A new identity could soon be coming to one of the largest public investments in Searcy’s history.
During Thursday night’s Searcy City Council pre-agenda meeting, members of a community naming committee unveiled a branding proposal that would rename the city’s new community center “The Ramp” while creating an overarching destination brand known as Searcy Landing for the entire South Main recreation district.
If approved during the City Council’s regular meeting, the proposal would establish a unified identity for the growing collection of parks, athletic facilities, trails and recreational amenities currently under construction.
A Community-Driven Process
City officials said nearly 250 name submissions were received from residents after the city invited public participation last fall.
Rather than selecting a name behind closed doors, a committee made up of community leaders, communications professionals and city representatives reviewed every submission while developing a long-term branding strategy.
Committee members said they focused on several goals:
Creating a name connected to Searcy’s history
Linking the community center with the Little Red River and trail system
Establishing one destination with multiple attractions
Creating names that would remain relevant for decades
Making the development easier for visitors to navigate
Why “Searcy Landing”?
The committee recommended using Searcy Landing as the master name for the entire South Main recreation district.
Members explained the name reaches back into local history when steamboats once arrived along the Little Red River at what was historically known as the Searcy Landing.
Committee members said the name ties together Searcy’s past while representing the city’s future as a regional destination for recreation, sports and community events.
Why “The Ramp”?
The proposed name for the community center itself carries multiple meanings.
Committee member Dr. Jack Shock admitted he was initially skeptical of the name before becoming one of its strongest supporters.
“The Ramp” stands for:
Recreation
Arts
Music
Park
Committee members said the acronym isn’t simply creative branding—it accurately reflects the many activities planned inside the facility.
They also noted the building’s architecture prominently features ramp-like exterior elements visible from South Main Street, making the name visually meaningful as well.
Officials emphasized that signage would still identify the facility as the Searcy Community Center, ensuring visitors searching online or driving through town can easily recognize the building.
More Than Just One Building
Rather than naming only the community center, the committee developed an entire destination branding system.
If adopted, the district would include:
Searcy Landing — Overall destination
The Ramp — Community Center
Pioneer Park — New baseball complex
Veterans Park — Existing baseball complex
Swim Center
Soccer Complex
Officials said the naming structure allows future parks and attractions to be added while maintaining one recognizable destination brand for residents and visitors alike.
Council Members React
Council members praised the months of work completed by the committee and expressed support for both the public involvement process and the proposed branding.
Committee members also noted that both “The Ramp” and “Searcy Landing” were names suggested by community members during the public submission process, rather than being created solely by the committee.
Next Steps
The proposal is expected to move forward to the Searcy City Council’s regular meeting tonight Tuesday July 14th for formal consideration and a vote.
If approved, city staff will begin developing permanent signage, branding materials and wayfinding throughout the South Main recreation district.
Officials also said online search strategies will ensure residents searching for the Searcy Community Center will easily find information about The Ramp as the city’s newest recreational destination.
