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Little Rock parks chair cites attendance gains, capital repairs and volunteer growth in 2025 review
Summary
Quinton Whiteside presented a 2025 Parks & Recreation year-in-review, citing a 61% uptick in aquatic center attendance, 923 summer day-camp attendees (up 14%), completed field and facility renovations, and the start of senior center construction.
Quinton Whiteside, chair of the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission, told the City Board on March 3 that 2025 brought measurable gains and several major capital projects for the department. Whiteside highlighted a 61% increase in attendance at the city's aquatic center from 2024 to 2025 and said 923 campers attended the park system's summer day camp, a 14% rise from the previous year.
"Our operations team was busy," Whiteside said, summarizing work that included a new roof and gym renovations at the Dunar facility, reopening the West Central Ballfield, renovations to Rebsman Tennis Center and the Mulligan's Grill pro shop, repaving of the Two Rivers Trail and the start of construction on a senior center. He also noted expanded volunteer events such as Impact the Rock and National Public Lands Day.
The commission reported increased programming and marketing efforts, which Whiteside credited for higher participation in daily fitness and special events. He said the department has aligned priorities with available budgets to position parks to address year-end needs and upcoming projects.
Board members thanked Parks staff and volunteers; Mayor Scott and others acknowledged cooperation from LRPD and LRFD for large events. The review closed with a reminder that constrained budgets and deferred maintenance remain priorities for future funding decisions.
The Parks and Recreation Commission report is scheduled to inform department budget discussions later in 2026.
