Over the past two years, the Eureka Springs Community Center has continued to grow into one of the area’s most important community hubs — offering recreation, wellness, youth programming and gathering space for residents of all ages. With chair Amanda Haley’s term now complete, the center celebrates a period of steady progress and meaningful expansion, as leadership is passed to incoming chair Tammy Bullock.
During Haley’s tenure, the community center marked major milestones that strengthened both its reach and longterm stability. The center celebrated its five-year anniversary and expanded operations to be open seven days a week, increasing accessibility for members and families year-round. Membership also continued to rise, reaching a new high of 1,500 members, reflecting the center’s growing role in daily life across Eureka Springs.
Fundraising and community support played a major role in strengthening the community center over the past two years, with total giving exceeding $100,000 through a combination of donations, grants and signature events. That support has been bolstered by an expanding network of corporate partners and local sponsors who have helped prop up the Center’s mission — especially important because the community center does not receive public financing or ongoing tax-revenue support. Key momentum came through efforts such as the LeStick Dinner, Travel Eureka Springs Auction, the Carroll County Community Foundation, and successful community fundraisers including SIPtember, Disco Bingo and the annual Toast N Taste Wine Dinner, along with continued local generosity that keeps programs growing and facilities improving.
Facility expansion also continued, including the grand opening of the Highlander Room event space, which increased rental opportunities and revenue. The center also expanded its role as a community services campus, with organizations operating on-site including but not limited to MESA, Wolf Pediatric Therapy Services, Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and Carmen’s Tacos.
Programming remained a cornerstone of the center’s success, including Teen Game Night, Lunch & Learn, Kidtastic Tuesdays, Tween Spirit, Boomers and Beyond, community bike rides and youth sports tournaments. Senior wellness participation also grew, with Silver Sneakers / Silver & Fit reaching 75 members, and the addition of Active & Fit. The center continued as host of the Eureka Springs Farmers Market.
Eureka Springs Community Center Achievements Under Chair Amanda Haley
• Membership reached a new high of 1,500
• Celebrated the center’s five-year anniversary
• Expanded operations to be open seven days a week
• Giving exceeded $100,000 through donations, grants, sponsors and fundraisers
• Strong corporate partner support helped sustain the center (no public financing or tax revenue support)
• Boosted facility sustainability through the Highlander Room event space and increased rentals
• Renovated locker rooms
• Grew programs for all ages: Teen Game Night, Lunch & Learn, Kidtastic Tuesdays, Tween Spirit, Boomers and Beyond
• Strengthened recreation offerings including youth tournaments, bike rides and upgraded fitness.
• Expanded senior wellness participation with Silver Sneakers / Silver & Fit and Active & Fit.
What’s Next in 2026
• Victorian Classic and Super Soup, March 28
• Center Street Block Party, May 30