Pictured (l. to r.) are Parks & Rec staff members: Brandon Spurlock, Daniel Torchinsky, Stephanie Jones, Junior Rodemeyer, Alex Richardson, and Ryan Grist.
Congratulations are in order for the City of Benton Parks and Recreation Department. They received multiple awards at the 2024 Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) Annual Conference. The event was held September 25-27 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Read more below for the list of awards, and one other development with Junior Rodemeyer, who is on staff.
Awards for Benton Parks:
Outstanding New Professional – Special Events Manager Brandon Spurlock
Therapeutic Recreation Program of the Year – Miracle League
Natural Resources Program of the Year – Youth Kayaking in partnership with Saline River Canoe
Outdoor Facility of the Year – Ralph Bunche Amphitheater
Outdoor Facility of the Year – Benton Bike Park in partnership with Progressive Trail Design
Taking on Roles:
Junior Rodemeyer, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, was sworn in as ARPA Executive Board President Elect. The current President Elect, Daniel Baxley, who is the Director at Mountain Home Parks and Recreation, will move up to the President spot. Benton Parks Director Stephanie Jones is a past President. Also locally, Kristin Robinson, who is the Aquatics Director of Bryant Parks and Recreation, is the Board Secretary.