The Osceola, Arkansas Parks and Recreation Department, or OPAR, is undergoing significant changes as part of a broader city initiative to improve the quality of life for residents. The city recognizes that while industrial growth has been strong, the residential population has not grown at the same rate. As a result, OPAR and other city departments are focusing on enhancing community amenities to make Osceola a more attractive place to live.
Current Operations
OPAR currently offers a range of facilities and activities for all ages. These include:
- The Osceola Community Center: This facility features an indoor walking track, two basketball courts, two racquetball courts, a weight and exercise room, and a padded aerobics room.
- Sports Facilities: OPAR maintains a four-field baseball/softball complex and two soccer fields, which host programs from Pre-K through various youth leagues.
- Outdoor Recreation: The department operates a municipal golf course, two miles of bicycle/walk path, and playground equipment at three different locations.
- Youth Activities: Programs include youth T-ball, coach-pitch baseball, and youth baseball and softball.
Future Plans and the New Aquatic Center
A major part of Osceola’s quality-of-life improvements is the construction of a new Aquatic Center. This project is a key component of the city’s plan to create a modern, family-friendly space that will serve the community for years to come. The Aquatic Center is being funded by a sales tax that was overwhelmingly approved by Osceola residents.
The new facility is designed for multi-generational use and will feature both indoor and outdoor components to allow for year-round enjoyment. The plans for the Aquatic Center include:
- Outdoor Section:
- A lazy river
- A kids’ play area
- A climbing wall
- Shallow and deep-end pools
- Two large winding water slides
- Indoor Section (for year-round use):
- A large indoor pool for exercise swimming and water aerobics
- A hot therapy pool
- A kids’ play area pool
- Two party rooms
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Aquatic Center has already taken place, with construction slated to end in mid-2026. This project, along with renovations to city parks and facilities, is central to the city’s strategy to promote Osceola as a community of choice for residents.
