Arkansas State Parks Announces New Web Site for Kids, "ArkansasKids.com"
August 1999

In 1983, Resource Raccoon became the official mascot of the Arkansas State Parks system. Since that time, the costumed character has traveled Arkansas representing the parks system at parades, festivals, schools and state park events. Now Resource Raccoon has his own Web site designed especially for kids at “ArkansasKids.com,” according to State Parks Director Greg Butts.

He noted that the new kids' Web site has received over 16,000 visits since it was initiated this summer. The colorful site offers interactive activities along with state parks information for kids.

The Web site’s "Outfitting for Adventure” section offers users the opportunity to dress and outfit Resource Raccoon for various outdoor activities in Arkansas’s state parks. These activities include hiking, camping, birdwatching, digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, and other adventures. Special messages from Resource Raccoon appear after the completion of each “Outfitting for Adventure” activity.

The Web site’s other interactive activities include a word-search that re-scrambles 13 times, a fill-in the vowel crossword puzzle, and a fold a paper alligator puppet activity.

The new Web site was developed by several staff members in the Program Services section of the State Parks Division. The idea for the kids' site came from Jay Miller, administrator of Program Services. The creation of the Outfitting for Adventure activities was done by Steven Clifft, field interpreter, and Melissa Smith, director of Multimedia Services. Aristotle, Inc., of Little Rock added the animation to the site.

According to Jay Miller, “Arkansas State Parks has a long history of creating special experiences for families. Resource’s Web site is an excellent way to reach children across the nation and let them know our state parks are fun places. The site has been on line for only a short time, but has already been seen in countries from Canada to Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.”

Incentives to visit an Arkansas state park are built into the program. After each child completes the activities on the site, a personalized certificate can be printed at home. This certificate can be presented at a state park for credit as one the five activities, plus a service project, required for becoming an Arkansas State Parks Junior Naturalist. The parks system’s Junior Naturalist Program is designed for young park visitors ages 7 through 14.

In addition, a coupon for discounted lodging or camping can be downloaded and printed for use at any state park offering overnight facilities.

Campgrounds are available at 27 state parks throughout the state. Reservations are not required at Arkansas State Parks campsites. Most sites are available on a first-come basis; however, reservations are accepted at all campgrounds. The Arkansas State Parks 1999 guide book lists all the state parks and their individual phone numbers for information and campsite reservations. The free guide book may be ordered by calling Arkansas State Park’s toll-free number, 1-888-AT-PARKS.

Lodges with full-service restaurants are offered at four state parks: DeGray Lake Resort State Park near Arkadelphia (1-800-737-8355), the Ozark Folk Center State Park at Mountain View (1-800-264-3655), Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton (1-800-264-2462) and Queen Wilhelmina State Park near Mena (1-800-264-2477).

Cabins with fully-equipped kitchens are featured at nine state parks: Crowley’s Ridge State Park at Walcott (1-800-264-2405), Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork (1-800-264-2417), Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs (1-800-264-2422), Lake Chicot State Park near Lake Village (1-800-264-2430), Lake Fort Smith State Park at Mountainburg (1-800-264-2435), Lake Ouachita State Park near Hot Springs (1-800-264-2441), Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle (1-800-264-2458), Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton (1-800-264-2462) and Village Creek State Park near Wynne (1-800-264-2467).

For further information on Resource Raccoon, contact: Jay Miller, Arkansas State Parks, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 682-2187. E-mail: jay.miller@mail.state.ar.us.

This release, along with others by the Department of Parks & Tourism, is available electronically through the Arkansas Press Association Bulletin Board: apa@lr.cleaf.com (in-state only) and the Department’s Web site: www.arkansas.com under media information.