Moving Arkadelphia Forward Update
•The water leaking into the north side of the Arkadelphia Police Department has been repaired.
•The air conditioning at the Arkadelphia Police Department has been replaced and is now operational.
•The leaking window on the north side of Arkadelphia Fire Department Station 2 has been fixed and the sheetrock repairs made.
•City Staff is working with an engineering firm to scope work for repairs at the Aquatic Park, drainage and street lights.
More to come!
Parks and Recreation Department Adopts Youth Fastpitch Softball Program
The Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Department proudly announces that we are adopting the responsibility of managing the Youth Fast Pitch Softball Program. This program was previously managed by the Arkadelphia Fast Pitch Association, and their dedication to this program is greatly appreciated. We are excited to move this project forward and to continue a wonderful softball program for the local youth and surrounding communities. More information and registration information will be coming soon!
Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting
The monthly Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting will be held on January, 16th at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall Board Room. Agenda items include:
2 Sign variances
1 Special permit request for signage
The Agenda Packet for this meeting is available at the link below.
Basketball After Dark
Join the Parks and Recreation staff from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday Nights from January 15th – February 19th. $5.00 Drop-in fee, or $25.00 for all 6 weeks! Contact Megan Engeler at megan.engeler@arkadelphia.gov for more information.
Founders Day Celebration
We had a great time celebrating the 163rd anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Arkadelphia! Special thanks to Samantha’s Sweets and Java Primo for providing deserts and drinks!
Arkadelphia Founders Day Celebration
Arkadelphia was incorporated on January 6th, 1857. To commemorate our founding, The City Staff invites the community to celebrate 163 years of Arkadelphia on January 9th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on the first floor of Town Hall. Cakes and other goodies from Samantha’s Sweets will be provided as well as cider and hot chocolate from Java Primo. After you celebrate with us, visit the Clark County Historical Museum and their special display of Arkadelphia’s history! Finally, to complete the evening, stroll around downtown during our first Open Late ‘Til 8 event of the year! Several of our Downtown businesses will be open until 8:00 PM and don’t forget to pick up your passport for a drawing. The winner of the drawing will be announced the week of January 13th-17th 2020.
New Police Vehicles Expected for Spring 2020
To begin phasing in our new Police Department vehicles, we will see 8 new vehicles in the department around April of this year! The attached image is a sample of what our new Police cars will look like in 2020!
Safety Upgrades at Youth Sports Complex
Concrete Work at Arkadelphia Police Station
Feaster Trail Drainage Upgrades
Parks and Recreation Hosts Youth Volleyball Clinic
The registration deadline for the Youth Volleyball Clinic is Jan. 17th at 6:00 PM! Boys and girls who participate will be instructed by HSU and OBU coaches and their student-athletes!
Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League
The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League! Registration Deadline is January 8th, and the league starts on January 13th. Contact Megan Engeler at megan.engeler@arkadelphia.gov for additional details!
New Turnout Gear at Arkadelphia Fire Department
New Extrication Tools Received by Arkadelphia Fire Department
