Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Arkansas Nature Center Welcomes 1 Millionth Visitor in Fort Smith Arkansas
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith has officially welcomed its 1 millionth visitor, marking a major milestone nearly 20 years after opening its doors in 2006.
According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Nature Center Director Karen Westcamp-Johnson, staff members had been closely watching attendance numbers leading into Memorial Day Weekend, knowing the historic moment was approaching.
The milestone visitor turned out to be Julie Kleinschmidt of Greenwood Arkansas, along with her grandsons Cash Kleinschmidt, Adam Fenix Craze, and Layf Craze during a Friday afternoon visit to the center.
Westcamp-Johnson said the visiting family regularly enjoys exploring the center and its trails. Because officials could not determine exactly which family member crossed the 1 millionth visitor mark, the entire group was honored during the celebration.
The family received a collection of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission outdoor-themed gifts including cups, coolers, and a spinning rod-and-reel combo. Staff members also announced plans to host a future private outdoor adventure experience for the family featuring canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and additional activities at Well’s Lake and the nature center grounds.
Westcamp-Johnson, who has worked at the center since before its opening and is only the second director in its history, said the milestone was especially meaningful because the entire staff was together during the center’s “May Days” student promotion when the visitor count officially surpassed 1 million.
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center has become a popular destination for families, students, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors throughout western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
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