Summer 2025, Vol. 08, No. 02 . A Publication of the North Little Rock Mayor's Office
North Little Rock is a great place to live, work, and play! We just opened our new Splash Pad at Funland just in time for summer. I encourage you to enjoy our trails, pickleball courts, golf course, rock climbing area, and all the entertainment and recreation opportunities. Our new North Little Rock Event Center and Central Fire Station are both scheduled for completion in 2026. Thanks to all of our first responders for their service to our citizens. I am proud of the job our city workers do for North Little Rock. Thanks for allowing me to be your Mayor. I love North Little Rock and hope you enjoy your family and friends this summer.
Mayor Terry C. Hartwick
Burns Park recently opened the Splash Pad at FUNLAND for kids to
Funland Splash Pad now open
Burns Park recently opened the Splash Pad at FUNLAND for kids to enjoy this summer. The Funland playground and Splash Pad are both open to the public free of charge. Hours of Operation and Rules of Use are posted on site.
Hours of Operation:
Play Area: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to thirty (30) minutes after sunset Splash Pad: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Train hours: Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays – Fridays 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Three pavilions, adjacent to Funland, are available for rent. The cost is $60 per time slot, plus a $75 deposit, both of which must be paid at the time the reservation is made. Call 501-791-8537 for details and to make a reservation.
Crystal Bluff Climbing Area Opens
The City of North Little Rock, in partnership with the Arkansas Climbers Coalition (ARCC), is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Crystal Bluff climbing area at Big Rock Quarry Park. The climbing area is a two-year collaborative effort between the City and ARCC to transform the historic Big Rock Quarry into a premier urban climbing destination. The Crystal Bluff area’s initial phase features over 30 bolted sport climbing routes, some reaching heights of up to 80 feet, including several multi-pitch climbs. The development was made possible entirely through volunteer labor and community donations, showcasing the dedication and passion of local climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sport climbing areas of this kind are incredibly rare in urban settings—not just in Arkansas, but across the country. Crystal Bluff brings something truly special to the community: access to real rock climbing right in the heart of the city. Big Rock Quarry Park offers not only climbing opportunities but also a pump track, skate park, and mountain bike and hiking trails, making it a comprehensive outdoor recreation area. For more information, email the Arkansas Climbers Coalition (ARCC), info@arkansasclimbers.org or visit their website, www.arkansasclimbers.org,
The new, 31,000-square-foot North Little Rock Event Center is scheduled to be completed by March 2026. The event center will have a ballroom, catering kitchen, two meeting rooms and will be available for rental in 2026. The Event Center is being built for the use of many different venues.
New CENTRAL FIRE Station North Little Rock EVENT CENTER
The new, centrally located fire station is situated downtown, between Argenta and Mid City. The new fire station will be over 24,000 square feet and contain a Safe Haven Baby Box, and is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2026.
NLR’s Jones and King win State Championships
Players from One Tennis Academy at Burns Park Tennis Center swept the girls singles divisions at the recent United States Tennis Association Arkansas State Closed Championships held recently at Memorial Park in Bentonville. (The girls are pictured left to right.) Caroline Jones of North Little Rock won the girls’ 18 division, Georgia King of North Little Rock won the girls’ 16 division, Stella Johansson won the girls’ 14 division, and Sophia Hubbart won the girls’ 12 division. One Tennis Academy is coached by Burns Park Tennis Center Head Pro Thomas Andersson, Burns Park Tennis Center Director Daniel Cornelison, and Jeff Zinn. Burns Park Tennis Center offers a tennis academy for all levels. For more information, call 501-791-8585
Youth Council Mayor’s
Adam Tindall, the Director of the North Little Rock Animal Shelter, awarded the Neo Award to Nick Sela and Grayson Moore. This award is named in honor of a remarkable dog named Neo, who spent more than 400 days at the animal shelter before finally finding his forever home. The presentation served as a heartfelt tribute to Nick and Grayson for their hard work and commitment to the animals at the shelter.
Each month, Mayor’s Youth Council members visit the Blossoms Nursing Home and deliver handwritten, heartfelt notes and sweet treats.
