Welcome to Siloam Springs a message from Mayor Judy Nation
Whether you reside here , are visiting , attending school , or have been a part of the community your entire life , I am delighted that you are here . I truly cherish Siloam Springs and I hope you do , too !
We are a city with smalltown charm and abundant outdoor adventures . You can spend your mornings shopping and dining along Sager Creek in our award-winning , historical downtown district , and in the afternoons you can relish the outdoors with activities like mountain biking , fishing , bird watching , trail running and kayaking .
The people of Siloam Springs are the most valuable asset to our community . They continue to give back , volunteer , invest in and believe in this great city . While we are experiencing growth , Siloam Springs retains its inclusive community feel . We genuinely care about our neighbors and we are deeply involved in each other ’ s lives , offering support and encouragement .
Additionally , Siloam Springs boasts a dynamic church community . It ’ s been said that at one point Siloam Springs held the record for the most churches per capita . I interpret this as meaning there ’ s a place for everyone to belong , a space where anyone can feel welcome and accepted . This inclusivity is also a reflection of John Brown University being a central piece of our community .
Siloam Springs is an ideal place to raise a family , deliberately opting out of the rat race pace of life , and instead focusing on people and improving their lives . Our strong church community supports these ideals , and volunteering and giving back are a way of life for us . We come together to support each other ’ s needs .
We also have wonderful amenities , including Memorial Park and Chautauqua Amphitheater , the Siloam Springs Public Library , City Lake Park , Sager Creek Mountain Biking Trail and the Siloam Springs Kayak Park . Throughout the year , there are hundreds of free and low-cost activities for everyone to participate in , from Parks and Recreation summer camps to the library ’ s young adult events , Shakespeare in the Park , concerts in Memorial Park , the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce ’ s Dogwood Festival , the Heritage League ’ s Christmas Parade , and much more .
The Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a unique amenity with 800 feet of engineered river featuring Class I rapids . The park is situated on the Illinois River and offers drops suitable for both beginner and skilled kayakers and canoers . The City of Siloam Springs collaborates with the Grand River Dam Authority and Walton Family Foundation in a new , nationalcaliber , whitewater adventure park affectionately referred to as WOKA , positioned on the upper Illinois River . WOKA is a best-in-class whitewater park featuring a 1,200-foot long , 100-foot-wide side channel off the Illinois River with eight
14 • SILOAM SPRINGS COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024 drop-features , perfect for whitewater enthusiasts of all levels .
Siloam also boasts a wide variety of food and entertainment options ,
Judy Nation
including authentic Colombian , German , Thai , Vietnamese , Ozark Cuisine , and much more . Karaoke and trivia nights are always popular gatherings , and you can find more events happening in our corner of Northwest Arkansas through Discover Siloam Springs , our tourism website .
Siloam Springs employs a unique approach to recruit and foster businesses , both large and small . The city has its own electric , water , wastewater , trash , recycling and street crews in-house , allowing business incentives to be customized to meet specific needs . We work closely with the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Siloam Springs to provide training , grant opportunities , and more .
The board of directors and city staff prioritize fiscal responsibility , maintaining tight budgets while allowing for spending where it ’ s most needed . I wholeheartedly support our strong , local government , which follows a city administrator form of governance . This approach ensures continuity over the years through a city administrator who serves as the CEO , while the mayor facilitates
meetings , leads ribbon cuttings and openings , and serves as the face of the city .
As the first female mayor , I want to encourage women to be involved , aware and informed within our community . Push to be part of the decision making process , to be in the room where it happens . You can start small and work your way up , but it ’ s crucial to start . There is always a need for strong leaders in our community , and having more women in positions of authority would better reflect our demographics . I want to inspire girls and young women to set goals and pursue them vigorously . Don ’ t get discouragedkeep pushing .
I am profoundly humbled and grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve as your mayor . May God bless our city and our nation in the days to come !