Six years ago, several department heads approached me with the idea of creating a community/aquatic center. I knew that passing a tax for it would be challenging. Still, after visiting the new facility in Batesville, I felt it would be irresponsible not to pursue something similar for our community.
While some may have viewed it as a “want,” I believed it was also a need — a need to improve the quality of life, support economic development, and enhance the overall health of our citizens.
Today, less than a year since opening, Creekside Community and Aquatic Center has exceeded expectations in all areas.
From the start, we were fortunate to have department heads with deep knowledge of the activities and programs such a center would require, which is a true advantage over many other communities. Early on, we also realized that our long-standing Parks Commission, led by committed local volunteers, would need to become a formal department of the City. This transition wasn’t easy — many had poured years of service into the commission — but knowing their dedication, I believed they would understand that the time had come to take the next step forward.
Through that process and with the partnership of Dr. Stewart Pratt and the Harrison School District, we acquired the entire former junior high and high school complex. That included the old lunchroom (now home to Camp Jack), the Field house, which now serves the soccer complex with needed restrooms, maintenance space, and more.
After successfully passing the tax, we moved forward, never imagining how quickly and thoroughly the community would embrace Creekside. In less than a year, we have over 5,000 members.
Creekside has already contributed in meaningful ways to our:
Quality of life
Economic development
Community health
Economic Development Impact
We’ve attracted a wide variety of sports tournaments to Harrison, bringing visitors who stay, eat, and shop here. Thanks to the new turf at our sports complex, we hosted two massive tournaments this year — each involving 150 teams. That’s thousands of people spending nearly a week in Harrison. The economic ripple effect has been significant.
In addition to youth baseball and softball, we’ve hosted basketball, volleyball, and swim meets, and we’re preparing to host a major wrestling tournament. These events benefit not only our local businesses but also generate sales tax revenue that allows the city and county to do even more.
Plans are in motion for a weekend indoor youth archery event and vendor expo in January 2026. The partnership with area schools, the Arkansas Game and Fish, and businesses is estimated to attract 800-1600 archery students and their families.
We are very pleased with the work of Executive Director Chuck Eddington and his team. They do an excellent job managing all the park facilities. We appreciate their hard work as we open our community to guests from all over the United States almost every weekend in the summer.
More Than Just Sports
After opening Creekside, we realized we also had a prized possession — the old football field. Its central location in the Ozarks is ideal for concerts and outdoor events.
Partnering with Explore Harrison and Matt Bell, we hosted two concerts this summer, drawing over 3296 attendees. Once again, we exceeded expectations. The Creekside Amp can become a significant venue for entertainment and other community events. More are scheduled later this year.
We’ve also opened a beginner-friendly mountain bike trail alongside Crooked Creek. Interestingly, many walkers are using the path too, as it’s softer on the feet than the concrete trail — another example of how Creekside serves multiple purposes.
Community Partnerships Driving Progress
We recently opened new pickleball courts in partnership with the Rotary Club, which had already helped bring two popular features to Creekside:
The Cannon Cove Splash Pad
The Wonder Willa All-Inclusive Playground
Both have been some of the best investments in terms of community impact.
The Future is Bright
We’re committed to building on this momentum and investing in projects that improve Harrison’s economy, community spirit, and the well-being of everyone.
I encourage you to stop by if you haven’t visited Creekside yet. Whether young or young at heart, I’m confident you’ll find something for yourself.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor — it continues to be one of the greatest honors of my life.
— Mayor Jerry Jackson