A PLACE FOR ALL In 2008, the Texarkana Arkansas Boys and Girls Club at 1 Legion Drive closed its doors, ending a 16-year span of providing a place for the families and children of Texarkana to grow physically and mentally. Three years later, in 2011, the building’s owners, George and Florence Crank, graciously gifted the building to the city. The wheels began to turn at City Hall and in 2022, after 11 years, $1.5 million and thousands of hours of love, planning and dedication, 1 Legion Drive breathed life again as the new Texarkana Arkansas Recreation Center. Servicing the local College Hill area and all of Texarkana, the complex serves as a hub for community activity and pride for all ages. Located in what was originally constructed in 1954 as American Legion Post 25-58, the facility houses a: • Full size gymnasium with bleachers, six goals, 20’ movie screen and scoreboard • 30-person meeting room with a 70'' smart TV • 12-station computer and learning lab • Private tutoring room • Full commercial kitchen • Activity room with pool table, ping-pong, foosball, seating area and 70'' smart TV • Three baseball fields with concession stand • One multi-use field Offering ongoing classes and programs, the Recreation Center provides something for everyone, no matter if your interest is games, fitness, sports, personal development or just relaxing. Activities focus on all age groups, from youth to seniors. Annual memberships and drop-in rates are available. All facility space can be rented for private or corporate events and offer unlimited opportunities for creating a unique and perfect environment for your needs.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
There is a lot happening in the Texarkana, Texas parks and community centers lately. The parks and recreation department sponsors many sports programs throughout the year, including Dixie Youth Baseball, a youth basketball league at Southwest Center, spring and fall leagues with the Texarkana Soccer Association, and the most recent addition, a unified softball league citywide. Other activities offered for youth and children include yoga classes, pickle ball, tennis lessons, piano, music classes and more. The city sponsors these activities to ensure the community has options for activities and entertainment at affordable rates and to promote healthy lifestyles. For more information about league registration and schedules, follow the Texarkana, Texas Park and Recreation Department on Facebook or visit ci.texarkana.tx.us. The Parks and Recreation Department also attempts to attract statewide, regional and national tournaments to Texarkana to further tourism and economic development within the city. They have hosted tournaments including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and even fishing. These events bring hundreds of visitors to our city and boost the Texarkana economy. Texarkana is a great place to be. There are fun options for every member of the family, thanks to Texarkana Parks and Recreation!
A 3-and-a-half foot, 300 pound snapping turtle escaped from the Texarkana Zoo!
14 | Texarkana Community Directory | Spring 2022
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