Benefits are Endless!
2019
Little Rock Parks & Recreation
Community Center Directory
John Eckart, Director of Parks & Recreation
Visit our website jeckart@littlerock.gov
www.lrpr.org (501) 371-4770
Gil Standridge, Recreation Manager
gstandridge@littlerock.gov
(501) 244-5415
Shawanda Robinson, Recreation Program Coordinator
srobinson@littlerock.gov
(501) 371-6855
Follow us for updates, photos, and more information.
Facebook: Little Rock Parks & Recreation
Twitter: @lrparksrec
Instagram: littlerockparksandrec
Benefits of Community Centers 4 - 5
Dunbar Community Center 6
Southwest Community Center 7
Stephens Community Center 8
East Little Rock Community Center 9
The Centre at University Park 10
West Central Community Center & 11
Sports Complex
Youth Athletics 12
Spring & Summer Sports 13
Fall & Winter Sports 14
Afterschool & Summer Programs 15
Community Center Special Events 16
Adult Recreation 17
Let’s Walk 18
Active and Aging 19
Community Center Facility Rentals 20
The Centre at University Park Rentals 21
Swimming Pool 22
City Board of Directors 23
Mission Statement
To create a meaningful parks and
recreation system that provides
quality leisure services, promotes
the natural environment, local
economy and the health of the
community and strengthens the
diversity of a democratic society.
Table of Content
TAKE CARE OF LATCH KEY CHILDREN — EDUCATE
Good news for working parents! Many communities’ parks and recreation
agencies provide after school and summer child care.
CONTROL WEIGHT, LOOK BETTER, BUILD STRONG BODIES
Sports participants have significantly lower body mass index values, lower blood
pressures, and lower resting pulse rates. The physically fit person is less prone
to injury, and is less likely to experience depression.
LOWER CHANCE OF DISEASE — DECREASE INSURANCE PREMIUMS — LIVE
LONGER!
Childhood participation in organized fitness and sports programs helps attain
higher bone density establishing a strong health base to combat osteoporosis in
later life. An estimated 66,000 U.S. deaths from coronary heart disease, colon
cancer and diabetes could be prevented annually if one half of the sedentary
people became active on a regular basis.
BUILD SELF-ESTEEM
When young people feel good about themselves they operate more effectively
and productively in our communities, families and schools. Our programs teach
the importance of trust, supportive social interaction and personal challenge
while creating valuable life long memories.
REDUCE STRESS — RELAX!
Positive and enjoyable recreation experiences can decrease stress and
psychological tensions. Leisure activities provide people with the opportunity to
expel energy and emotion not being released in other aspects of their lives.
PROMOTE SENSITIVITY TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Social interaction through recreation breaks down unfamiliarity, fear and
isolation, and promotes positive contact between different ethnic groups and the
broader community. The strength of a community is increased through
recreation activities that allow people to share cultural and ethnic differences.
Benefits of Community Centers
INCREASE COMMUNITY PRIDE — STRENGTHEN
NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT
Community pride is generated through leisure and park facilities. When
communities compare themselves to one another, eager to improve, they almost
always evaluate their levels of open space, recreation facilities, and leisure
program development.
REDUCE CRIME, DIMINISH GANG VIOLENCE, PROVIDE SAFE PLACES TO
PLAY
The bottom line: it costs 100 times as much to incarcerate that to recreate.
MEET FRIENDS — CREATE MEMORIES!
A child develops social skills, problem solving and creativity through early play
experiences. The best opportunities are those that are planned and supervised.
Physical activity is intellectually stimulating and enhances the learning process
and the development of cognitive skills.
LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS
Physically active older people typically benefit from lower blood pressure,
increased muscle strength, joint flexibility, and lower total cholesterol levels
than do less active people. Leisure activities can create new social relationships
for Seniors.
ENHANCE RELATIONSHIP SKILLS — TEACH VITAL LIFE SKILLS
Afterschool sports, as well as arts and craft classes enlighten children about the
concept of team play: Together Everyone Achieves More.
Positive conflict resolution is a skill which can be applied all lifelong.
Appropriate risk taking, and a healthy sense of competition and sportsmanship
can substitute for violent confrontation related to gang activity.
Benefits are endless!
