Clarendon AR: Where We're Going

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Visions for Clarendon
Clarendon is a Delta town in the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, and like other Delta towns, the economy is in poor condition. Many residents in Monroe County live in poverty; the agricultural economy employs fewer and fewer people and prospects for traditional growth look dim. But residents of Clarendon love this town, with its hometown atmosphere, historic buildings, and the rivers and forests. They want to save their natural resources, create jobs and improve the quality of life.

In September of 1999, The Nature Conservancy's Big Woods Project Manager discussed with several Clarendon residents the possibility of developing a vision for compatible economic development for Clarendon. A Steering Committee, with broad-based community involvement, was formed to oversee the process. Working with the Conservancy's Compatible Ventures Group (CVG), and with financial support from the General Motors Corporation and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, as well as numerous local donations and help from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), a "Vision for Clarendon" began with a kick-off barbeque in February of 2000.

Entry Sign

Hundreds of residents filled out survey cards listing what they enjoyed most about Clarendon (the river, the people, the historic buildings) as well as what they would like to see changed (more jobs, more things to do). Working groups assessed current conditions of the Community, the Economy and the Environment, and potential opportunities for growth. Strategies to conserve what the community liked and to identify actions needed for improvement were planned by Action Teams that convened after the Entergy Corporation-sponsored Fish Fry in July 2000.

The "Strategic Plan for Compatible Economic Development" is the summary of the visioning process. You may download the Strategic Plan in PDF form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file.

Structure of Visions for Clarendon
Visions for Clarendon is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. It has a Board of Directors made up of 14 local people that meets monthly. The major projects sponsored by Visions for Clarendon are the Big Woods Birding Festival held annually in May and the development of the Donald Branch Fishin' Hole, a community fishing pond.

Gazebo

For more information, contact Visions for Clarendon at Clarendon City Hall:
270 Madison Street
Clarendon, AR 72029
v. 870.747.5414
or email clarendoncityhall@centurytel.net

Photo top: An aerial view of the White River. Photo by Leslee Spraggins.

Photo middle: A sign featuring the courthouse clock tower welcomes visitors to the city. Photo by Kathy Radomski.

Photo bottom: Clarendon celebrates the seasons with bountiful fall decorations. Photo by Kathy Radomski.

Where We're Going: Visions for Clarendon | Tourism | Funding
Activities | Future Plans | Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial