City of Little Rock 311

Parks and Recreation Commission

Helping Create a "City in a Park"

The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm at the Centre at University Park - 6401 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204

The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission stands as a pivotal advocate for our City's parks, playing a central role in advising the City on a spectrum of park-related matters. With a core mission to ensure the vibrancy and effective management of City parks, the commission conducts monthly open meetings, fostering discussions that encompass park plans, facilities, budgets, and adherence to the Parks Master Plan. Their commitment to transparency is evident in the collaborative efforts with the Parks Director, as they provide recommendations on policies, acquisitions, fees, and more.

Emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Parks Master Plan, the commission strives to align decisions with the strategic vision outlined in this comprehensive framework. The Parks Director is a key collaborator in this process, working closely with the commission to implement policies that support the ongoing improvement and development of our City's parks and public facilities.

An integral aspect of their role involves presenting an annual report to the Little Rock Board of Directors, offering a detailed account of park operations, facilities, programs, and progress in line with the Parks Master Plan. This report not only serves as a tool for accountability but also as a means of keeping the Parks Director informed about the community's needs and expectations.

In recognizing the collective impact of community engagement, the Commission actively encourages public participation, understanding that a shared commitment contributes significantly to the enhancement of Little Rock's green spaces. In essence, the Commission serves as a vital link between the community's aspirations for its parks and the strategic implementation overseen by the Parks Director, fostering a collaborative approach towards ensuring the continued excellence of our City's park system.

parks commission BYLAWS

Past Meeting Information:

minutes     Recordings

 

For More Information

Leland M. Couch, Director

Little Rock Parks & Recreation Department

500 West Markham Street, Room 108

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 371-4770

lcouch@littlerock.gov

 

AUTHORITY:
Ordinance No. 18,803 (January 7, 2003); Ordinance No. 19,211 (October 5, 2004)
 
TERM:
Three (3) Years
 
MEMBERS:
Eleven (11)
 
DUTIES:
To review, consult, and advise the City on matters concerning the operation and maintenance of the Parks and Recreation department and on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Master Parks Plan, and significant issues involving or affecting these matters shall be referred to and considered by the Commission prior to consideration by the Little Rock City Board of Directors.
 
SELECTION:
Members of this Commission are appointed by the Little Rock City Board of Directors.
MEETINGS:
Second Wednesday of Each Month at 12:00 PM
Location TBA (different location each month)
 
CONTACT:
Leland M. Couch, Director
Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department
500 West Markham Street, Room 108
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 371-4770
lcouch@littlerock.gov

Current Members

Ron Bara
rbarama@gmail.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2026

Mike Berardo
lovinlittlerock@outlook.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2026

Summer Campbell
scampbell11@gmail.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2027

Samuel Ellis
sellis2132@gmail.com
Term Expires:  1-31-2027

James T. Ferstl, Vice Chair 2024
jtferstl@ferstlvs.com
Term Expires:  1-31-2027

Quincy Grant
w.grantquincy@yahoo.com
Term Expires:  1-31-2027

Cannon Fletcher
cannon.fletcher@gmai.com
Term Expires:  1-31-2025

Ben France, Chair 2024
benfrance4@yahoo.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2026

Linda K. Smith
linda.smith@carkw.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2027

Quinten Whiteside
quintenwhiteside@gmail.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2027

Chemia Woods
chemiawoods@gmail.com
Term Expires: 1-31-2027