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Friends,
We are one week away from the total solar eclipse, a rare event that has captured the attention of expert astronomers and amateur stargazers around the world. Arkansas's capital city is in the path of totality. Depending on your location in the City, we expect more than 2 minutes of total darkness beginning at around 1:51 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
Since we are still a week away, the weather forecast is about as unpredictable as the projection of how many visitors we will see for the event. We do anticipate large crowds, with hotels at capacity. Because of that, we encourage you to only travel as necessary and be prepared for traffic if you do. Please trust that our public safety personnel are prepared for any contingency. We are activating our Emergency Operations Center this week, and it will remain operational through next week to help us more effectively manage any emergent situation or issues that arise related to traffic, crowds or public safety.
We do know that whatever the weather or the crowds, we will have plenty of events and activations curated for our visitors and residents alike. I can't wait to experience everything the City of Little Rock has in store for this week, and I hope you will be able to join me.
For a comprehensive list of City-sponsored activities during this Total Eclipse of the Rock, visit the City's website.
The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau is busy making sure our out-of-town guests experience the best our City has to offer, and the LRCVB website features listings for events being organized by neighborhood associations, nonprofits and businesses.
Rest assured, if you are looking for a way to experience this historic event with your friends and neighbors, you will have multiple opportunities across Little Rock to do so. For days leading up to the eclipse, there are fascinating, engaging opportunities for all ages.
And if for whatever reason you can't make it to a City of Little Rock watch party or to another local event on April 8, as our friends Carl and Darcy from the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society tell us, all you have to do is go outside and look up! Just be sure you have suitable eclipse glasses -- which you can pick up after you reserve your spot at one of our watch parties at our community centers.
As the week progresses, we will continue providing updated details on social media about all the watch parties and pre-eclipse events on the City's schedule, like the Eclipse Yoga at Jim Dailey Fitness Center or concerts at First Security Amphitheater in the River Market. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
Don't miss out! And be sure to mark your calendars for August 12, 2045. That's the next time Little Rock will be in the path of a total eclipse. Little Rock is the only major city where someone will be able to witness Monday's eclipse and as well as catch the 2045 eclipse from the same location!
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Tornado Commemoration
Little Rock residents from affected neighborhoods and across our City joined me this past weekend for a time of reflection and commemoration as we marked the first anniversary of the March 31, 2023, tornado.
Neighborhoods including Walnut Valley, Colony West and Kingwood experienced significant property damage from the EF-3 tornado. There is no way to fully repair the damage sustained and replace the valuables lost, but those resilient communities have shown their tenacity and strength throughout response, recovery and rebuilding.
As a City, we remain focused on helping our residents and businesses recover and work with them to find solutions to new problems associated with returning to normalcy. I am proud of the way we joined together as a community one year ago, and I continue to be inspired by our unity in the long-term process of rebuilding.
We took a moment on Saturday to observe the anniversary of the storm at Walnut Valley's neighborhood park. That area was severely impacted by the tornado, and the park is just down the street from Fire Station 9. That fire station was heavily damaged and will be rebuilt.
There at the park, we planted a seedling from the 9-11 Survivor Tree, given in honor of the strength and resilience of all who were impacted by the tornado outbreak of March 31, 2023. Walnut Valley's neighborhood association will care for the survivor tree seedling.
A day earlier, we celebrated the progress of our community with the re-opening of Pulaski County Title on Cantrell Road. That is one of several businesses hit hard a year ago that showed a resolve to build back stronger. There are countless examples of this resiliency across our City. My appreciation goes out to our first responders, volunteers and most importantly, the tornado survivors who faced a challenging year with strength and courage.
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R.O.C.K. Academy Applications Open
When our residents are engaged in their community, our City prospers. Our appreciation goes out to everyone who volunteers on a board or commission, takes part in their neighborhood associations or contributes to the excellent quality of life and place we have in Little Rock.
Whether you're an expert or a novice in engagement with municipal government, I encourage you to consider applying for R.O.C.K. Academy. R.O.C.K. stand for Residents Obtaining Community Knowledge. It is one of the ways we foster community involvement through creating additional understanding of city government operations.
R.O.C.K. Academy is a dynamic, six-week program where participants will spend time discussing timely topics with city department directors. This hybrid program with both in-person and virtual components provide an opportunity to advance your resident engagement to the next level. Join us to become more informed and empowered.
Apply now for this year's R.O.C.K. Academy cohort and be a part of building a better community.
For more information, and to apply, visit our website.
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The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, April 2, 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.
- The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs will commemorate construction of a new, affordable single-family home on Wednesday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at 4403 Bowers St. This reflects my commitment to create more affordable housing while fostering economic and community development in neighborhoods south of Interstate 630 and east of Interstate 30. The City of Little Rock is partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund construction of this home through the federal Home Investment Partnership program.
- Little Rock's Historic District Commission will hold its regular monthly public hearing on Thursday, April 4. The meeting is at 4 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.
- In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse, the Parks and Recreation Department is hosting two "Stargazing" opportunities in City parks. The first is Friday, April 5, at Murray Park,5900 Rebsamen Park Road. The second is Sunday, April 7, at War Memorial Park, 5101 W. Markham St. Each event starts at 6 p.m., with a faux campfire, eclipse education and family fun.
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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!
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