AGP Executive Report

Arkansas Maternity Access: A new report says only 22 of Arkansas’ 75 counties have hospitals that deliver babies, with 10 obstetrics units closed since 2019—meaning many new moms may face longer trips for labor and delivery. Food Safety for Travelers: The FDA upgraded a multistate egg recall tied to Salmonella to its highest-risk level; confirmed distribution includes Arkansas, and Whole Foods also recalled jalapeno-containing prepared foods sold in Arkansas. Local Road & Walkability: Fayetteville will close one lane of Mission Boulevard (Ark. 45) for sidewalk construction from Aug. 17 through Oct. 1, with traffic shifts and pedestrian access improvements. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Howard County hit $4.50 for the week ending Aug. 8, while the statewide premium average was $4.48. Family Travel Fun: Via Ferrata is opening at Petit Jean State Park, adding a new adventure option for visitors. Outdoor & Animal Tourism: A new Arkansas-focused segment highlights Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue, a 160-acre animal rescue and rehabilitation site.

Buc-ee’s Arrival: Arkansas’ first Buc-ee’s in Benton is set to open at 6 a.m. Aug. 17, with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting and an expected big crowd as the parking lot opens at midnight; the 74,000-square-foot travel center will have 120 pumps and created 200+ jobs. Family & Community Services: Community Service, Inc. celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its expanded Batesville office, doubling space and planning to hire another therapist as demand grows. Education & Local Impact: A Little Rock School District task force will draft proposals tied to enrollment decline, with possible school consolidations or closures as K-12 enrollment drops and more families use private options. Outdoor & Travel Safety: Conway County firefighters are battling a wildfire near Petit Jean Mountain after lightning sparked it during a thunderstorm; officials say no injuries, but drought and heat are making containment harder. Gas Prices Watch: Fuel costs remain a travel factor—Garland County’s lowest premium price hit $3.79 (week ending Aug. 8), while the national regular average rose to $4.07 as crude stayed in the $80 range. Health Alerts for Travelers: Arkansas clinics are reaching out as new moms lose Medicaid after 60 days, and the CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases nationwide may be slowing, though not by much. Weekend Things to Do: Little Rock and surrounding areas have a packed slate, including Clinton Presidential Center free birthday events, Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s new play, and Benton’s Royal Players staging “Guys and Dolls.”

Arkansas Travel & Outdoors: Conway County firefighters contained a 59-acre woodland wildfire near Petit Jean Mountain after lightning sparked it during a Saturday storm; crews cut fire lines and monitored embers through extreme heat and drought. Local Attractions & Family Fun: Petit Jean State Park opened the nation’s only state-park via ferrata, adding a new adventure draw for hikers and thrill-seekers. Road Trips & Safety: Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office launched its back-to-school “Extreme Safety” campaign (Aug. 10-16), urging drivers to slow down in school zones and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Community Cleanups: Registration is open for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup (Sept. 12-Oct. 31), with a big 2025 turnout that included thousands of volunteers and miles of roadway and shoreline cleaned. Food & Health Watch: A Salmonella egg recall expanded and was upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level, with distribution reported to include Arkansas. Sports Tourism: Little Rock Touchdown Club announced its 2026 guest lineup, kicking off Aug. 24 with U of A coach Ryan Silverfield.

Back-to-School Safety: Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office is launching its “Extreme Safety” campaign Aug. 10-16, urging drivers to slow down, put phones away, and watch for kids walking, biking, and crossing in school zones. Parks & Health: A new national study finds nearly 18% of U.S. parks sit within two miles of Superfund sites, and more than half are near toxic chemical-reporting facilities—raising fresh questions for outdoor visitors and communities. Volunteer Tourism Cleanup: Registration is open for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup, running Sept. 12-Oct. 31, with thousands of volunteers expected to tackle litter across all 75 counties. Outdoor Recreation Update: Searcy’s Little Red Riverpark mountain biking trails are nearing completion, with a new hub structure and the second loop adding about 10 miles. Local Culture & History: Pine Bluff will unveil an Arkansas 250 historic marker honoring Chief Saracen and Quapaw history Aug. 24 at Lake Saracen Walking Trail. Health Watch: Arkansas reports 11 new cyclosporiasis cases, including at least seven in Northwest Arkansas.

