Photo courtesy of Siloam Springs Public Schools The Siloam Springs High School baseball team opened up Panther Park in 2024 .
the Siloam Springs Golf Course , for six new pickleball courts at Bob Henry Park and at the Family Aquatic Center to welcome the summer swimming season . Recreation Coordinator Charli Crandell read a proclamation from Nation and cut the ribbon to welcome visitors to the center .
The Siloam Springs Kayak Park has a new management company that will oversee the park on weekends and holidays , Parks and Recreation Director Travis Chaney said .
Illinois River RV Park Campground and Floats , Kayaking and Rafting will lease the kayak park on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day weekend .
To prevent overcrowding , management only will allow 100 vehicles into the park at the time , the park ’ s maximum capacity , and charge $ 10 per vehicle to offset the cost of employees .
A second park geared for kayakers opened across the state line in Oklahoma last September . WOKA Whitewater Park near Watts , Okla ., is a joint endeavor of the Grand River Dam Authority and the city of Siloam Springs with contributions from the Walton Family Foundation .
Future city events include the Fourth of July Block Party on July 4 , Movie in the Park on July 12 , Dive-in Movie on Aug . 9 , the Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept . 21 , Ballet in the Park on Sept . 28 and Light Up Siloam Christmas Caroling and Parade Dec . 7 , Whitworth said .
Chamber of Commerce
The Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce had a busy year . The chamber recruited 75 new members and held 25 ribbon cuttings , Cindy Bennett , administrative assistant , said in an email .
The chamber hosted its annual Back to School Breakfast for Siloam Springs School District staff and faculty last August .
The annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament was held at the Creeks Golf Course in Cave Springs last September .
In December , the chamber and several city directors put on the fourth holiday decorating contest . Winners from each ward received $ 100 . The overall winner from all four wards won an additional $ 100 .
Siloam Springs continued its partnership with Gentry , Decatur , Gravette and Sulphur Springs as part of the Western Benton County
Partnership .
Key stakeholders include municipalities , elected officials , school districts , the chamber of commerce and the business community , said State Representative Delia Haak , who serves as the executive director for the partnership .
The partnership works to address needs like broadband , childcare , roads and infrastructure in the western part of Benton County , Haak said .
“ So we have opportunities among these five cities that if we join together as a region we can accomplish more together than we can on our own ,” Haak said .
The chamber held the 50th Dogwood Festival on April 26-28 . There were 156 vendors , said Lindsey Taylor , director of community development and Dogwood Festival coordinator .
“ This festival is a special part of our community ,” Taylor said . “ It has proven the test of time , and I hope 50 years from now we ’ re still having Dogwood festivals .”
In May , the chamber held its annual Honor Graduate Luncheon at Simmons Great Hall at John Brown University . The chamber recognized 45 seniors with high grade point
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