Arkansas Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission met in Old Washington State Park

Thursday, members of the Arkansas Great Southwest Commission attended a meeting of the Arkansas Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission in Washington.

State officials reported Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Polk County would receive $1.8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act fund to work on the Mena Trails Master Plan.

Members of the commission were informed total revenue for the department was up over 15 percent for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Officials also announced the state’s Tourism Tax generated an increase over 10 percent and totaled about $2.5 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Officials also announced the Crater of Diamond State Park in Murfreesboro generated $2.9 million in revenue last year. The Crater of Diamond State Park generated the fourth highest amount in revenue among state parks.

Commissioners voted to proceed with the process of purchasing five properties in Old Washington from the Historic Washington Foundation. The commission is considering the purchase of a church, post office building, stables and the Stuart-Smith house.

State Park officials stated the purchase would help the state park preserve the history of Washington and continue telling the history of Washington.