Mayor’s Youth Council members, Harper Lee, Riley Holbert, Angelica Jones, and Bryton Lew are pictures with Mayor Terry Hartwick at the Chocolate Fantasy Ball.
Over 50 Mayor’s Youth Council members participated in “Think Before You Drink: SOBER VISION” event. Students wore “drunk goggles” and engaged in eye-opening activities, including driving golf carts and participating in field sobriety tests. Special thanks to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable contributions and helping make this event possible. The students that attend pledged to end intoxicated driving!
Each year, a group of Mayor’s Youth Council members, known as the Knit-Wits, knits hats and scarves that are donated to local elementary schools, the Ronald McDonald House, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and Canvas Community.
John Davidson “J5”, a City of North Little Rock employee and member of the North Little Rock Elks Lodge provided a hot dog lunch for the Mayor’s Youth Council members that attended the Sober Vision event. He is pictured with Jill Mills, Director of the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Kaley Haskins, Nick Sela, Troi McKinney, and Jordan Miller, seniors in the North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council, each received a $1,000 scholarship at the end-of-year banquet. Thank you to the generous donors in our community for making this possible!
Mayor’s Youth Council member Gabi Martinez completed her spring service project! She did a snack drive for the Ronald McDonald House.
Parker Ludwig and Fisher May volunteered at the Arkansas Foodbank.
HONORING NORTH LITTLE ROCK’S FINEST
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce recently honored first responders in our city at an awards breakfast. Responders were recognized for their dedication, service and bravery. North Little Rock’s firefighters, emergency services dispatchers, and police officers protect and serve our community every day. Thanks for being the front line of safety and resilience in our city. Your professionalism, courage, and selfless service are what make and keep our community strong. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients! We are proud of you and thank you for your service.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
t Sergeant Justin Cross, Chief’s Award
t Officers Brett Oliver and Hunter Wade, Life Saving Award
EMERGENCY SERVICES:
t Chaplain Tina Frost, Director’s Award
t Dispatcher Amy Sane, Leadership Award
t Lead Dispatcher Travis Osborne, Achievement Award
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
t Firefighter Jordan Mauldin, Apprentice Firefighter of the Year Award
t Captain Jason Bryan, Firefighter of the Year Award
t Captain Brian Poe, Fire Chief’s Award
CHI St. Vincent SPECIAL
AWARD:
t Officer Raul Dallas, Acts of Human Kindness Award
North Little Rock Police Department Sergeant Justin Cross is pictured with North Little Rock Police Chief Patrick Thessing and Mayor Terry Hartwick.
North Little Rock Fire Department Captain Brian Poe is pictured with Mayor Terry Hartwick, North Little Rock Fire Chief Gerald Tucker and North Little Rock Assistant Fire Chief Rick Albers.
Emergency Services Lead Dispatcher Travis Osborne is pictured with Emergency Services Assistant Director Bud Gray, Emergency Services Director Kim Francisco and Mayor Terry Hartwick.
Rose City Baseball Team wins Championship
New Life Christian Academy Warriors baseball team from North Little Rock recently won the 2A Heartland Christian Athletic Association’s Varsity Baseball State Championship. The tournament was held on the Babe Ruth Field at Majestic Park in Hot Springs. New Life Christian Academy is a small school in North Little Rock and this win is the school’s first baseball tournament title. The boys, coached by John Santoro and Jason Riggs, play their home games at the Rose City Baseball Fields in North Little Rock.
ARBOR DAY
Celebrated
Mayor Terry Hartwick, North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Director Kenny Stephens and parks and recreation workers are pictured with representatives from Friends of the Old Mill, the Pulaski County Master Gardeners Association and the North Little Rock Tree Board while planting a tree at the Old Mill in recognition of National Arbor Day.