Benefits of Community Centers
Dunbar Community Center
1001 West 16th Little Rock, AR 72206 (501) 376-1084
Est. October, 1954
Our Staff:
Rochelle Burton, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Carol Bealer, Chenell Tucker, Jeremy Dotson, Recreation Programmer
James Bowen, Doc Sampson, Maintenance
Charles Baird, Activity Supervisor
Nicole Kinnard, Barbara Caffey, Receptionist
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Facility Amenities
Exercise Room
Kitchen
Game Room
Meeting Rooms
Computer Lab
Arts & Craft Room
Banquet Hall
Full court gymnasium
Senior Center Site location
Southwest Community Center
6401 Baseline Road Little Rock, AR 72206 (501) 918-3974
Est. June, 1994
Our Staff:
Michael Harris, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Ray Kimbrough, Senior Recreation Programmer
Jeffrey Lacey, Kimberly Smith, Recreation Programmer
Keith Jordan, Robert Ford, Maintenance
John Peterson, Activity Supervisor
Brenda Stenhouse, Charlotte Hampton, Receptionist
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Facility Amenities
Exercise Room
Kitchen
Game Room
Multi-purpose Rooms
Computer Lab
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Banquet Hall
Full court gymnasium
Senior Center Site location
Stephens Community Center
3720 West 18th Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 603-9974
Est. March, 2001
Our Staff:
Linda Bealer, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Chenell Tucker, Recreation Programmer
Melvin Collins, Maintenance
Evelyn Layne, Activity Supervisor
Jennifer Simmons, Receptionist
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00am—6:00pm
Facility Amenities
• Full court gymnasium
• Game Room
• Multi-purpose Rooms
East Little Rock Community Center
2500 East 6th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 374-2881
Est. 1973
Our Staff:
Susie Matheny, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday 9:00am—6:00pm
Facility Amenities
• Full court gymnasium
• Multi-purpose Rooms
• 26 acres of open space with lighted ball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts
and picnic areas
The Centre at University Park
6401 West 12th Street Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 661-1700
Est. 2013
Our Staff:
Gregory Douthard, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Ramona Smith, Fabian Scott, Recreation Programmer
Cleo Clark, Office Assistant III
Donald Webster, Maintenance
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Facility Amenities
Banquet Hall Deposit: $100.00 (230 ppl.)
½ Banquet Hall Deposit: $75.00 (112 ppl.)
Multipurpose Room Deposit: $50.00 (50 ppl.)
Meeting Room #1 Deposit: $25.00 (25-30 ppl.)
Conference Room Deposit: $25.00 (10-12 ppl.)
Space on Demand No Deposit required (15 ppl.)
Classes, Activities, and Programs are available for adults 25 and above.
West Center Community Center
4521 John Barrow Road, Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 379-1890
Est. 2016
Our Staff:
Larry Gilmore, Recreation Facility Supervisor
Jeffrey Calaham, Recreation Programmer
Martha Daniels, Receptionist
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Facility Amenities
Exercise Room
Game Room
Classrooms
Radio Station
Full court gymnasium w/Concession
Conference Room
Banquet Hall w/Kitchen
Baseball/Football Fields w/Concession
Senior Center Site location
YOUTH ATHLETICS
Athletics for youth ages 3—17 is an intricate
part of our community centers. It is our goal
to provide various recreational athletic
programs to youth in Central Arkansas. Our
leagues promote recreation, sportsmanship,
fun, parental involvement, competition and
the basic foundation for learning how to play
various sports.
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Football
Soccer
Softball
Tee Ball
Track
Volleyball
Spring Sports
Registration: January—March
Season: April—May
Soccer – Primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players, we provide an opportunity
for participants to have fun, learn the sport and develop life skills. Instructional clinics for both coaches and
players are included in registration.
Track & Field – The program is designed to expose participants to the basic foundation of an active life:
physical fitness, running, jumping and throwing. Participants will compete in a series of track meets and
earn an opportunity to participate in the Hershey’s Track and Field Championship Track Meet.
Junior Hoops – This competitive basketball league is open to Middle School and High School basketball
players. The league allows participants to play with their competitive clubs, friends from other teams and
lengthen their basketball seasons with a Tournament Champion crowned at season end.
Baseball – An emphasis is placed on fun, teaching of basic skills and fundamentals, team concept and
sportsmanship. Community center and additional fees may be required. Instructional clinics for both
coaches and players are included in registration.