Buc-ee’s Arrival in Benton: The travel-center chain confirmed it will open its first Arkansas location Monday, Aug. 17, at 1400 Highway 229, with a 6 a.m. start, a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting, 24/7 service, and 120 fueling positions—plus big local job growth. Outdoor Adventure in Arkansas State Parks: Petit Jean State Park is rolling out the Petit Jean Via Ferrata with Frontier Climbing Company—an iron-way climbing route with fixed cables, rungs, bridges, and big cliff views, guided-only for visitors. Family Travel Safety & Access: A new Child Safety Center office opens in Heber Springs this fall inside City Hall, aiming to cut down travel burdens for families needing trauma-informed child advocacy services. Road Trip Watch: Arkansas DOT reported a crash near Southside Elementary on U.S. 167 that’s blocking right lanes and could cause delays. Local History Spotlight: The South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society opened a Johnny Cash retrospective, “1968: A Folsom Redemption,” at The Gallery of History Museum in El Dorado. Gas Prices Check: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest recent fuel prices in Arkansas counties, including Sevier County regular at $3.57 and Lonoke County premium at $4.19.

Via Ferrata at Petit Jean State Park: Arkansas State Parks and Frontier Climbing Company are opening the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, a guided, protected climbing route with fixed cables, rungs, bridges and a suspension bridge—about a half-mile long and reaching 100+ feet for big views. Family Safety Access: The Child Safety Center will open a new Heber Springs office inside City Hall this fall, bringing 24/7 forensic interviews, therapy and coordinated response closer for Cleburne County families. Heritage Tourism Push: The Jefferson County Quorum Court backed the proposed Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area, a 17-county effort aimed at boosting recognition and funding for local history and culture. Downtown Little Rock Hotel Management: Raines was selected to manage the 114-room AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock near the River Market District, with plans to activate the AC Lounge and meeting space for events. Pine Bluff Marker for Arkansas250: A new historic marker honoring Chief Saracen and the Quapaw people will be unveiled Aug. 24 at the Lake Saracen Walking Trail. Local Travel & Food Stop: Chester’s Chicken opened inside the rebranded Jordan’s Kwik Stop in Prescott, continuing the chain’s Arkansas partnership. Outdoor Recreation Funding (Jonesboro): Jonesboro advanced grant plans including an Outdoor Recreation matching grant to expand Craighead Forest Park playgrounds.

North Little Rock Baseball: The Arkansas Travelers just locked in a 20-year lease with the city, keeping pro baseball at Dickey-Stephens Park through 2046—good news for fans and for year-round ballpark events. Outdoor Adventures: With record-low water on the Arkansas River, rafting companies are reshaping routes and safety plans for a very different paddling season. Skywatching: South Arkansas is in for prime viewing of the Perseid meteor shower around Aug. 12–13, with the new moon helping keep the skies dark. Family Travel Safety: Texarkana police are reminding drivers to stop for school buses with red lights flashing—passing can mean a steep $645 ticket. Local Culture: El Dorado’s Silver Screen Series returns with free Golden Age movie matinees at the Gallery of History Museum. Health & Access: A March of Dimes report flags maternity care deserts across Arkansas, including major gaps in obstetric services. Gas Watch: Diesel prices in Sharp County hit a week low of $4.85 per gallon, per GasBuddy.

Arkansas Travelers Stay Put: The Arkansas Travelers and Diamond Baseball Holdings secured a 20-year lease with North Little Rock, keeping the team at Dickey-Stephens Park through 2046—good news for baseball fans and a boost for year-round ballpark events. North Little Rock & Fayetteville Fun: A Fayetteville travel spotlight highlights trails, the Razorback Greenway, farmers markets, and the “visit three times” local pride—perfect for planning a quick Ozarks getaway. Back-to-School Safety: Arkansas State Police launched its “Extreme Safety” campaign Aug. 10–16, urging safer driving, walking, and biking around school zones. Hello Kitty Café Truck: The Promenade at Chenal in Little Rock hosts the Hello Kitty Café Truck on Aug. 15 with themed treats and merch. Outdoor Calendar: Arkansas Game and Fish hunter education classes and Ozark Hill Hikers walks (Fort Smith and Van Buren) add easy weekend plans for families and outdoorsy travelers. Travel-Related Updates: A long-term Arkansas River water dedication supports recreation and fisheries during drought conditions, while local crash and traffic-signal damage reports remind drivers to expect delays.