Elks Club Continues to GIVE BACK
The North Little Rock Elks Lodge continues to help local students continue their education by providing scholarships. Since 2013, the Elks Club in North Little Rock has awarded 185 scholarship totaling over $117,00. This year, 19 local students received scholarship totaling $11,750. Recently, the Elks have supported monthly meals and activities at the Fort Roots Veterans Hospital, provided a “First Responders Dinner” by providing meal delivery to North Little Rock police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians on duty and also continues to help the
Local author continues success
North Little Rock’s Phyllis Hodges is recognized as a serial entrepreneur due to her numerous successful business ventures. As a Clergy member, one of her biggest highlights was being the owner, for 19 years, of the Carousel Fit-4-Life Wellness Center, a faith-based wellness and fitness center located in the historic Argenta district of North Little Rock. As a fitness specialist, Phyl travels and implements fitness programs for individuals and corporations internationally. She is one of the founders of “Friend Girls in the Rock”, a Christian women’s group.
Phyllis is a best-selling author of several books. “Girl Power 2” is her newest book. Phyl’s collection includes: “A Divine Connection,” a fitness motivational book, and “8 Years of Unforgettable History,” a comprehensive work that spans living history, current history, American history, Arkansas history, and African American history. “Girl Power”, a non-fiction compilation book, can be found in media centers across the state of Arkansas and most bookstores. “Book Worms”; co-authored with her husband, Byron Hodges; is a fullcolor funny love story, color book, calendar, and journal. She has written four short stories that were included in the “Writing Our Lives Anthology, Volume II, III, V, and IV (5th Anniversary Edition); School Days, A Reflection of My Living History, It’s Never Too Late, and My Pandemic Journey.” Phyl’s current focus is to team up with her husband, author and minister Byron Hodges, who is a prophetic poet and dreamer. All of her books are part of the series under The Phyllis Hodges Collection. Phyllis Hodges is the mother of two adult children and three young adult grandchildren. She can be contacted through her website: www.doyouphylme.com, and on all social media outlets.
Historic North Little Rock
A summer picnic in North Little Rock. Photo taken in about 1900.
Bald Eagles in Burns Park
Aquiet spectacle of nature is happening in our city’s Burns Park. Come to the Arkansas River Trail, stroll along some quiet walkways, or hike the green trail and you might spot it. A nesting pair of bald eagles have settled into make Burns Park their home. Frederick and Helga have become to be known quietly renovated their nest that sat empty last year. This year, around mid-March they successfully hatched three eaglets. Now, the activity is heightened as they keep their young birds protected. If you are one of the lucky bird watchers in the area, around mid-June you may get to witness the fledglings’ first flights. Hopefully they will stick around their parents for a few months before winter sets in and a new season of eagle watching begins.
Helpful Numbers
Central Arkansas Water 501-372-5161 customerservice@carkw.com
Frederick looking to Helga while she sits in the nest.
Helga getting some time alone after feeding.
Three eaglets in the nest waiting to eat.
Photos by Vicki Faris
City Recognizes Volunteers
Bert Turner was recently awarded the City of North Little Rock Fritz Freidl Volunteer of the Year for 2024 at the Mayor’s Volunteer Services Luncheon. Bert has volunteered in some capacity most of his life. He is a Master Naturalist and keeps the trails in Burns Park clean throughout the year. Bert was a boy scout in the 1960’s and helped build the original Burns Park trails. He is also a volunteer with the Friends of the Old Mill and helped restore the waterfall that was not working for years. There are many interviews and articles on the volunteer work Bert has done over the years. We are lucky to have such a passionate volunteer working in North Little Rock.
The Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center volunteers were awarded North Little Rock Volunteer Program of the Year for 2024 at the Mayor’s Volunteer Luncheon. There are a variety of volunteer instructors at the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center. The Hays Center also has volunteers that give tours of the building, drive the golf cart, assist at the front desk and bus trip coordinator. Volunteers turn in hundreds of hours per month and help keep the programs running smoothly. A big thank you to the Patrick Henry Hays Center volunteers for a successful program.
The City of North Little Rock offers many volunteer opportunities. Volunteering encourages personal growth, develops skills, provides social connections, is good for mental and physical health, and gives you a sense of fulfillment. It also benefits the community by helping create a sense of unity. If you want more information on volunteering in the City of North Little Rock, scan the QR code and connect with us.