Summer Sports
Registration: March—June
Season: May—July
Girls Fast Pitch Softball – It is our goal to provide girls an opportunity to learn the nation’s fastest growing
arena of softball. Participants and coaches will have the opportunity to participate in clinics to learn the
fundamentals of fast pitch softball.
Boys Pitching Machine Baseball – It is our goal to provide an introduction to baseball. Participants will
learn the basic concepts of the game while being introduced to the pitching machine.
Tee-Ball – The program is designed to introduce our youngest participants to the Tee-Ball game. The
fundamental development focus will focus on hitting, throwing, fielding, batting, and base running.
Late Night Softball – It is our goal to provide a fun, challenging league for teens affiliated with YIP, Church
and other organized groups to play softball.
FALL SPORTS
Registration: June—September
Season: August—November
Cheerleading – Participants are taught basic fundamentals of cheer including spirit cheers, jumps,
tumbling and given the opportunity to cheer at football games. Youth participate in practices and
may have the opportunity to compete in cheer competitions.
Football – We provide every participant an opportunity to play in a competitive, recreational
league with emphasis on safety, fundamental instruction on tackling, running, catching, offense and
defense. Participants and coaches will have the opportunity to participate in camps and clinics to
assist with game preparation.
Volleyball – Youth are given the opportunity to play in one of two divisions in preparation for next
level play. The fundamental development focus will be placed on bumping, serving, offense and
defense.
WINTER SPORTS
Registration: September—November
Season: December—February
Basketball – Participants are taught basic fundamentals of basketball including
shooting, passing, dribbling, offense and defense. The league is open to community
center, church and independent teams.
League Divisions:
Select Upper & Lower Divisions
Start Smart—Pre-K Ages 3 & 4)
Small Ball—Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Jr. NBA—2nd & 3rd Grade Boys
Jr. NBA—4th & 5th Grade Boys
Jr WNBA—4th & 5th Grade Girls
Afterschool Programs
Little Rock Parks and Recreation Afterschool Programs are in session
during the school year, from August to June. Our Latch Key Program
provides parents an affordable program with structured activities,
staff supervision, homework time, athletics, recreational activities,
meal, and snack times daily and on days when school is not in session.
Other Afterschool Programs Gymnastics, Cooking Class, Karate, Hip Hop Dance and
more.
Cost: $125.00 per Semester
Fall Semester: August – December Spring Semester: January - May
Summer Programs
Locations: Dunbar, Stephens, East Little Rock, West Central Center,
Southwest, and various school sites. This 8-weeks program’s objective is to provide for
children ages 6-15, a rewarding, enjoyable and safe summer of supervised, organized and
worthwhile recreational activities while school is not in session. We will offer a wide range of on-
site and field trip activities.
Specialty Camps:
1. Summer Teen Camp (ages 11-15) Teen Activities
2. Summer Laureate Program (6 Week program)
The non-refundable registration fee is $100 for the first child and $50 for any additional
children from the same immediate family that reside in the same household.
One Child…$100.00
Two Children…$150.00
Three Children…$200.00
Four Children…$250.00
Summer Playground Program Information Hotline – (501) 371-4445
Summer Playground Program Office – (501) 371-6858
Register online at: littlerockparks.onlinesignup.org
“Summer Playground Program”
Community Center Special Event
Valentine Sweetheart Party
Breakfast with Santa
Spring Break Blast Week
Latchkey Graduations
Star Student Banquet
End of the School Year Parties
Lights On Afterschool Showcase
Summer Bash Week
Back to School Bash
Halloween Bash
Fall Festival
Latchkey Christmas Banquet
State Parks Field Trips
Commit to Health - Community Centers Health Fair
Basketball Leagues
Dunbar Community Center
Open Men’s Summer League
Southwest Community Center
Fall Open Men’s League
Fall Open Women’s League
Stephens Community Center
30 & Over Open Men’s League
40 & Over Open Men’s League
Volleyball Leagues
Southwest Community Center
Open Women’s, Men’s, and Co-Ed League
Classes: Locations:
Aerobics Classes
Dunbar Community Center
Southwest Community Center
West Central Community Center
Boot Camp Classes
Dunbar Community Center
Southwest Community Center
West Central Community Center
Zumba Classes
Southwest Community Center
Line Dance Classes
Dunbar Community Center
West Central Community Center
Adult Recreation
Athletic ~ Instructional Classes ~ Fitness
Beginners and Advanced Participants Welcome
Let’s Walk!
