Clarendon AR: Where We're Going: Task Forces

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Tourism Development Task Force
Developing a tourism industry in Clarendon and the surrounding area, in theory, will help alleviate threats to the White River. If citizens can begin to realize economic revenue from their natural surroundings, they will fight harder to protect these areas. The White River currently faces threats from pumping and from dredging.

Clarendon is working with several communities in the four-county region of Arkansas, Lee, Monroe, and Phillips Counties. Each community understands that they alone cannot be a tourism destination, and therefore have decided to band together. This regional tourism committee has recently completed a Tourism Feasibility Study for the region. You can review the report at www.kalahari-online.com/resources.htm. The report lists several ideas for tourism businesses in the area based on use of the natural resources of the Big Woods, and the culture of the Delta.

Visions for Clarendon's Tourism Development Task Force recently planned and hosted the first annual Big Woods Birding Festival (link to festival page). The group has plans to expand the access to the White River National Wildlife Refuge at Clarendon, accessing hundreds of miles of trails for residents and visitors to enjoy. Other future plans include a river front park and nature trails and parks around the city.

White River Bridge

Workforce Development Task Force
This task force helped to plan and implement adult computer classes in Clarendon. These free classes were held in the evenings at the Clarendon High School and were made possible by a grant from Central Arkansas Career Opportunities and the Monroe County Community Foundation. Over 35 people have participated in this 40-hour program, boosting their computer skills for their job or at home.

Another project organized by the Workforce Development task force is the annual job-shadowing day. Over 40 eighth graders were placed in a Clarendon business for the day in early February. This program teaches real-world experiences to kids who are starting to think about their careers and what opportunities are available to them.

Future projects of this task force may include developing job training opportunities in the area, and boosting job skills for adults and youth.

Photo top: Canoeing on nearby Bayou DeView. Photo by Leslee Spraggins.

Photo bottom: Tourists enjoy the historical bridge over the White River. Photo by D & C Carruth.

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