Cyclospora Update: The Arkansas Department of Health confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in Baxter and Marion counties, tied to a national outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce; symptoms can linger and diagnosis needs a stool test, so anyone with prolonged watery diarrhea should contact a provider. Local Lodging Rules: Bella Vista will keep its short-term rental cap at 600 after residents pushed back on a proposed increase to 687, citing neighborhood impacts as the city grows. Road Safety: An 18-wheeler crash on Interstate 30 near the Friendship exit killed one and sent two others to the hospital, with both trucks catching fire. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest regular price in Dallas County at $3.58 (week ending Aug. 1), while Clark County diesel hit $4.99—useful for travelers planning fuel stops. Outdoors & Parks: A new study finds many U.S. parks sit near toxic chemical-reporting and hazardous-waste sites, raising questions about how communities balance recreation and environmental health. Hot Springs Public Lands: Congress is moving bills to extend major funding for deferred maintenance on national parks and other federal lands, with a House field hearing held in Hot Springs.

Park Safety & Health: A new U.S. study finds many public parks sit near places that report toxic chemical activity and Superfund sites, challenging the idea that green space and pollution are separate. Daylight Saving Time Fight: With the Senate in recess, lawmakers are scrambling over whether the U.S. will finally end clock changes—meaning another “fall back” is still on the table. Fort Smith Development Watch: Fort Smith’s board is set to review potential rules for data center growth, including water-use requirements. Arkansas Cleanup: Registration is open for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup, running Sept. 12–Oct. 31, after 2025 drew thousands of volunteers statewide. Outdoors & Water Fun: Arkansas Outdoors highlights kayaking on Lake Ouachita and other water-based adventures. Travel Infrastructure: Gainesville Regional Airport is set to receive $12.6M in federal grants for a new general aviation terminal and apron expansion. Local Road Notes: Fatal wrecks were reported in El Dorado and on I-30 near Friendship, underscoring travel safety as visitors head out.

Outdoor Recreation & Travel: Lake Ouachita is getting a fresh spotlight from a kayak-focused trip, with paddlers praising quieter coves and deep water that make it ideal for cruising and water sports. Volunteer Tourism & Community Pride: Registration is now open for the 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup (Sept. 12–Oct. 31), Arkansas’ biggest fall litter-fight, with thousands of volunteers expected to improve roads, shorelines, and public spaces. Local Attractions & Upgrades: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled nearly $10 million in upgrades, signaling more comfort and better visitor experiences. Family-Friendly Events: The 2026 Great Arkansas Cleanup is also a great “bring the kids” weekend plan, pairing outdoor time with hands-on community service. Getting There: Gainesville Regional Airport is set to receive $12.6M in federal grants for a new general aviation terminal and expanded commercial apron. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports show Arkansas prices easing slightly overall, with the national average regular gas down to about $4.06. Sports Tourism: The Arkansas Travelers’ Kade Anderson earned his 10th win with 5.1 scoreless innings, keeping fans talking about a possible late-season call-up.

EV Road Trip Reality Check: A new report tests the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for exploring the Ouachita Mountains, but highlights the big Arkansas/Texas challenge—charging reliability and higher costs the farther you get from busy corridors. Health & Travel Safety: The CDC says cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) is spreading to more states, with more cases and deaths reported, a reminder for travelers to be extra careful with produce and food handling. State Parks Upgrade: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled nearly $10 million in improvements, including a new campground aimed at boosting visitation and fishing/recreation access. Roadside Stops Get Bigger: Buc-ee’s announced its first Arkansas travel center in Benton opens Aug. 17, bringing 120 pumps and a major new highway draw. Family Fun on the Calendar: The Salt Bowl 2026 theme is set for Bryant’s Aug. 28 night game, “Stars, Stripes and Friday Night Lights,” with ticket details for Benton and Bryant patrons. Outdoor Community Cleanup: Registration is open for the Great Arkansas Cleanup (Sept. 12–Oct. 31) to tackle litter across all 75 counties.