Tulips
Master Gardner Elizabeth Tomlinson was recently featured in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette planting tulips in Argenta. Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Department SPOTLIGHT: Vehicle Maintenance
With ongoing supply challenges and longer lead times for new equipment, the City of North Little Rock’s vehicle maintenance department has focused on extending the life of our dependable older fleet vehicles. In some cases, this means major repairs, such as complete engine replacements. It’s no secret that engine jobs are time-consuming and complex. But our crew is stepping up and knocking them out—all while still handling regular service calls, on-the-spot repairs, and brake jobs for officers waiting, and everything else that comes through the shop. A huge shout out to our entire Vehicle Maintenance Team—foremen, technicians, welders, our fleet asset manager, and everyone in between. It takes all of you to keep our fleet moving, behind the scenes, to keep the City of North Little Rock rolling strong.
Door-to-Door Sales
The City of North Little Rock requires all individuals going door-to-door to sell a product or service to obtain a permit. If someone comes to your door selling a product and is unable to produce a North Little Rock city-issued photo identification, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617. If it is after hours or on the weekend, please contact the North Little Rock Police Department non-emergency number at 501-758-1234. Applicants for a permit must fill out an application provided by the city, provide an Arkansas State Police background check, a Surety Bond in the applicant’s name, no less than $1,000, a passport-size photo, a $6 administration fee, and a $75 Business/Privilege License fee. Once issued, permits are good for 90 days. Any person found going door-to-door without the proper photo identification issued by the North Little Rock City Clerk will be subject to a citation and may be required to appear in court. The City of North Little Rock requires ALL persons doing business in the city to obtain a City Business/ Privilege License as well. Businesses include food trucks, brick-and-mortar establishments, door-to-door flyers, lawn care services, tree trimming, and financial sales. Please call the City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617 with any licensing questions
NLR Welcomes David Baxter
The City of North Little Rock is excited to welcome David Baxter, a seasoned Professional Development Trainer, to the Human Resources Department as the new Training Development, Special Projects and Fit2Live Manager. David Baxter is an accomplished public speaker with over 20 years of experience empowering individuals and teams to grow their skills, confidence, and career potential. Specializing in wellness/fitness, customer service, conflict management, communication, leadership, and team dynamics. David has designed and delivered high-impact training programs across municipal, corporate, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Baxter will develop customized learning experiences that foster professional growth, enhance workplace culture, and align with strategic organizational goals. Known for an engaging and practical facilitation style, Baxter creates inclusive learning environments that inspire active participation and real-world application.
Baxter spent 18 years in Law Enforcement, with 12 of those years at the City of North Little Rock Police Department. After leaving the North Little Rock Police Department, he spent 11 years with the Arkansas Municipal League, and most recently, he was a federal contractor for the United States Department of Justice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership. However, he will be the first to tell anyone that the mentoring from veteran officers, experiences with the public, training, and education he received while serving as a police officer for the City of North Little Rock are the real foundation of his educational background. When not leading workshops or coaching professionals, he enjoys the outdoors, staying in shape, and watching his grandkids play sports.
COLOR Your World This Summer
This June and July, the North Little Rock Public Library System (NLRPLS) invites residents of all ages to participate in the Color Our World Summer Library Adventure —a season-long celebration of creativity, discovery, and community. Participants can register at any of the four NLRPLS locations and receive a Summer Passport, filled with fun challenges that encourage reading, exploring local art, visiting library branches, and trying something new. After completing five activities, participants can visit any location to receive a prize. Those who complete their entire passport will be entered into a drawing to win four tickets to the Little Rock Zoo at the end of the summer.
Celebrate the start of summer with hands-on activities, a sneak peek at upcoming events, and opportunities to sign up for the Summer Library Adventure.
Color Our World Silent Disco (Ages 18+)
Friday, June 13 | 6 – 9 p.m. | Laman Library
Dance the night away with glowing headphones and colorful lights during this unique after-hours library experience for adults.
A hands-on tie dye experience just for grownups—because bold color isn’t just for kids.
Color Your Life: Adult Enrichment Series
Wednesdays beginning June 11 | Laman Library
This eight-week series invites adults to explore color in all aspects of life, from the kitchen and closet to creative expression and home design.
End of Summer Color Run
Thursday, July 31 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Laman Plaza
Join us for a festive outdoor celebration to close out the season with a burst of color and fun.
