|
Friends,
This week marks Spring Break for most students in Little Rock. For families looking for a fun and educational activity, one of Little Rock's best attractions is now more inclusive and accessible than ever.
The Little Rock Zoo has always been a go-to Spring Break destination for Little Rock residents and for visitors. As the only Zoo in Arkansas accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Little Rock Zoo is a leading resource for animal education and conservation.
There are a number of special activities happening every day during Spring Break at the Zoo, and thanks to the new "Zoo Access for All" initiative, cost should no longer be a barrier to families who want to visit one of our City's treasures.
With Zoo Access for All, Zoo patrons who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits may present their SNAP/EBT card to purchase discounted admission tickets. A SNAP recipient can buy up to six tickets for Zoo admission at the low cost of $2 per ticket. SNAP cards from any state are accepted.
It's our hope through this program that more children and families than ever will be able to visit our Zoo, regardless of financial status, to enjoy the attraction and make lasting memories. I appreciate Zoo Director Susan Altrui and the Zoo board for taking this step, as well as for launching Little Rock Community Days, giving back to the residents of Little Rock that fund the institution.
Little Rock Community Days at the Zoo occur once per quarter - the first is Saturday, March 30. On those days, all Little Rock residents with proof of residency can enter the Zoo for $2 per person. The four community days each year are the Zoo's way of thanking residents for their support.
Visitors on Spring Break and in coming months can view the latest exhibit: "Dragon Kingdom!" This exhibit runs through September. Animatronic dragons that range from 10- to 40-feet are on display, and visitors will learn about the similar characteristics shared between the mythological dragons and real creatures like lizards, snakes and alligators.
Everyone is welcome at the Little Rock Zoo, which last year was certified as sensory inclusive by Kulture City. It is our goal to provide positive experiences and accommodations to anyone with a sensory issue.
With its focus on conservation and education, and its welcoming approach to all, the Zoo is truly an attraction that enhances quality of life and place in Little Rock. I hope you'll spend part of your Spring Break experiencing all it has to offer!
|
|
Museum Nears Milestone
Last week, we celebrated the Museum of Discovery's latest announcement that it is rapidly approaching the $10.7 million fundraising goal for its "Reimagination Campaign," launched after water damage three years ago destroyed 70 exhibits. The reimagined museum features brand-new, state-of-the-art exhibit spaces and plans for new exhibits for children ages 0-6 that open later this year.
At a meeting of Rotary Club 99, Museum Director Kelley Bass shared how the museum's STEM education components complement the classroom learning of students across the state and nation. (Last year, visitors from all 50 states came to the museum, which set an attendance record of nearly 200,000 guests.) Not only is this museum an educational fixture in our community, it is an economic driver in the heart of downtown Little Rock's River Market.
To replace the damaged exhibits, the Museum of Discovery recently opened its "Science Lab" and "Dynamic Earth" galleries. In coming months, the "Small Fry Fish Camp" and "Curiosity Spot" will cater to the young pre-K learners who make up the bulk of museum attendees. The focus on pre-K education also aligns with the City's efforts to ensure even our youngest residents have the best enrichment and learning environment possible.
As a city, we are proud supporters of this unique cultural institution, which celebrated its 97th birthday last week. Formerly known as the Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Antiquities, it spent time at MacArthur Park and even City Hall before moving to its current location on President Clinton Avenue.
I had the privilege to stop by the museum last Thursday to talk to sixth graders from across the state who had participated in the annual "Discovering Excellence in Arkansas" program. These sixth graders, identified by teachers for their abilities and interest in STEM, had the chance to meet representatives of seven Arkansas-based companies to learn about careers in STEM professions. Thanks to Molex, Garver, Entergy, PPG, Dassault Falcon Jet, Southwest Power Pool and Galley Support Innovations for their willingness to help foster the next generation of STEM leaders.
As families seek things to do for Spring Break, the Museum of Discovery is another welcoming, inclusive and affordable option for an educational and fun experience in our City.
|
|
AmeriCorps Week
Did you know that as we prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse, there is a team of public servants hard at work sprucing up our parks and public spaces and visiting area schools to help educate students about the upcoming event? These workers from around the country are part of an AmeriCorps team.
AmeriCorps was established by Congress under President Bill Clinton 30 years ago to consolidate national service programs and create opportunities for individuals seeking to serve communities. In Arkansas alone, more than 3,100 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers are working at more than 300 locations. Their assignments include disaster response, mentoring, environmental restoration, military/veteran support, digital equity and so much more.
In addition to the City of Little Rock's current National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team currently help us prepare for the eclipse, we also have an American Connection Corps fellow working in City Hall to support our efforts to ensure all residents have access to reliable, affordable broadband.
AmeriCorps team members working at organizations across our City like City Year, Engage Arkansas, Our House, Arkansas Reads and Pfeifer Camp joined us at last week's Little Rock Board of Directors meeting. There, I read a proclamation declaring last week as AmeriCorps Week.
We celebrate AmeriCorps' 30th anniversary, thank members for their service, and encourage others to help give back to their communities.
|
|
The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, click here.
- As we prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will host a screening of "The Race to the Moon" on Tuesday, March 19, as part of its Movies at MacArthur series. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, 503 E. 9th St.
- Youngsters anticipating the eclipse can take part in a planetarium experience on Tuesday, March 19, at Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St. The Arkansas SkyDome is free and open to the public from noon until 4 p.m. To RSVP for a time slot to visit the traveling planetarium, click here.
- The Little Rock Land Bank Commission meets at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- The Little Rock Board of Adjustment meets on Thursday, March 21, at 4 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center..
|
|
As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
|
|
|
|
