With so much natural beauty surrounding the Arkansas River Valley, Russellville is the perfect place for families. Whether hiking to the waterfall on Petit Jean Mountain or boating on Lake Dardanelle, an up-close and personal relationship with nature is never more than just a few steps away.

Climate

The River Valley Area  has a moderate four-season climate. The average July temperature is 80 degrees, the lowest average summer temperature of any Southern state. The average January temperature is 40-45 degrees. Average annual temperature is 58 � 65 degrees. There is virtually no work time lost due to inclement weather with an average of only one or two days of snowfall in the River Valley each year. Rainfall averages 45-55 inches per year. We encompass part of the region the U.S. Department of the Interior rates as one of the seven best places in the country for climate, air and water quality.

Population

*Source- 2000 U. S. Census Bureau Data

Government

Russellville has a Mayor-Council form of government with four wards and two aldermen from each ward. City commissions are made up of volunteers with an alderman as liaison with each commission. They are Airport, Civil Service, Recreation and Parks, Planning Board of Adjustments, and City Corporation (water and sewer).

For more information please contact the Russellville Mayor's office at 209 West 2nd Street, 479-968-2098; fax 479-968-8050 or e-mail at cityhall@russellvillearkansas.org, www.russellvillearkansas.org

A County Judge and Quorum Court govern Pope County. Russellville is the county seat.

Enforcement and Protection

The Russellville Police Department is now operating from a new $2.3 million facility at 115 West H Street.  The 24,000 square foot facility opened in April 2000.  The department has a sworn strength of 55 officers with four lieutenants, nine sergeants, and two bicycles.  Two uniformed officers are assigned as School Resource Officers in the public school system. For more information, please contact the Russellville Police Department at 115 West H Street, Russellville, AR 72801; 479-968-3232. The Pope County Sheriff's Office and Pope County Jail  is located at #3 Emergency Lane in Russellville  A new state of the art Sheriff's Office and Detention Center was completed in 2002.  For more information please contact the Sheriff's office at 479-968-2558.

Fire Protection

Russellville Fire Department has a fire chief, certified training officer, inspector, 55 full-time firefighters, and support staff to provide fire prevention and protection. There are four fire stations. The present insurance rating is Class Four. Pope County has 15 volunteer fire departments located throughout the county to provide fire protection to all residents. The Russellville Fire Department responds on an as-needed basis and assists the ambulance service.

Medical Facilities

Russellville is the home of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, four medical clinics, and twenty specialist clinics.  There are over sixty local physicians currently practicing in Russellville, primarily in the West end of Russellvillle.

Saint Mary�s Regional Medical Center is equipped with the most technologically advanced equipment available. Hospital services include neuro-surgery, diagnostic radiology through CAT Scan and MRI, nuclear medicine, physical and respiratory therapy, clinical laboratory and pathology, cardiopulmonary and special procedures/cardiac catherization laboratory, EKG, home health care and 24-hour emergency service with full-time physician coverage.  Emergency medical flight service is also available through Arkansas Children's Hospital and Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.  For more information please contact St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, 1808 West Main Street, Russellville, AR

The Real Estate Economy

The River Valley's diverse landscape also offers diverse housing opportunities.  There is an abundant supply of existing houses ranging in price from $50,000 to $350,000.  The average cost of an existing home will run between $50 - $65 per square foot. The average cost per square foot of a new home is $80-$100. Visit our real estate section to view live tours of homes for sale in Russellville, Clarksville, Morrilton, Danville, Paris, and Dardanelle.

Russellville Arkansas is also fortunate to have several modern apartment complexes and townhouses that reflect contemporary lifestyles. Average monthly rental for a two-bedroom is $450. 

Assisted living apartments are also available.  Some offer meal and maid service with a nurse on the premises.

According to the Pope County Assessor�s Office, there were approximately 19,469 Single Family Dwellings in Pope County in 2000.

Shopping Facilities

Russellville is the commercial and retail trade center for the Arkansas River Valley.  The trade area, a 50-mile radius, represents over 150,000 people.  Because of this number, Russellville offers many services and amenities not usually found in communities our size.   For more information about shopping facilities contact the Russellville Chamber of Commerce at 708 West Main Street, 479-968-2530; 

Recreation

Lake Dardanell State Park helps provide over 600,000 tourists to Pope County.Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts enjoy this sport on the Illinois Bayou and Mulberry Creek.  Arkansas River � The beautiful Arkansas winds its way through Russellville between the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains providing stunning vistas, championship fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, skiing and other recreational opportunities. 

The Holla Bend Wildlife Refuge, containing over 6,300 acres, provides natural habitant for over 150 species of birds, including migrating waterfowl.  Visitors can view the wildlife from several viewing stations provided by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. 

Lake Dardanell State Park, Mt. Nebo and Petit Jean Mountains are minutes away and offer state parks, breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, swimming, tennis, camping and rustic cabins.  Both are great escapes for enjoying the sights and sounds of nature at her best. . 

There are over 4 golf clubs and courses offering 18-holes, tennis courts, pool, and boat dock.

Galla Creek is an 18-hole public golf course located just four miles east of Russellville in the community of Pottsville.

Local schools participate in football, basketball, swimming, baseball, track & field, golf, and volleyball.

Arkansas Tech University competes in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Athletic Conference in football, basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, and baseball.

A full time director and staff manages Russellville's nine city parks and the Hughes Community Center.  Activities offered include lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball and softball fields, a new soccer complex, an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball court, and equipped playgrounds.  

Lake Dardanelle State Park and Old Post Road Park, managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, together offer boat access ramps, fishing piers with handicap accessibility, information center, 332 campsites, cabins, marina and boat repair, putt putt golf, amphitheater, and is the weigh in station and headquarters for several fishing tournaments throughout the year.  

The new Lake Dardanelle Visitor Information and Education Center is a $2.3 million facility that encompasses 10,527 sq. ft. and will house exhibits, a multipurpose meeting room and classroom, and park staff offices.  This beautiful new facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2003.

Bona Dea Trails and Wildlife Sanctuary offers over six miles of walking and jogging trails through 186 acres of natural wildlife habitant.  A physical fitness course with 18 workout stations is also available for those seeking a more vigorous workout.                

Civic/Culture

The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center sponsors art exhibits, concerts and plays and other cultural activities throughout the year. The 4,000 seat Tucker Coliseum on the Arkansas Tech University campus provides an ideal venue for concerts, festivals and other activities. Citizens can also participate in the many civic, service and cultural clubs in the area including Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Junior Auxiliary, United Way, and Boys & Girls Club.

source:  Alliance for Economic Development

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