Club Laman:
Help prevent the summer slide with Club Laman, a four-week learning series that combines age-specific educational content with fun, hands-on engagement. Session 1 takes place Thursdays: June 5, 12, 26, and July 3 at 10 a.m. at Laman Library.
Space is limited and registration is required for each child. Guardians must remain on library premises during the program.
Gardens are Thriving
The growing season has been a tremendous success for the NLR Community Garden Program. Thanks to the dedication of our garden managers, volunteers, and community partners, our gardens are thriving with fresh produce, vibrant pollinator plants, and renewed energy. We’ve seen increased participation across our sites, with more residents getting involved in growing food, learning sustainable practices, and building stronger neighborhood connections. Workshops, youth engagement, and volunteer days have all been wellattended, and several gardens have expanded or introduced new features, including composting systems, irrigation, and native plant beds. It’s been a season full of growth—both in our gardens and our community.
These young gardeners brought their energy and smiles to the Baring Cross Community Garden during the 5K event, proudly helping plant blueberry bushes that will nourish the community for seasons to come. Their enthusiasm is a beautiful reminder of why we grow together.
Celebrating Earth Day at St.
We had a great time hosting the North Little Rock Community
Program booth at the Earth Day event, where we shared resources, seeds, and volunteer opportunities. A big shout-out to the enthusiastic young ladies who helped bring the table to life with their smiles and spirit!
Volunteers at the Dark Hollow Community Garden are pictured at the workday held recently as they paused for a group photo after a productive morning of planting and beautifying their shared green space. Volunteers pictured from left to right: Mrs. Curtis Sykes, Belinda Burney (garden manager), Ocie Driver (garden manager), Yolanda Anderson, and Latayia Walker.
Gardeners at the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center proudly show off their flourishing raised beds, filled with vibrant spinach, cucumbers, and tomato plants grown from seeds. This garden is a testament to community and cultivation! Volunteers from left to right: Nicole Bird, Gwen Vault, Nancy Carper, Charlotte Peebles, Caryn Kinane-Setaro, and Patty Cmelik.
Joseph’s Farmstead
Garden
Animals in our City
The North Little Rock Animal Shelter recently participated in and sponsored several activities throughout our city. In addition to the daily work at the shelter, Director Adam Tindall appeared on Arkansas Style regularly to promote pet adoptions.
Out of the Darkness
Suicide Prevention Walk
Five dogs and animal shelter volunteers participated in the walk this year, held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a couple of adoptions took place after the walk ended. Animals are therapeutic to many people and provide comfort in various life situations.
Seventh Street 6 Academy of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
The Animal Shelter continues to partner with the Seventh Street school on numerous programs. Most recently, animals and volunteers from the North Little Rock Animal Shelter participated in the Veterinary Science Day at the school.
Free Spay and Neuter Clinic
Forty volunteers from Last Hope Canine provided free spay and neuter services to animals in North Little Rock thanks to the partnership that Adam Tindall and his staff have developed. Last Hope Canine is a valuable asset in helping our animal shelter identify potential solutions for the animals in our care.
North Little Rock Contact Information
Mayor Terry C. Hartwick 501-975-8601 mayor@nlr.ar.gov
City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey
City Attorney Amy Fields
Judge (Traffic) Judge Randy Morley
501-975-8617 cityclerkoffice@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-3755 nlrlegal@nlr.ar.gov
501-791-8562 melinda.johnson@nlrpolice.org
Judge (Criminal/Civil) Judge Paula Juels Jones 501-791-8559 janet.hill@nlrpolice.org
Chief of Staff Mike Davis
City Council
Ward 1 Council Member Nathan Hamilton
501-975-8601 mdavis@nlr.ar.gov
501-952-7679 nhamilton@nlr.ar.gov
Ward 1 Council Member Debi Ross 501-753-0733 dross@nlr.ar.gov
Ward 2 Council Member Linda Robinson 501-945-8820 lrobinson@nlr.ar.gov
Ward 2 Council Member Nicole Hart 501-960-2461 nhart@nlr.ar.gov
Ward 3 Council Member Steve Baxter 501-804-0928 sbaxter@nlr.ar.gov
Ward 3 Council Member Ron Harris 501-758-2877 ronharris@nlr.ar.gov
