EXPLORE!
SCREEN-FREE SUMMER ADVENTURES
How to Avoid the Summer Slide THE PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT boasts many dedicated educators and administrators from 26 schools across central Arkansas, which now includes the DRIVEN Virtual Academy. These educators have dedicated their careers to investing in young people. With summer in full swing, some PCSSD principals are offering tips to students and families to avoid the summer slide. Yolanda Harris, Chenal Elementary Principal Find engaging activities that students are interested in. One thing I like that is fun for students are board games. Board games are a great strategy for learning many useful things. But, why not design a new board game? All we need are game pieces, dice, and an idea. The best quality of such games is the fact that not only do they help introduce children to various areas of learning, but they also teach them patience and competitive spirit. Masako Christian, Daisy Bates Elementary Principal I encourage students to experience new and fun places in Arkansas like museums, state parks, water parks, and others. Students also learn a lot by participating in outdoor learning experiences like golf, fishing, hiking, skating/skateboarding, etc. Dr. Lisa Watson, Mills Middle Principal Read at least 15 to 20 minutes a night to keep your reading levels progressing. Keep a journal of your reading by writing what you read about. Yvone West, Sylvan Hills Junior High Principal Parents can involve students in vacation planning: Calculating distance, mapping out directions, times, etc. This helps critical thinking skills while also allowing them to play a part in planning. For those who go to summer camps, find camps that have a curricular focus. There are math and science camps that have a curricular focus but are project based with hands-on experiments and activities.
REGISTER NOW pcssd.org/register
ABOUT PCSSD
Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
JULY 2022 NEWS & NOTES NATIONAL WATERMELON MONTH Hope’s 46th Annual Festival isn’t until next month, but there’s no reason you can’t start celebrating now with a storebought melon. One strategy for picking a good one? Give it a thump and listen for that satisfying deep hollow sound.
FRONTIER FOURTH OF JULY AT HAM
July 4,
10 a.m.-noon Celebrate the holiday with some old-fashioned fun. Listen to a rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence while cooling off with watermelon and lemonade. The event is FREE.
BREAKFAST WITH A TWIST AT THE LITTLE ROCK ZOO
July 9,
8 a.m. This month’s guests of honor? Tigers! The event includes a boxed continental breakfast, keeper talk and the opportunity to create a custom animal painting. Afterwards, guests are invited to stay and enjoy the Zoo. Reservations required. All guests must be 6 years old or older.
FAIRY AND WIZARD TEA PARTY
July 12,
3-5 p.m. This fanciful tea party at Garvan Woodland Gardens includes three different courses of delicious sweet and savory delicacies each accompanied by a special tea. Tea servers will have their fairy wings fluttering, and Pinkerbelle will read stories. All ages welcome. Festive fairy and wizard finery encouraged! Call 501-262-9603 for tickets.
SUMMER READING CLUB 2022 CALS Summer Reading Club encourages reading and engagement in library activities for all ages. Readers can get book recommendations, keep track of their reading through a log, and earn digital badges to win weekly prizes. The theme this summer is “Oceans of Possibilities.” Pick up a free book bag at CALS branches while supplies last. CALS will also be giving away Travelers baseball tickets for the August 2 game to Summer Reading participants. Register online cals.beanstack.org.
WHAT DAY IS IT? July 1 : July 14 : July 18 : July 23 : July 31 :
AMERICAN ZOO DAY NATIONAL MAC & CHEESE DAY NATIONAL SOUR CANDY DAY HOT ENOUGH FOR YA’ DAY UNCOMMON INSTRUMENT AWARENESS DAY
MORE GREAT NEWS TO NOTICE CRAFT NEEDLE-FELTED WOOL HEDGEHOG
AN UPDATE ON MACARTHUR UNLIMITED PLAYGROUND
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Who can resist a needle-felted wool hedgehog? No one! Join Debbie of @ whisperingwool at South Main Creative to make your own hedgehog as you learn the basics of needle felting. 12 and up only.
They are in the building process but do not have a set date for completion. They are also still fundraising for certain components needed to finish the project. You can help by donating www. macarthurparklr.org/playground. This will be a universally accessible playground, designed for all children regardless of their challenges.
July 16,
SAVVY kids
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AACF! Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, a nonprofit, celebrates their 45th anniversary this year. Since 1977, AACF has successfully lobbied to help create ARKids First (the state’s child health insurance program), increase the number of schools participating in the school breakfast program, reform the state’s juvenile justice system; and more. For over four decades, they’ve been a strong voice for children at the state and federal government. Learn more here: aradvocates.org.
