Eureka Springs Parks Commission hires Dudley as parks director

Eureka Springs’ new parks director officially began his duties this week.

Sam Dudley, who served as the department’s trails coordinator for two years and recently was hired by the city’s Parks Commission, took over the role March 12.

“We had several good candidates for the position, but it was very satisfying that we were able to promote from within the Department,” Ruth Hager, chair of the parks commission, wrote in an email to the Carroll County News. “Sam’s experience as trails coordinator for our parks has given him ‘boots on the ground’ knowledge. He understands the needs of hikers, cyclists, recreation seekers, nature lovers and all parks users.”

Dudley replaced Steve Dickey, who served as interim director, after former director Scott Miskiel retired in December.

Dickey will continue his role as a volunteer and consultant as project manager for glades restorations at Lake Leatherwood City Park, Hager said.

Although a salary wasn’t approved in a vote to hire Dudley, Hager said the new director will make $65,000 annually.

“His salary will be the same as previous Director and Interim Director,” Hager wrote via email. “…When the Commission voted to hire him, the salary was not in the motion. It will be officially verified at our next regular meeting. As Chair, I notified and discussed the salary with Sam when he was confirmed as new hire. (The ‘confirmation’ I speak of was when City Hall completed background check and followed their normal procedures for hiring of a city employee.)” The next regular meeting for the Parks Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21.

Hager said she has known Dudley “since he was young.”

“He is intelligent, caring, and very passionate about working collaboratively to make sure Eureka Springs has great Parks officers for locals and tourists,” Hager wrote. “He is very well liked by the community, and I know he will make a good leader for his staff, many of whom have worked with him for some time.

“I have confidence in his ability to direct the department and to work with the Parks Commission for budgeting, planning, and other activities that fulfill the mission statement of the Parks Commission. It is also pretty exciting that he is a longtime permanent local, who is raising a family here.”

Dudley wrote a message March 7 on the “Eureka Springs Trails” Facebook page that he was “honored” to be chosen for the director position.

“On March 1, 2021, I was hired to take on the Trails Coordinator position for Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation,” Dudley wrote. “Two years later, I am honored to announce that I have been chosen to become ESPR’s new director. I will certainly miss my former position, but I am also looking forward to putting my ideas to work and making our parks even more amazing.”

Hager said she feels the position has its director long term.

“It’s my belief and hope that he is in it for the long haul, as they say,” Hager wrote. “I optimistically look forward to many years of his direction for Parks. Continuity and longevity in that position will make it possible to continue our current focus on longterm fixes and attention to the typical deferred maintenance items that face municipalities these days.

“I have great expectations for Sam and the future of Eureka Springs.”