It’s All Fun and Games

Gina Slagley / Kimberlee Thomas

Cabin fever is a reality for many with the cold temperatures, rain and snow keeping them indoors. There is however a cure! With warmer days not far off and with them, the opportunity to get outside and soak in some sun, WE wanted to take a moment to highlight the area parks, facilities, activities and the gentleman responsible for keeping track of it all.

Josh Mayes, Heber Springs’ Park and Recreation Director, is a Cabot, Arkansas native and currently resides in Benton with his wife and two young children. Josh is excited to be relocating to Heber, “My wife’s family is from the Heber Springs area and we are super excited about moving our little family to the area.” He is currently a Certified Parks and Recreational Professional or CPRP. Josh is a graduate of Arkansas State University where he majored in Sports Management, minored in General Business, and played baseball. During his time at Arkansas State University he spent his summers working for the Memphis Redbirds and Houston Astro baseball teams.

Josh shared a funny story from his time with the Astros, “I truly am the ultimate team player! I was with their minor league affiliate in Greeneville, Tennessee when one morning there was a skunk trapped inside one of the batting cages. Since I was from “Arkansas” I was asked to get it out and I did but not without being sprayed not once, but twice! Several weeks later I would still wake up to the smell of skunk on my skin.” He truly took one for the team!

When not overseeing the parks and recreational facilities Josh enjoys spending time with his family, “We enjoy going out on the lake and fly fishing on the Little Red River. I never tire of watching my kids at play.” Traveling is another of the family’s favorites, “It is always at the top of my list. I would like to eventually visit every National Park and Major League baseball stadium.”

Josh was quick to share information about all the great outdoor parks and indoor spaces Heber Springs has to offer.

Outdoor locations include Bridal Veil Falls which features a look-out deck, a stunning waterfall and trails for most skill levels. Trails are accessible year round and make for great photo opportunities. The Falls are located just off Highway 25 on Bridal Veil Falls Road.

Eagle Bank Park located at 206 W. Main Street is host to a beautiful cascading water fountain, pavilion, and benches for sitting and taking in the charm of Main Street. There is an information hub of maps, a public restroom and parking.

Sandy Beach is located near the end of W. Main Street and is a great area to swim and relax. It is the location for the community’s cherished cardboard boat races and annual fireworks display. There is also a pavilion and volleyball court which may be reserved for special gatherings.

Another great outdoor area is Spring Park, known for the seven springs Heber Springs was originally centered around. The land was donated to the community many years ago and became known as Spring Park, the waters there are believed to have healing powers. Spring Park is home to multiple community events and is in the heart of town. It offers a huge playground area, picnic areas and a large pavilion, which may also be reserved for special occasions.

The Heber Springs Sports Complex located east of town at the corner of Highways 107 & 110, is a multi-field complex which hosts multiple sports including baseball, softball, ragball and soccer. The complex includes 8 lighted baseball/ softball fields, 6 soccer fields, 2 concession stands, covered dugouts, spectator seating, electronic scoreboards and a playground for the kiddos. You will find this complex bursting with excitement and athletes of all ages throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Rounding out the bevy of great places to cure those winter time blues is The Heber Springs Community Center. It is “the place” for fitness and fellowship. There are multiple classes and fitness programs offered at the center. You will

Sandy Beach

find basketball courts, racquetball courts, a women’s fitness room, weight room, walking track, aquatic center and elliptical equipment. There is plenty of space for hosting private and city events alike. The Heber Springs Community Center is conveniently located at 201 Bobbie Jean Lane.

Whether you crave indoor or outdoor activity, Heber Springs Parks and Recreation has you covered. Josh and the staff are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Josh recalls that as a child he and his family would spend time camping and playing on the lake each summer. Finding himself as the Director of Heber’s Parks and Recreation brings it all full circle, “I am proud to be a part of the team here at Heber Springs Parks and Rec. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please feel free to contact me via email at parksdirector@cityofheber.org or call 501-362-4901.”

Now get out there and have some fun, play some games and shake off that cabin fever!

The Mayes Family wanted to give an extra thanks to Monica Fulmer Photography for their beautiful work on their family photos. All other images submitted by Heber Springs, Parks and Recreation.

Panther Kids Club enjoying their new games and seating in their before /after school room.

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Sponsored by - Tina Moore Allstate Keeping

Charles Evans was honored by the FAA for his 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience and commitment to aviation safety when they awarded him The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

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Panther Kids Club enjoying their new games and seating in their before/ after school room.

Haleigh used her single-parent scholarship to earn a nursing degree so she can take care of patients — and her daughter. Ready to help hardworking single parents succeed? Donate now at aspsf.org

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Congratulations to Harlee Reams for receiving a “Bike Safety Award” from Corporal Jeffery Hiltz, HSSD SRO. We love when our students display Leader in Me habits outside of school. Good job Harlee for “Being Proactive.”