The scope of the Parks and Recreation Department's responsibilities is truly vast, encompassing a wide array of facilities and a staggering 100 acres of land. Their diligent maintenance ensures that residents can enjoy places like Fair Park with its playgrounds, tennis courts, pavilions, swimming pool, and the Legion Baseball Field. They also oversee Huckabee Lake with its popular walking track, and multiple sports complexes, including Kiwanis, Kelly, and K-Park, which are home to numerous baseball and softball fields.
The department’s touch can be seen all over downtown Hope, from The Hub and Visitor Center to the Cairo-Fulton Depot (home of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council). A special point of pride is the downtown Pocket Park, which was awarded the 2024 Best Outdoor Facility costing under $200,000 by the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association. In 2024, the department also took on the vital responsibility of maintaining Rose Hill Cemetery, where their respectful care has further beautified the grounds.
However, the department's work extends far beyond physical maintenance. As Parks Director Summer Chambers explains, “Our goal here at the parks department is to provide the community with a safe, friendly and inviting environment for all to enjoy. This department is much more than the physical facilities you see throughout our parks system.”
Their team is the driving force behind various low-cost and free community programs throughout the year. They are the essential behind-the-scenes workers for every major city event, including Train Day, Sparks Fly in July, the Watermelon Festival, and Trunk or Treat. During the holidays, they show off their creativity in the large Christmas displays and the decorations around the popular ice rink at The Hub in downtown Hope. From running little leagues to mowing and keeping facilities immaculate, they are dedicated to serving the community and cherish the bonds they have built with the citizens of Hope.
Director Summer Chambers speaks with immense pride about her team's dedication and resilience:
“I personally could not be prouder of the staff here in my department. I see the long hours they pull in our busy season and the way they never bat an eye when tasks are difficult. There have been many times they have made the impossible possible. It has been a privilege working for the City of Hope, but I have been more blessed with colleagues who have become family. Our maintenance staff in the parks department deserves to get as much recognition as possible. I definitely am grateful for each one of them in having a part of making this department a success. To the citizens of Hope, thank you for the support through the years. It has been our honor to provide experiences for our community, but most of watching youth grow into young leaders who come back and help volunteer.”
Chambers says she and the crew look forward to the future and the exciting projects on the horizon like the new tennis and pickleball courts at Fair Park, a new recreation and aquatic center across from the Kelly Complex, and a new splash pad at Northside Park.
Join SWARK.Today as we give salute the team at the City of Hope’s Parks and Recreation Department. Their hard work creates the beautiful parks, memorable events, and recreational opportunities that brings the community together to create shared experiences. The next time you enjoy a walk, watch a ballgame, or attend an event at one of the parks, remember the hard-working individuals who make it all possible. Their names are as follows:
Summer Chambers, Director
Ronald “Runt” Kidd, Maintenance Supervisor
Tiffany Dunham, Administrative Assistant
Kris England, Maintenance
Hasime “Sima” Horton, Maintenance
Calvin Lollis, Maintenance
John Kenworthy, Maintenance (not pictured)
John Wheelington, Downtown Maintenance/Rose Hill Cemetery
Jim Rhodes, Rose Hill Cemetery
Sonia Salomon, Visitor Center Attendant (not pictured)
Shelia Johnson, Visitor Center Attendant (not pictured)
Stay tuned for our next SWARK Service Spotlight to learn more about the invaluable public servants who make our communities better every day.