Did You Know??
It is recommended that children and adults should engage in physical exercise for at least 30
minutes a day, five or more times a week, to maintain and improve health.
Consult your physician before beginning a new
exercise routine.
Always carry a cell phone and identification.
Take time to warm up or cool down and stretch
before and after your walk.
Invest in a well-fitting pair of shoes with solid
support and good tread.
Dress for the weather. Wear layers if it’s cold and
choose loose, light- colored clothing when it’s hot.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and
sunscreen.
Strengthens Bone,
Low-Impact lifts Mood
Improves balance
Aid weight loss
Reduce Stress
Get in the Gym or Take it Outside!
AGING & ACTIVE
Meet Friends
Socialize
Bingo, Cards,
Dominos
Health & Wellness
Watch TV/Movies
Have Fun
Exercise
Arts & Crafts
Field Trips
Nutrition
Music
Special Activities
For Details Contact:
Karen Johnson at
(501) 371-6854
COMMUNITY CENTERS
SENIOR PROGRAMS
Dunbar Community Center
501-376-1084
East Little Rock Community Center
501-374-2881
Southwest Community Center
501-918-3974
Stephens Community Center
501-603-9974
Community Center
Facility Rentals
Our facilities are ideal to host your special events in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Looking for a
location for a family reunion, baby shower, anniversary celebration, wedding, reception, church
dinner, business meetings, luncheons, corporate celebrations, birthday parties and much more.
Our Banquet Halls or Multi-Purpose Rooms are perfect for intimate settings or events
accommodating up to 150 people.
All reservations require a non-refundable deposit and standard agreement. All reservations include
tables and chairs.
3 Hour Reservation Minimum
Deposit: Banquet Hall - $50.00
Deposit: Multi-Purpose Room - $25.00
Banquet Hall—$300.00
Multi-Purpose—$150.00
Kitchen Deposit—$50.00
Kitchen—$50.00
The Centre at University Park
Rentals
3 hour minimum for all rooms except half banquet hall
Conference Room Banquet Hall
Deposit - $25 Deposit - $100
Rental Fee- $25 / hour Rental Fee - $90 / hour (working hours)
Rental Fee - $110 / hour (after hours)
Meeting Room #1 *Setup/Cleanup - $60 each
Deposit - $25
Rental Fee - $30 / hour (working hours) Half Banquet Hall
Rental Fee - $40 / hour (after hours) Deposit - $75
*Setup/Cleanup - $25 each Rental Fee - $60 / hour (working hours)
Rental Fee - $90 / hour (after hours)
Multipurpose Room *Setup/Cleanup - $50 each
Deposit - $50
Rental Fee - $50 / hour (working hours) Computer Training Room
Rental Fee - $75 / hour (after hours) (rented as needed)
*Setup/Cleanup - $30 each Rental rates same as Multipurpose Room
Computer Not A Part of Rental
*Optional to Customer
Only customers renting half or entire banquet hall will have access to Kitchen at no additional cost.
For Questions or to make a Reservation call: (501) 661-1700
Southwest Swimming Pool
Southwest Community Center
6401 Baseline Road
501-918-3974
Open Recreational Swim
Swimming Lessons
Kid’s Pool
Swim Exercise Classes
Diving Board
Lane Swimming
Available for Rentals
CITY OF LITTLE ROCK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mayor Frank Scott
Vice Mayor B.J. Wyrick, Ward 7
Erma Hendrix, Ward 1
Ken Richardson, Ward 2
Kathy Webb, Ward 3
Capi Peck, Ward 4
Lance Hines, Ward 5
Doris Wright, Ward 6
Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Position 8
Gene Fortson, Position 9
Joan Adcock, Position 10
City Manager, Bruce T. Moore
Assistant City Manager, James Jones
City of Little Rock
Mission Statement
Little Rock’s vision is to be a leading city of the 21st Century
by providing a safe and supportive environment that
environment that empowers its citizens, neighborhood
neighborhoods, and businesses to develop and prosper.