Parks Awards

The Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association recently recognized the Berryville Parks and Recreation Department with three statewide honors.

Each year, the ARPA recognizes outstanding individuals and programs throughout the state, with winners being selected by a committee and announced at ARPA’s annual conference.

Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney, a longtime volunteer with the Berryville Community Center, was honored as the “Champion of the Year,” an annual award given to exceptional volunteers.

“This award honors an individual whose efforts as a volunteer made a significant contribution to parks and recreation in the state of Arkansas,” according to the ARPA website. “Nominees may include an individual whose time, expertise, and/or labor is donated and unpaid. Nominations may be made in recognition of the nominee’s cumulative service or for their efforts on a single project or activity that has created benefit for parks and recreation at the local, regional or statewide level.”

In the Berryville Parks and Recreation’s submission nominating McKinney, the selection committee learned that the longtime mayor has been a weekly volunteer at the community center since 2002.

“… Mayor Tim McKinney has been a dedicated weekly volunteer at the Berryville Community Center, contributing his time every Thursday evening after work to help with closing the facility and assisting where needed,” the nomination letter read. “Beyond his regular shifts, Mayor McKinney volunteers with other special events and programs hosted by the Berryville Community Center. His commitment has spanned more than two decades, serving thousands of local residents and visitors alike through his efforts.”

McKinney’s nomination noted that the mayor was part of the original team of community leaders who helped “develop the vision and make the center a reality in the late 1990s.”

“When the center opened in 2002, Tim didn’t step back, instead he stepped further in, continuing to volunteer even as he took on the responsibilities of public service as the City’s Mayor,” read the nomination submission. “His leadership and presence embody innovation by bridging civic responsibility with hands-on community service. He leads by example, showing how elected officials can be active, consistent participants in the day-to-day lives of their citizens.”

The Berryville Parks and Recreation maintenance team was also honored by the ARPA.

“This award honors a Maintenance professional or team who efforts make a direct impact in the daily operation of their Parks and Recreation facilities,” reads the award description on the ARPA website. “The award is open to individuals or team maintaining Parks, Golf courses, Natatoriums, and sports complexes. Nominations may be made in recognition of the team or individuals cumulative service or project that has created benefits for parks and recreation at the local, regional or statewide level.”

Berryville’s nomination said the formation of the department’s maintenance team has been a “vital and often unsung force behind the success of the city’s Parks and Recreation operations.”

“Responsible for an impressive range of duties, the team provides lawn care throughout Berryville including trash pickup, maintains the RV park and outdoor pool, oversees the upkeep of trails and public gun range, maintains baseball fields, and even takes care of the city cemetery,” the nomination submission reads. “Service the entire population of Berryville as well as visiting tourists, this yearround program ramps up in the busy spring and summer seasons to meet increased recreational demands.”

The parks and recreation department maintenance team consists of nine paid employees, including five full-time, and four seasonal workers, according to the submission.

Also honored was Berryville’s Second Saturday event as “Festival/ Special Event of the Year” for events 1-4 years old.

“This award recognizes a successful festival or special event run by the Parks Department,” the award description reads. “This award is geared towards a tourism attraction or a well-received community event.”

Second Saturday, a free, family-friendly community event series held on the second Saturday of each month from March through November on the Berryville Square, started in 2024.

The event “features a unique theme, ranging from ‘Back to School’ and ‘Spring,’ ‘Dogs,’ and more, with activities for all ages, including crafts, games, local vendors, performances and more,” reads the city’s nomination submission. “The goal of the program is to service the entire Carroll County area, with a focus on creating inclusive opportunities for families, young professionals, seniors, and children at our parks, as well as promoting our businesses on the square.”

The nomination notes the key collaboration between city departments, local businesses, civic groups and nonprofits to help make Second Saturday successful.

“Second Saturday reflects the evolving nature of public recreation by blending arts, culture, and civic engagement into a recurring event that encourages people to explore downtown on foot, support small businesses, and connect with one another,” the nomination reads. “The flexible format has allowed for unique events like local live music, mini talent shows, and pet adoption drives fostering both traditional recreation and modern creative outlets.”

The nomination also notes that the event budget “is $0, as all Second Saturdays are produced through community partnerships and in-kind support.”