By EMMA MILNER | City of Arkadelphia

ARKADELPHIA — The City of Arkadelphia is pleased to announce the hiring of its new Parks and Recreation Director Stuart Tapson.  

An Arkansas native, Tapson was selected as the new Parks and Recreation Director on October 12, 2022, following a competitive interview process.

With over 25 years of recreation experience, Tapson and his wife, Thea, relocated from West Wendover, Nevada, to join the Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation team. 

“In my field, it’s not very often you get the opportunity to come back home,” Tapson said. “I look forward to growing the department, getting to know the community and working daily to meet the needs and wants of our residents.” 

Tapson has spent the past three years serving as the Parks Director for the West Wendover Recreation District. Prior to that, Tapson’s career had taken him all over the West and Midwest. Tapson served as the Aquatics and Fitness Supervisor in Laramie, Wyoming, the Aquatics Director in Branson, Missouri, and the Parks Director/Head Golf Professional in West Plains, Missouri. 

“We are so fortunate to have Stuart on our team,” City Manager Gary Brinkley said. “Stuart comes to us with decades of Parks and Rec experience. We’re  confident his leadership will greatly benefit our staff and community.” 

Tapson was introduced to the Board of Directors at their November 15 meeting. His first day as Parks and Recreation Director was Monday, November 7.