MORRILTON, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will kick off Arkansas State Parks Centennial Celebration on Wednesday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to noon at Petit Jean State Park’s Historic Mather Lodge.
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the legislation that created the Arkansas State Park System. Petit Jean State Park was the first state park in Arkansas.
The public is invited to attend this special celebration, including a Governor’s Proclamation and remarks celebrating our park system’s first 100 years. In addition to the governor, special guests include First Gentleman Bryan Sanders; Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Mike Mills; members of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission; and park rangers.
The event is outdoors with limited seating. In case of inclement weather, it will move to the visitor center.
Follow this link for a live broadcast of the event: https://youtube.com/live/QPUKM8Q5YHI?feature=share
For media inquiries, contact Shealyn Sowers at shealyn.sowers@arkansas.gov or call 501-355-6667.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Mike Mills serves as the cabinet secretary for the department.
