Parks and Recreation Commission

Helping Create a "City in a Park"

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.

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:	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.

Learn More

Current Members

Ron Bara	rbarama@gmail.com Term Expires: 01-31-2026
Mike Berardo	lovinlittlerock@outlook.com Term Expires: 01-31-2026
Summer Campbell	scampbell11@gmail.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
Samuel Ellis	sellis2132@gmail.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
James T. Ferstl, Vice Chair 2024	jtferstl@ferstlvs.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
Quincy Grant	w.grantquincy@yahoo.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
Cannon Fletcher	cannon.fletcher@gmail.com
Ben France, Chair 2024	benfrance4@yahoo.com Term Expires: 01-31-2026
Linda K. Smith	linda.smith@carkw.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
Quinten Whiteside	quintenwhiteside@gmail.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027
Chemia Woods	chemiawoods@gmail.com Term Expires: 01-31-2027

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