Brooke Wallace, Publisher, brooke@arktimes.com | Katherine Wyrick, Editor, katherinewyrick@arktimes.com | Lesa Thomas, Senior Account Executive, lesa@arktimes.com | Sarah Holderfield, Art Director | Find more at SAVVYkidsAR.com
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
Natural Escapes in Urban Environs By Katherine Wyrick
Two Rivers Park
S
ummer doldrums setting in? Hitting the pool lost its shine? Sure it’s hot as all get out, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t — get out. In these dog days of summer, there’s still plenty to do in the great outdoors, if you plan accordingly. Just make sure you take precautions to avoid heatrelated illness. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids and apply sunscreen and bug spray liberally.
Since opening in January, the Big Rock Quarry Bike Park Pump Track is already a huge hit. Located in the old rock quarry along the bank of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock, the track draws cyclists of Big Rock Quarry Bike Park Pump Track all stripes, young and old, beginners and pros. In my family’s experience, it’s an open, encouraging environment, not to mention super fun. At the pump track, it’s all about the flow; if you know, you know. And this is just the first phase; the Big Rock Quarry Bike Park is a multiphase development that will also include mountain bike downhills. Mitchell Allen — dad of two, lifelong outdoors enthusiast and Trail Project Manager of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation — shared his recommendation: “To me, Fox Tail and the small Pump Track at Two Rivers Park is one of the best places to take young kids on bicycles. It gives you options to ride the River Trail, but also take alternate routes off through the woods on a narrower trail. It’s still paved so can be used any time.”
PADDLE
Here are a few options for getting out on the water.
THE LITTLE MAUMELLE RIVER
The Little Maumelle River flows east to the Arkansas River. Its towering cypress Little Maumelle River trees, lily pads the size of bus wheels and diverse birdlife draw paddlers seeking a little serenity. There are no rapids so it’s perfect for beginners. You can find river access at Pinnacle Mountain State Park Access, Two Rivers Park Access or River Mountain Park. Contact Rock Town River Outfitters or Pinnacle Mountain State Park for guided float trips and canoe and kayak rentals. (Better yet, head to The Ranch for a free ride! See below.) Pinnacle Mountain State Park Access to Two Rivers Park Access is 8.2 river miles. As you cruise along, you may spot wading birds, ospreys, redshouldered hawks, barred owls, migrating waterfowl and even bald eagles. Beavers, white-tailed deer, raccoons and opossums also call the area home, as do harmless broad-banded water snakes, the occasional alligator and several species of turtles.
Katherine Wyrick
BIKE
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
Here we focus on the urban outdoor adventure. You can explore natural settings right in the heart of the city that provide respite during these long summer days.
FOUCHE CREEK
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
Fourche (rhymes with push) Creek is an often overlooked and underappreciated water trail that rises in Saline County and winds through Little Rock. It flows more than 20 miles generally eastward and empties into the Arkansas River. Its meandering channel braids and connects numerous wetlands, the largest being more than 2,500 acres — and sections of it are floatable! (Fun fact: Fourche Creek is one of the nation’s largest urban wetlands and drains 108,000 acres of Little Rock and surrounding areas.) The water trail length from Benny Craig Park to Interstate Park is 4.4 miles. Head upstream from Interstate Park Access for a scenic, out-andFouche Creek back paddle into Fourche Bottoms. (Another fun fact: The 1,800 acres of bottomland hardwood is the largest greenspace in the city!) Despite years of abuse and neglect, Fourche Creek continues to support a diverse population of plants and animals. It is lined with bald cypress and water tupelo trees. You can spot migratory songbirds in the spring and wood ducks in fall and winter. You may even spy a beaver, mink or otter doing a bit of foraging. It’s important to note that urban streams present unique challenges. Since the creek and its tributaries filter the majority of Little Rock’s runoff, they can flood quickly and carry pollutants during storms. It’s wise to avoid going in the two to three days following heavy rain.
