From Jamboreeka’s debut last July to an emphasis on more Christmas lights to improvements at various parks and facilities around the city, the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Department has been busy over the past year.
The parks commission has noticed.
During its monthly meeting held Tuesday, April 16, the commission approved a $5,000 salary increase for Sam Dudley, with each commissioner commending the parks director for his leadership over the past 13 months.
“Based on an extraordinary year with our parks director, from Jamboreeka to the dam and all the things that have happened, the commission has decided to adjust Sam Dudley’s annual salary to $70,000,” commissioner Ruth Hager said in a motion after an executive session aimed at discussing the parks director’s job performance.
“Thank you, Sam, and to your staff, which is also because of you and the rapport you have with them and your leadership with them,” Hager later said.
Dudley, who served as the department’s trails coordinator for two years was selected by the commission over “several good candidates” and took over the role in March 2023 with a salary of $65,000.
“We had several good candidates for the position, but it was very satisfying that we were able to promote from within the Department,” Hager, then chair of the commission said to the Times-Echo after the hire. “Sam’s experience as trails coordinator for our parks has given him boots on the ground knowledge. He understands the needs of hikers, cyclists, recreation seekers, nature lovers and all parks users.”
Dudley replaced Steve Dickey, who served as interim director, after Scott Miskiel retired in December 2022.
“Just to reiterate, everything that’s happened since I’ve been on this commission is mind-blowing to me how much has been accomplished,” commissioner Beth Giltner said at the April 16 meeting. “It’s very visible as you drive through town. Kudos to the entire parks department.”
Many projects have been completed or are ongoing under Dudley’s leadership, including a facelift to Basin Spring Park, improvements to Harmon Park, renovations of cabins at Lake Leatherwood and repairs and reopening of the trail segment at the top of the Lake Leatherwood dam.
The department had a big hand in decorating downtown with more Christmas lights in 2023 and plans are underway for the second Jamboreeka event to celebrate Fourth of July.
“I’m just honored to sit on this board and learn what I have learned so far,” commissioner Rodd Gray said at the April 16 meeting, directing his thoughts toward Dudley. “Everyone that’s here, their heart is involved in this city. I think you and your leadership and the people who work for you prove that, and I appreciate you.”
Dudley wrote on Facebook that he was “honored” when he was chosen for the position last March.
“On March 1, 2021, I was hired to take on the Trails Coordinator position for Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation,” Dudley wrote. “Two years later, I am honored to announce that I have been chosen to become ESPR’s new director. I will certainly miss my former position, but I am also looking forward to putting my ideas to work and making our parks even more amazing.”
At the time, Hager said she she felt Dudley would be in the position “long term.”
“It’s my belief and hope that he is in it for the long haul, as they say,” Hager said. “I optimistically look forward to many years of his direction for parks. Continuity and longevity in that position will make it possible to continue our current focus on long-term fixes and attention to the typical deferred maintenance items that face municipalities these days.
“I have great expectations for Sam and the future of Eureka Springs.”
