Arkansas Welcome Centers Provide Friendly Introduction To Natural State's Visitors

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

After several years of research and planning, it is official: Arkansas' Tourist Information Centers are now Arkansas Welcome Centers. Along with the name change, four of the centers will be getting new state-of-the-art facilities, and two are moving to new locations due to space limitations at their original sites. The new structures will be built of native stone and large timbers in a timeless architectural design that allows them to blend into their natural surroundings.

The first new center opened in El Dorado on Friday, Nov. 5, replacing the second oldest tourist information center in the state. The 3,100-square-foot building is on U.S. 167/Ark. 7 at the intersection with U.S. 82, south of El Dorado. It features more space, large-screen televisions broadcasting news and weather, a computer kiosk to send and receive e-mails, informative exhibits, and picnic areas.

The second facility to open (Dec. 16) was the $3-million, 6,000-square-foot Texarkana Welcome Center, which offers informational brochures, large restrooms, interactive exhibits, large-screen monitors and a picnic area. The communities of Van Buren/Fort Smith and Corning are next in line for new centers, with completion expected sometime in the spring, depending on weather conditions this winter.

When asked why the decision was made to rebuild the Welcome Centers, Arkansas Tourism Director Joe David Rice said the idea "essentially came from our customers. They told us some of the existing Tourist Information Centers were an embarrassment. The average age of the structures is 23 years old with seven of the 13 age 25 or older. Most were built to last no more than 20 years."

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, which staffs and manages the centers, held planning sessions with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, which constructs and maintains the buildings. The agencies crafted a proposal to rebuild four of the centers, presented the idea to Governor Mike Huckabee, who endorsed the plan and committed state general revenues to match federal highway dollars.

According to Rice, there were several reasons for the name change. "One," he said, "was the new name simply sounds more inviting. It's less bureaucratic, less institutional. Also, we wanted to differentiate the new centers from the original buildings -- and giving them a different name was a good way to do just that.

"We think our visitors will be delighted with the new Welcome Centers. Not only are they much more spacious and filled with the latest technologies, they're beautiful buildings which capture the flavor of Arkansas with native pine and stone. Plus each one contains fascinating exhibits highlighting local history and traditions. In short, they provide excellent introductions to The Natural State."

Feedback from both visitors and area residents has been nothing but positive, according to Barbara Cutter, manager of the El Dorado center. She also says the staff is enjoying the new site because it allows them to assist visitors in a more pleasant and efficient environment. Some of the comments from visitors include:

"Arkansas went from behind the times to state-of-the-art. This new Welcome Center is a public building that compliments the style and building materials of your neighbors; you all blend in with your surroundings," from Jennings, Louisiana.

"There is certainly valuable information available here for all travelers. I like it," (looking and pointing at the kiosks and televisions playing CNN and The Weather Channel). "This is outstanding, I like it, may I just spend my vacation here?" from Boca Raton, Florida.

"This new facility has nice restrooms and coffee -- GOOD," from Tyler, Texas.

"Tax dollars well spent; I like seeing my tax dollars at work." From Crossett, Arkansas.

For additional information on the Arkansas Welcome Centers contact Eddie Fugatt at (501) 324-1522 or eddie.fugatt@arkansas.gov. To find locations of the centers, go to www.Arkansas.com and look for "Arkansas Welcome Centers" under "Helpful Info."