What's New for Central Arkansas

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: The Mosaic Templars of America organization was founded in Little Rock in 1882 as a fraternal organization by John E. Bush and Chester W. Keatts. The reconstructed museum is dedicated collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating Arkansas' African American culture and community from 1870 to present. It also informs and educates the public about Black achievement -- especially in business, politics and the arts. The third floor auditorium will be host to performing arts productions, conferences and public symposiums. Grand opening for the center is September 20 with more than 8,000-square-feet of interactive exhibit and education space. 9th & Broadway, Little Rock; 501-683–3593; e-mail: info@mosaictemplarscenter.com; www.mosaictemplarscenter.com/.

Arkansas Korean War Veterans Memorial: A statewide salute to the Arkansas Korean War veterans. Names of the 461 Arkansans who were killed in the war are listed on eight black granite panels, forming a semi-circle around four statues. One is of a combat soldier who represents the fighting that took place from 1950-1953. The Navy Corpsman, who honors the brave medics who risked their lives to save others, extends a hand of friendship to two Korean children. This hand of friendship not only represents the humanitarian work that took place to aid the country and its people, but also the friendship between the U.S. and Korea today. The children symbolize the people who suffered during the war and the future generations who have rebuilt the country. MacArthur Park, 503 East 9th, Little Rock; http://arkansaskoreanwarmemorial.com/

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center: Tentatively scheduled to open in October, this facility is on 3.4 acres in Little Rock, within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park overlooking the Arkansas River. Exhibits will highlight the role of fish and wildlife management and many of the projects conducted throughout the history of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The location along the Arkansas River will provide many watchable wildlife activities within an urban area, including basking water turtles, butterflies and migrating pelicans. A portion of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the grounds offering more options for exploration. Beds of native plants found throughout the state will be a major part of the landscaping, while the main building will include an exhibit hall, aquariums, gift shop, theater and special educational programs. 500 Clinton Avenue, Suite 216, Little Rock; 501-907-0636; www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com/

H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden: A $1.4 million South Korean gate and garden that salutes the martial arts, serves as a symbol of friendship between South Korea and America and honor the founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). The structure is located on the grounds of the Statehouse Convention Center on the west end of the River Market District in downtown Little Rock. The project is a gift to Arkansas by the family of the late H.U. Lee and members and friends of ATA, a worldwide organization with more than 1,200 schools in 17 countries. H.U. Lee is the founder of the American Taekwondo Association whose international headquarters have been in Little Rock since 1977.

The 80-ton gate, made of Douglas fir, was handcrafted by artisans in South Korea. Upon entering the gate, visitors discover a landscaped garden, a nine-foot tall fountain and reflective pool, a bust of Eternal Grand Master Lee, a nine-foot-tall wall of vision, and numerous statues and educational artifacts explaining martial arts. Markham & Louisiana, Little Rock; www.ataonline.com

Arkansas State Capitol Visitors Center: The first floor rotunda has been remodeled into a state-of-the-art visitor services center. An area in the northwest corner of the first floor is set aside for tourists to gather information on Arkansas and the capitol through the use of an interactive computer touch screen and educational videos. Those conducting business while at the Capitol can read e-mails with the new Wi-Fi connection. And the northeast corner will have a space for those needing to catch upon work via their laptop computers. The Capitol Gift Shop, Tour Desk, U.S. Post Office and Capitol Police all will have renovated spaces that will re-establish the continuity of the historical building’s design elements.

Satterfield Station: A new mixed-use facility in downtown Conway, the plans call for transforming the historic 1920s old Satterfield service station located at Front and Prairie Streets into a state-of-the-art entity featuring luxury condominiums, a restaurant, retail, and office space. The existing structure will be preserved but will be entirely renovated and expanded and will maintain the Satterfield name. Completion of the project is estimated to be spring.

New Happenings from the North Shore

The North Little Rock Family Fun Pass features the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, Arkansas Queen Riverboat, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, River Rail Trolley and the Old Mill. Adults: $20, Children: $13. www.ardestinations.com

Arts Scene features a multi-disciplined art environment. The 45,000-square-foot building houses an Art Gallery of original paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and unique objects of art. In the Art Market visitors may watch artists at work as they create handcrafted jewelry, glass and metal works, textiles and fashions. All art is juried to ensure the finest, most original work and all art is for sale. Corner of Maple and Broadway. 501-372-2130. www.thesceneonline.org

Argenta Place will house restaurants, condos and offices in the thriving Argenta Historic District of downtown North Little Rock. Visitors to the area will find a variety of restaurants from Italian to seafood, art galleries, studios and shops. Nearby are bicycle rentals for those who would like to explore the River Trail or downtown from a different perspective.