Arkansas State Parks Names New Operations Manager
An important senior management position with Arkansas State Parks has been filled by former Region 5 Manager Mike Wilson. Wilson joined the park system in 1991.
“Mike brings a wealth of experience with him and will be a great asset serving in this position,” said Parks Director Grady Spann. “Mike’s outstanding leadership, problem solving abilities, communications and management skills, along with his accomplishments are why he was selected for the position.”
The operations manager oversees daily management of five regional supervisors, support staff and employees providing services, programs and hospitality to the nearly 8 million people who visit state annually.
Wilson started his career as a park ranger, working in this law enforcement position of the parks system for eleven years. In 2002 He became a park superintendent, first at Cane Creek, then at DeGray Lake Resort State Parks. For the past two years, Wilson has been the Region 4 Supervisor, overseeing the management of nine parks in Central/Southwest Arkansas.
“As a member of the Arkansas State Park team for many years, I have witnessed true dedication and professionalism by my teammates,” said Wilson. “In my new team role, as manager of operations, we will continue to strive for team growth and organizational efficiencies.”
About Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark and 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
The state parks have 1,800 camp sites, 1,050 picnic sites, 208 cabins, five lodges, and 415 miles of trails. Eight million visitors annually come from all regions of the country. Park staffs provide over 42,000 education programs, activities and special events to more than 700,000 participants each year.
Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation.