Arkadelphia Parks & Recreation appears to be recovering from a two-year slump in admissions to the Recreation Center.

In 2022, there were more than 13,000 admissions, a number that’s on par with figures in 2019. The Covid pandemic kept people from getting out and socializing, and the numbers reflect that. Attendance at the Rec Center took a major blow in 2020 with roughly 7,000 admissions. The following year saw slightly more than 8,000 admissions.

Membership sales have skyrocketed since the pandemic. In 2022 the Rec Center had an additional 1,532 memberships (a 42.85% increase) compared to the previous year.

After the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park boasted a near-record year in 2021 with more than 17,500 visitors, admission saw a minor dip in 2022, with 573 fewer admission tickets sold.

Goals for the department in 2023 include adding new programs such as a Pickleball leagues, swim lesson sessions, disc golf tournaments and leagues, and puppy yoga sessions. The aquatic park is hoping to paint and resurface the pool and to replace the diving board.

Other capital improvement projects include adding a restroom facility at Feaster Park fields, rebuild swings at Feaster and Central parks and replacing scoreboards at softball and soccer fields.

Information was gathered from the City of Arkadelphia’s 2022 finance and administration activity report.