“Where Education Meets Adventure” could become Arkadelphia’s official slogan if the City Board of Directors gives its nod to administration’s recommendation.
At a meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2025 directors were provided with a press release from the city’s office of communications and heard comments from Emma Brown, director of communications.
The idea to swap slogans came, Brown said, during a presentation by 13 Ways Inc. presentation at an Arkansas Municipal League conference. 13 Ways founder Doug Griffiths urged Arkansas city leaders to immediately change their slogan if it was called “A Great Place to Call Home.”
Arkadelphia adopted that slogan in the mid 1990s along with a horizontal logo depicting a silhouette of hills against a sunset, a sailboat and an educational facility. In 2020, the board dropped the logo in favor of a redesign, with a capital “A” built of an interstate highway and a river. The new logo drew mixed reviews, but mostly criticism, from residents when the city made a Facebook post about the official announcement.
The proposed slogan, Brown said, is a reflection of what Arkadelphia has to offer and “screams” Arkadelphia. “We all know it’s a great place to call home, it’s a great place to live, work and play,” she said. The proposed slogan, Brown said, showcases not only the educational opportunities but also that outdoor recreation that is accessible to residents.
Following Brown’s presentation, Mayor Scott Byrd said the board would need to mull over the decision.
New Housing Authority members
The city board confirmed Betsy Fisher and Michelle Furlow as new members of the Arkadelphia Housing Authority.
The AHA director submitted the names of the proposed members to city administration in an email dated April 22.
Construction manual heads to adoption as ordinance
Directors approved the first of three readings of an ordinance adopting a Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction Manual.
The board previously adopted a new unified development code, and a 409-page technical manual to direct developers and contractors was sent to directors from the city’s Planning Commission after that panel gave its approval at a meeting in April.
The ordinance passed its first reading, and heads to a second reading at the next board meeting. Residents will be able to view the manual, one it’s approved, on the city’s website.