Petit Jean State Park is celebrating major improvements designed to preserve its history while expanding recreation opportunities for future generations.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined officials from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for a special open house highlighting the reopening of the newly renovated historic Mather Lodge, expanded outdoor recreation and the unveiling of an Arkansas 250 historical marker.
Petit Jean State Park, established in 1923, is Arkansas’ first state park.
HISTORIC MATHER LODGE REOPENS AFTER RENOVATION
Guests attending the event toured the renovated Mather Lodge, where improvements were made to the historic guest rooms.
Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program worked on the project with the goal of improving the visitor experience while maintaining the lodge’s historic character and craftsmanship.
Governor Sanders said the renovations included new fixtures, furnishings and finishes designed to provide modern amenities while preserving the lodge’s rustic character.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis said the investments are intended to honor Petit Jean State Park’s history while preparing the park for its next century.
FIRST VIA FERRATA IN A U.S. STATE PARK
The celebration also highlighted new outdoor recreation opportunities at Petit Jean.
The new Petit Jean Via Ferrata is being offered in partnership with Frontier Climbing Company.
According to state park officials, it is the first via ferrata in the country located within a state park.
A via ferrata uses fixed climbing features to provide visitors with another way to experience mountainous or rocky terrain.
Officials say the Petit Jean attraction is designed to allow visitors with varying experience levels to experience the park’s landscape in a new way.
NEW MOUNTAIN BIKING EXPERIENCES COMING
Additional mountain biking opportunities are also being developed at Petit Jean State Park.
In partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, new mountain biking experiences are expected to begin opening later this fall.
The trail system will include opportunities for riders of different skill levels.
The projects are part of continued efforts to expand outdoor recreation at Petit Jean Mountain.
ARKANSAS 250 HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED
A new Arkansas 250 historical marker recognizing Petit Jean State Park’s place in Arkansas history was also unveiled during the event.
The Arkansas 250 Commission selected the park for the marker as part of the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The marker recognizes Petit Jean as Arkansas’ first state park and its significance to generations of Arkansans.
Officials say the marker will be permanently installed at the Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT NAMED AT PETIT JEAN
Petit Jean State Park also welcomed Will Ward as its new superintendent.
Ward previously worked at Petit Jean as a park ranger before serving at other Arkansas state parks.
Ward said returning to Petit Jean Mountain had been a career goal and that he looks forward to working with the park staff to continue improving recreation while caring for the historic property.
ARKANSAS’ FIRST STATE PARK
Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923 and covers approximately 2,800 acres atop Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton.
The park includes 26 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and 3 trails listed on the National Trails Register.
Leave a Reply