22 CAR Part 81 — Policy Statement, Criteria, and Procedures for Naming Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Amenities

Chapter XIII

Subchapter A

Subpart 1

22 CAR § 81-101 Policy statement {#sec-22-car-81-101 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-22-part-81--22 CAR § 81-101}

22 CAR § 81-101. Policy statement.

(a) The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism has state parks, natural areas, buildings, facilities, and other lands, including features therein and thereupon, (herein, all of the foregoing referred to as an “amenity” or “amenities”) that:

(1) Receive substantial public use and support; and

(2) Offer meaningful naming opportunities for honoring individuals and groups.

(b) The naming of amenities for individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to society is a time-honored tradition.

(c) Any naming opportunity must be consistent with state law.

(d) The process to name an amenity will include an opportunity for public input.

(e) As used herein, naming includes any:

(1) Renaming of an amenity; or

(2) Withdrawal of an existing name from an amenity.

22 CAR § 81-102 Criteria {#sec-22-car-81-102 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-22-part-81--22 CAR § 81-102}

22 CAR § 81-102. Criteria.

(a) In general, individuals and groups for whom amenities are named must have made a significant contribution to Arkansas state parks, tourism, travel, recreation, conservation, heritage, history, historic preservation, or political support of the foregoing in Arkansas.

(b) This honor must be reserved for:

(1) Individuals of recognized accomplishment and character; or

(2) Groups known for a significant, positive impact as an organization.

(c) Special consideration should be given to:

(1) The historical significance of the individual or group;

(2) Their connection to the amenity to be named; or

(3) The financial contribution of the individual or group to the amenity to be named.

22 CAR § 81-103 Procedures {#sec-22-car-81-103 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-22-part-81--22 CAR § 81-103}

22 CAR § 81-103. Procedures.

(a) Naming opportunity nominations can originate as recommendations by either an Arkansas citizen or a member of an appointed Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism advisory board or commission according to the following procedures:

(1)(A) Any Arkansas citizen can make a nomination.

(B) The nomination form is available by contacting the department’s public information office at adpht.communications@arkansas.gov.

(C) Nominations require one hundred (100) signatures from Arkansas citizens eighteen (18) years of age or older who:

(i) Reside near the amenity; or

(ii) Have a close connection to the proposed individual or organization for whom the amenity is proposed to be named.

(D) A letter of endorsement from a local legislator is encouraged.

(E) The nomination form will be submitted to the department for vetting; and

(2)(A) A member of an appointed department commission or advisory board can make a naming nomination at a public meeting.

(B) The nomination must receive a second from a fellow board member or commissioner.

(C) Applicable department boards and commissions include:

(i) State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission;

(ii) Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission;

(iii) Historic Arkansas Museum Commission;

(iv) Old State House Commission;

(v) Mosaic Templars of America Center for African American Culture and Business Enterprise Advisory Board;

(vi) Delta Cultural Center Policy Advisory Board; and

(vii) Other department boards and commissions that may have a stake in the naming of a department amenity as approved by the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

(b) Cognizant division staff will perform an initial vetting of the nomination to ensure all necessary information for an informed naming decision is gathered in a nomination submission.

(c) Division staff will hold a public hearing related to the nomination at an appropriate location, preferably near the subject amenity.

(d) Following the public hearing, the cognizant department division director will submit a summary of the nomination and public hearing along with a recommendation to the appropriate commission for review.

(e) The cognizant board or commission will:

(1) Consider the nomination at a regularly scheduled public meeting; and

(2) Make a recommendation of approval or denial to the secretary.

(f) The secretary, in consultation with the Governor, will:

(1) Review a commission or board approval recommendation; and

(2) Provide a final decision on the naming nomination.

(g) If approved, cognizant division staff will initiate the development and installation of appropriate signage to reflect the approved name for the amenity.

History

• Codification Notes: Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-15-218, a technical correction was made on May 18, 2026, to change the contact information in 22 CAR § 81-103(a)(1)(B). Authority: Arkansas Code § 25-43-1302