ARKANSAS' OZARK GATEWAY REGION
A region defined by its natural beauty, enriched by the creativity and generosity of its residents, and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Our region covers eight unique counties: Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, and Stone, each with its own history, heritage, events, and attractions.
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DUE TO WET WEATHER, THIS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 12, AT 1 P.M.
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The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on THURSDAY, MARCH 12, at 1 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Batesville’s first public disc golf course, located at Poke Bayou Park at White Drive and Barnett Drive. The ceremony is held in partnership with Batesville Parks and marks an exciting addition to the city’s growing outdoor recreation amenities.
Established in 2025, the new course offers dynamic, accessible outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike. Disc golf has rapidly grown in popularity across the country because it combines the strategy of traditional golf with the simplicity and affordability of flying discs.
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but with specialized discs instead of balls and clubs. Players throw a disc toward a metal basket target, counting one stroke for each throw. The objective is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible, with the round’s lowest total score winning.
“Batesville continues to invest in outdoor spaces that bring people together and encourage active lifestyles,” said Lowen Lermitte, Director of Batesville Parks. “This disc golf course enhances Poke Bayou Park while expanding recreation opportunities for families and visitors.”
Disc golf is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in the United States. The game is easy to learn, inexpensive to play, and suitable for participants of all ages. Most players need only a few discs to begin, making the sport an accessible way to get outside and enjoy local parks.
The Poke Bayou Park course was designed by Damian DeLoach and Kyle Downs and was made possible through the support of community partners, including First Community Bank, White River Materials, Atlas Asphalt, Batesville Parks, Citizens Bank, White River Health, Poke Bayou Outfitters, Disc Golf Batesville, Lyon College, and Custom CNC Machining.
The course also stands as a tribute to two individuals who played important roles in the development of disc golf and parks and recreation in the region.
The project is dedicated in loving memory of Cody Downs (June 14, 1987 – June 20, 2025), a beloved member of the Batesville disc golf community who helped grow the sport locally. Downs was a cofounder of the DOCO Disc Golf Course and an original member of Disc Golf Batesville. His passion for the game and dedication to the community left a lasting impact on fellow players and friends.
The dedication also honors Jeff Owens (September 15, 1971 – June 6, 2025), whose career in parks and recreation shaped outdoor spaces across Arkansas. Owens served the cities of Batesville and Jonesboro as well as the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. His leadership and vision were instrumental in creating this course.
The new course adds to Batesville’s reputation as an outdoor recreation destination, complementing amenities such as riverside recreation along the White River, walking trails, parks, and paddling opportunities. Community leaders hope the addition will encourage both local play and tourism, as disc golfers often travel to experience new courses.
Community members are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate this new recreational asset for Batesville.
Located in the heart of downtown Melbourne, the Izard County Courthouse has been a centerpiece of community life for generations. Built in the early 1900s, its classic architecture and clock tower make it one of the county’s most recognizable landmarks.
Whether you’re exploring local history or strolling the charming square, the courthouse is a must-see stop in Izard County.
#IzardCounty #MelbourneAR #ArkansasHistory #ExploreArkansas
The newly expanded Randolph County Heritage Museum is now open — and the new Ruth Ann Cox Agricultural and Rural Life Galleries are packed with incredible pieces of our region’s story.
From fascinating farm equipment and rural artifacts to personal stories, photographs, and one-of-a-kind treasures, this expansion more than doubles the exhibit space and brings Randolph County’s deep agricultural roots to life in a powerful way.
Located on the historic courthouse square, the museum continues its mission of preserving the people, traditions, and hard work that shaped this community — and this new addition makes it an even more must-see stop.
If you love small-town history, cool memorabilia, and discovering the stories behind the places we call home, this is worth the visit.
#RandolphCountyAR
#PocahontasAR
#ArkansasHistory
#SupportLocalMuseums
#ExploreArkansas
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