MEET DALE: TROOPER, HUNTER, FAMILY MAN
“You’re going to stumble, you’re going to fall, you just have to roll with it and keep going.” read more about dale donham at snellarkansas.com
RESTORING MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE SINCE 1911
800-342-5541
SLEEPY HOLLOW WATER TRAIL
Little Rock n Bryant n Conway n Fayetteville n Fort Smith n 800-342-5541 Hot Springs n Mountain Home n North Little Rock n Pine Bluff n Russellville
HIKE, BIKE & PADDLE
And speaking of The Nature Conservancy ... one of my favorite spots maybe anywhere, The William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North
LOCO R
A D V S E E P N O
TURE
There’s a new trail in town. Bufflehead Bay Trail, completed in fall of 2021, is an easy 2.3-mile loop with pretty views of Lake Maumelle and the Ouachita foothills. The first half-mile is paved; the rest has a Rattlesnake Ridge natural surface. A caveat: it may not be well maintained in the summer months though you could still brave the overgrown brush. Same goes for Farkleberry Trail to the west — a 1-mile, out-and-back hike with views of the lake. For an outing that combines hiking and a little fishing, Allen suggested Rattlesnake Ridge off of Barrett Road — always a sound choice, in this casual hiker’s opinion. It’s the go-to getaway for my family because of its close proximity to town and beautiful trails and views. The pond is stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and you can do the short, easy hike on Cliffbrake and fish before or after.
Mountain View
HIKE
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
The Sleepy Hollow Water Trail is a 5-mile loop along the wooded Bringle Creek and Maumelle River and the open water of upper Lake Maumelle. Paddlers can explore upstream into Bringle Creek and the Maumelle River and downstream to the Arkansas Highway 10 bridge. Canoes and kayaks may be used only in the area of the lake west of the Arkansas Highway 10 bridge. From I-430 in Little Rock, turn west on Arkansas Highway 10 (Cantrell Road) and travel 19 miles. After crossing the causeway over Lake Maumelle, the access is one mile on the left.
locoropes.com 888.669.6717
GAMING, GO-KARTING, MINI-GOLFING & MORE
So not exactly the great outdoors, but still great and outdoors — Big Rock Fun Park and Loco Ropes. With over 35 obstacles, or “elements,” Loco Ropes Treetop Adventure Park is fun for the whole gang. It’s located at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View and makes a nice
day trip for the fam. Big Rock Fun Park is always a homerun. As I sat writing this, my 10-year-old came bounding in — drenched and exhausted but in high spirits — after three hours at Big Rock. He proceeded to give us an animated play-by-play of the afternoon’s activities, which included mini-golf, arcade games and water bumper cars. (Pro-tip: maybe skip the nachos before the water bumper cars.)
A WORD ON ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism
Woods (a.k.a. The Ranch). Not only can you meander through a forest and wide-open fields (with a stunning view of Pinnacle), you can take out one of their two canoes — at no charge. They also provide life jackets and Little Maumelle River paddles. This paddle through cypress trees on the Little Maumelle is as magical and serene as any you’ll find. On our many outings there, we’ve spotted a bald eagle, cranes, snakes and deer. (We also had an unfortunate run-in with a skunk, but that’s a tale for another time.) Not up for getting out on the water? Take a mountain bike and ride the trails — all flat, easy and great for kids. And now for the pièce de resistance — a secreted away floating campground! The camping platform is the perfect spot to stay the night for an immersive experience in the natural world. (Just imagine the sound of those peepers!) The platform is available by reservation only.
AGFC hosts ongoing programs and Loco Ropes summer camps for youth, from those designed to teach archery skills to Paddling-Kid Kayak classes. Check their website for details. Weekly events at The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center — like Wild Tales Story Time on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Fish Feasting on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Alligator Feeding on Fridays at 2 p.m. — are good in-town fun with an educational bent. *The Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation is a nonprofit that works with state parks and cities to fund trail and outdoor projects. They worked on the Monument Trails at different state parks as well as River Mountain and Two Rivers Trails.
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Learn about Little Rock’s celebrated Akbash guardian dogs at Heifer Village & Urban Farm Read the captivating story of sheep guardian dogs Sam and Uno in this beautifully illustrated book for dog lovers of all ages. Learn how this special breed of Akbash guardians work as a team to protect the sheep in their charge. Introduced to the wary sheep at Little Rock’s own Heifer Village and Urban Farm, Sam and Uno prove themselves in a frightening episode. These dependable guardian dogs earn a place in the hearts of the sheep...and they’ll win your heart as well. Learn how guardian dogs Sam and Uno were trained to protect herd animals in this unique, training manual by Dr. An Peischel, a world-renowned small ruminant specialist and breeder of guardian dogs. With more than 30 years managing guardian dogs to protect her commercial and registered goats, Peischel has vast experience in the selection, facilitation and use of these animals. In this book Peischel hones in on the particulars of using these dogs with goats. Whatever one’s uses for guardian dogs, this book is chock-full of important information for putting these animals in service. Buy your autographed copy of Sam and Uno and Guardian Dogs for Goats among the many selections of books for dog and pet lovers of all ages at DogTalkTV. Same-day shipping when you order online at:
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