State Department of Parks and Tourism honors superintendent for volunteerism
A state agency has honored Texarkana, Ark., Parks Superintendent Ross Cowling for his volunteer work.
On Tuesday in Little Rock, the state Department of Parks and Tourism gave Cowling its annual Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
“It's an honor, and I do it because I love my city,” Cowling said Friday. “They could have picked a hundred different people from Texarkana who are valid for this award. It just so happened to be me.”
The award honors “an individual or an organization that's made a substantial contribution to Arkansas' tourism industry through outstanding volunteer spirit,” state Tourism Development Manager Kristine Puckett said.
Sheila Nichols, manager of the tourism department's Red River Welcome Center near Texarkana, nominated Cowling for the award. She cited his volunteer work marketing the city's Railfest and Mardi Gras celebrations, as well as his service as Southwest regional director for the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association and on the board of directors for the Arkansas Festivals and Events Association.
Miss Arkansas 2016 Savannah Skidmore and Gov. Asa Hutchinson presented the award during the Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism. It was one of eight “Henry Awards,” named for Arkansas pioneer Henri de Tonti, given each year.
“Ross is an outstanding employee. He exemplifies the epitome of public service. He is what I consider added value. We are very proud of him,” City Manager Kenny Haskin said.
Cowling oversees the city's 24 parks, which encompass more than 235 acres.