(MORRILTON, Ark.) – Gov. Asa Hutchinson will join in the dedication and grand opening of the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center at Petit Jean State Park. The newly constructed facility provides space for camper registration, interpretive exhibits, meetings, special events, and staff offices. It is named for the man whose vision for Petit Jean State Park brought about its creation as the cornerstone in the system of Arkansas State Parks.

WHAT: Dedication and Grand Opening of the Dr. T.W. Hardison Visitor Center

WHEN: Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mtn. Road, Morrilton, Ark. 72110

WHO: Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson

Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Stacy Hurst
Arkansas State Parks Director, Grady Spann
Petit Jean State Park Superintendent, Joe Buckley
State Parks, Recreation, & Travel Commission Chair, Kalene Griffith

EVENTS: Presentations by speakers and Arkansas State Parks
Gov. Asa Hutchinson to unveil Dr. T.W. Hardison statue.
Photo and Video opportunities of the visitor center, exhibits.
Digital Media package available to all members of the media.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Stacy Hurst
Arkansas State Parks Director, Grady Spann
Petit Jean State Park Superintendent, Joe Buckley
Arkansas State Parks Chief of Interpretation, Kelly Farrell

On-Site Media Contact: Melissa Whitfield, 501-400-3485 (cell), Melissa.Whitfield@arkansas.gov

Social Channels for Content Sharing:
Facebook: @StateParksofArkansas
Twitter: @ARStatePark
Instagram: @ArkansasStateParks
Hashtag: #ARStateParks