New State Park Adventure: Arkansas State Parks opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata at Petit Jean State Park—an iron-way, cable-clipped climbing route with rungs, bridges and big cliff views, now the only via ferrata inside a state park in the U.S. Tourism Boost at Lake Chicot: Lake Chicot State Park unveiled nearly $10 million in upgrades, with leaders pointing to new campground capacity as a driver for more visitors and recreation. Road-Trip Fuel Watch: Gas prices dipped nationally (regular down to $4.06), while Arkansas shoppers saw local deals like the lowest E85 in Benton County at $2.61 and the lowest E15 in Franklin County at $3.51. Family Travel Stop News: Buc-ee’s is set to open its first Arkansas location in Benton on Aug. 17, bringing 120 pumps and a major roadside draw. Community & Outdoors: Registration is open for the Great Arkansas Cleanup (Sept. 12–Oct. 31), a statewide litter-fighting push that also helps keep parks and roadways visitor-ready. Local Culture: Pine Bluff artist Alexia Lams’ “Revelations of My Youth” opens Aug. 13 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.

New Attractions & Outdoor Adventures: Petit Jean State Park opened the nation’s only state-park via ferrata, a guided iron-way climb with fixed cables and cliffside views. Travel Stops & Road Trips: Buc-ee’s set an Aug. 17 opening for its first Arkansas travel center in Benton, with 120 fuel pumps and plans for 200+ jobs. Family Travel & Pet Care: A new local feature spotlights dog daycare and boarding as a “labor of love,” including Canine Country Club in Roland. Health & Safety for Travelers: Federal health updates keep attention on cyclosporiasis tied to recalled iceberg lettuce and salmonella tied to recalled jalapeños; officials urge checking recalls and food handling. Local Government & Visitor Planning: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named Jonesboro as Arkansas’ 20th “Capital for a Day” (Aug. 11) and Paragould as the 21st (Aug. 12), with both cities highlighting hiking, camping, and major events. Getting There: Walmart’s fast EV-charger rollout is expanding in Arkansas and beyond, adding more charging options along shopping and travel routes. On the Road (Safety Watch): Arkansas State Police reported a high-speed I-555 pursuit crash that seriously injured two bystanders, underscoring risks around interstate chases.

Buc-ee’s Arrival: The cult-favorite travel center is set to open in Benton on Aug. 17 at 6 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m., 120 fuel pumps, and plans to create 200+ jobs—an easy new stop for road trips to Hot Springs and Central Arkansas. Hot Springs Itinerary: Visit Hot Springs shared a “76 hottest things to do” list, from Bathhouse Row strolls and Quapaw Baths & Spa to Goat Rock hikes and Oaklawn racing—perfect for planning a weekend getaway. Statewide Travel Timing: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ “Capital for a Day” program heads to Jonesboro on Aug. 11 and Paragould on Aug. 12, with local leaders and visitors encouraged to check out hiking, camping, fishing, and the Downtown Jonesboro BBQ Music Festival. Road Access Upgrade: ARDOT will open the new Highway 65B bridge over Crooked Creek in Boone County on Aug. 14, featuring wider lanes, a turning lane, updated signal, and expanded sidewalks. Gas Watch: AAA says the national regular average fell to about $4.06, while GasBuddy reports midgrade deals in parts of Arkansas, including Benton and Dallas County. Health Alert: The CDC says cyclosporiasis has spread to 47 states with nearly 23,000 cases and rising hospitalizations—worth noting for travelers and anyone planning summer food outings.

Lake Chicot State Park Upgrades: Arkansas State Parks unveiled nearly $10 million in improvements at Lake Chicot State Park, including renovated RV sites, new walk-in camping, drainage upgrades, paved roads, expanded paths, and a new bathhouse—aimed at keeping the park a top camping and fishing stop. Outdoor Safety & Access: Keep Arkansas Beautiful opened registration for the 2026 Great Arkansas Clean Up (Sept. 12–Oct. 31), with 2025 results showing thousands of volunteer hours and miles of roadway and shoreline cleaned. Travel Planning Watch: Gas prices stayed volatile: Arkansas regular averaged $3.74 statewide (week ending Aug. 1), while diesel averaged $4.93; several counties reported single-station lows. Family Travel Support: Mainline Health Systems, Inc. was named a 2026–2027 Buckle Up for Life Gift of Safety partner, bringing 50 free car seats and certified child passenger safety education. Weekend Fun in Arkansas: Hope Watermelon Festival (Aug. 6–8) and World Elephant Day at the Little Rock Zoo (Aug. 6) highlight a busy weekend of family-friendly events. Food Safety Reminder: Health officials expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce to more states, including Arkansas, underscoring the need to watch for recalls and food handling.