In a recent letter, Katherine Andrews, the Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, reflected on the transformative progress made during the office’s third year. Establishing a robust structure, strategic relationships, and clear priorities laid the foundation for significant initiatives. Notably, the office has solidified its role as a bridge between the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and the Department of Commerce, emphasizing outdoor recreation as a vital component of economic development in the state.
A key highlight from 2023 was Governor Sanders’ launch of the Natural State Initiative (NSI) and the formation of its Advisory Council, with the Director leading the Economy Subcommittee. This effort led to the creation of NSI Opportunity Zones, encompassing four state parks and surrounding areas, and the expansion of the Arkansas Tourism Development Incentive Program to include tax credits for businesses. These measures aim to attract investment and enhance visitor experiences, exemplified by the successful integration of Loblolly Creamery into the new Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center. The office plans to continue promoting these zones and incentives in the upcoming year.
We asked Andrews about some of the projects her office is currently working on:
Repurposing the old Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center
Director Andrews states, “Progress continues repurposing the old Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center. Discussions are underway with a potential tenant to transform the space, enhancing visitor experiences and maximizing existing park facilities. While the project is still in the development phase, with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) currently out, interest from operators is growing. The next steps involve finalizing the mechanics of the agreement, whether through a lease or an RFP process, ensuring the best outcome for the park and its visitors.”
Maumelle Pinnacles Master Plan
Andrews said that her office expects to have more information on the next phase of the Maumelle Pinnacles Master Plan, which would include expanding trails and improving connections between the new Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center and proposed trails on Central Arkansas Water (CAW) property between Lake Maumelle and the Rattlesnake Ridge/Blue Mountain trails systems.
Statewide Economic Impact Study
Additionally, a commissioned economic impact study conducted with Heartland Forward is nearing completion. The study incorporates data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arkansas Game and Fish, and tourism participation metrics to analyze the state’s outdoor recreation economy. AI-driven research has also helped identify and track outdoor recreation businesses statewide, providing valuable insights into employment trends. Looking ahead, officials are monitoring potential changes in federal grant programs to assess their impact on outdoor recreation funding in Arkansas. A high-level look at the study should be available next week.
The posted letter is below:
Dear Friends of Arkansas’ Great Outdoors,
As we step into the fourth year of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. 2024 was a year of incredible growth and success, where we cemented our role as a vital connector for outdoor recreation and economic development.
In 2024, our team expanded with the additions of Becky Flynn, deputy director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Terrance Youngblood, director of the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. Relationships flourished, and groundbreaking initiatives took shape.
Highlights include the debut of Arkansas at major industry events like the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show and Sea Otter Classic, a testament to our growing reputation as a leader in the outdoor economy. We also completed pivotal steps like finalizing the Maumelle Pinnacles Conservation Area Recreation Master Plan, advancing the Delta Heritage Trail network, and launching the development of a statewide Guide Vetting Program to boost outdoor tourism and bolster the guide industry.
A cornerstone of our year was conducting Regional Outdoor Recreation Listening Sessions across the state. These sessions brought together community members, local leaders, and industry stakeholders to share resources, gather input, and identify regional opportunities. The feedback was instrumental in shaping recommendations for resource expansion, regional recreation master plans, infrastructure workshops, and targeted marketing initiatives, all of which we are implementing in 2025.
In addition, we continued to champion the Natural State Initiative Opportunity Zones, promoting their potential to attract investment and strengthen outdoor recreation hubs. These zones offer significant opportunities to boost local economies by fostering business development and improving infrastructure. Over the next year, we aim to identify and recruit businesses for each opportunity zone while facilitating concessionaire agreements to support their growth.
The numbers speak volumes—39 infrastructure grants awarded totaling more than $4.3 million and significant strides in streamlining grant operations through our new grant software, Foundant. Meanwhile, our outreach efforts reached new heights, with partnerships established across 45 communities and businesses.
Looking forward, 2025 promises even greater opportunities to build on this momentum. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Connection and Collaboration: We will launch the Maumelle Pinnacles Master Plan and build on our partnerships with quarterly convenings and new initiatives like the Delta Heritage Trail community network. We’ll also host marquee events, including the second Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit and the inaugural Natural State Day at the Capitol.
- Promotion and Awareness: We aim to establish Arkansas as a premier outdoor destination and promote the various resources available to communities and the industry to ensure the continued growth of the outdoor economy. The release of the Statewide Economic Impact Study and the expansion of our online resource library will bolster these efforts.
- Innovation and Investment: A priority is developing a statewide Outdoor Recreation Venture Fund to support startups and drive economic growth. Initiatives like the Trails at Mena project will continue to enhance outdoor experiences and infrastructure. We’ll continue to work with our partners across the state, like the University of Arkansas Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, to identify and create opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurism.
We remain committed to collaboration, growth, and making Arkansas a place where the outdoor industry thrives. With your support, we will continue to inspire adventure, strengthen communities, and cultivate economic opportunities across The Natural State.
Here’s to a remarkable year ahead!
Warm regards, Katherine Andrews Director, Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation
