Board Application

The Parks and Recreation Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors of the City of Fort Smith and Director of Community Services in the promotion, planning, maintenance, development and operation of all recreation areas and facilities owned, controlled or leased by the City.

The members of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall be qualified electors of the City. Members are appointed by the Board of Directors for five-year terms. The commission meets at 12:00 (noon) the second Wednesday of each month at the Creekmore Community Center.

Councils

Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Advisory Council Definitions

• Greenways & Trails: serves to research, design, and promote the establishment of a comprehensive system of linear park areas within the city to be known as greenways and trails.
• Public/Private Partnerships: works towards establishing joint acquisition, development, and programming with regional agencies, schools, developers, land owners, businesses, corporations, churches, and other public agencies for interlocal agreements.
• Recreation Events & Programs/Special Projects: serves to improve and expand recreational opportunities. i.e. After School, Recreation Center Programs, Senior Programs, Seasonal Programs, Athletics, Outdoor Recreation, and Special Events. Offer a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of the entire community, from toddlers to seniors, from opportunities for fellowship to events promoting fitness, provide programs that meet the needs of our citizens.
• Land Acquisition/Open Space: serve and support with respect to acquisition and development of open space identification of potential sites or land parcels which should be reserved for open space or greenway purposes, and recommending methods of obtaining such parcels. Assist in the development and monitoring of the overall process for evaluation and recommendation of sites for acquisition.
• Capital Improvements: advisory role for the expenditure of tax and grant monies to be used for renovating and building park and recreation facilities. These facilities include parks, recreation centers, park amenities and more. Assist in the monitoring of funding sources, including Capital Funds, as well as grants; assist in the monitoring and review of the development process and schedule for improvements to sites.
• Special Facilities: serves as a sounding board by holding public meetings and exercising influence throughout the City to improve and expand special facility opportunities. Advisory role that seeks to develop, promote, and enhance special facilities in the park system which includes aquatics, train, tennis center, skatepark, historic battlefields, them park, riverpark, zoo, etc...
• Strategic Planning and Long Range Finance: provide strategic plans and priorities for parks and facilities that protect park resources and provide for appropriate public use and enjoyment of parklands and facilities for future generations; participate in city and regional planning activities that affect parks, recreation, natural resources.

Members

• Members: 7
• Term: 5 Years
• Meetings: Monthly

Nancy Raney
Member
Retired
Appointed: 07/19/2016
Expiration: 08/31/2026

Sandy Sanders
Member
Retired
Appointed: 11/16/2021
Expiration: 8/31/2026
2301 Wyndermere Way
Fort Smith, AR 72903
479-651-1786
sandysandersark@gmail.com

David S. Roberts
Member
Appointed: 05/19/2020
Expiration: 08/31/2027
1007 Adelaid
Fort Smith, AR 72901
479-926-9467
fsaroberts@yahoo.com

Sam Hanna
Member
Appointed:08/15/2023
Expiration: 08/31/2028
4610 S 96th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72903
479-651-7578
sammyhanna@gmail.com 

Shawn Kispert
Member
Appointed: 07/20/2024
Expiration: 08/31/2029
4313 South P Street 
Fort Smith, AR
479-226-8403
skispert@gmail.com

Chris Raible
Member
Appointed: 10/21/2014
Expiration: 08/31/2029
5206 Twin Hills Drive
Fort Smith, AR 72916
479-709-8830
c_raible@hotmail.com

Madeline Marquette
Vice Chairman
Appointed: 07/20/2010
Expiration: 08/31/2030
7818 Valley Forge Rd
Fort Smith, AR
479-414-6579
madgs@sbcglobal.net

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