New Petit Jean State Park superintendent named

LITTLE ROCK — Joe Buckley has been selected as park superintendent for Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas State Parks Director Greg Butts said. As superintendent, Joe Buckley, who has served as the park superintendent for the Ozark Folk Center State Park at Mountain View since 2011, will be responsible for all operations at the park. Buckley is replacing Park Superintendent Wally Scherrey, who retired June 30 after 39 years of service with Arkansas State Parks. Scherrey had been park superintendent at Petit Jean State Park since 1989.

“Joe has prepared himself to manage Petit Jean State Park,” Butts said. “Joe is a knowledgeable park professional with 15 years of progressive experience in the Arkansas State Park system. He has been park superintendent at the Ozark Folk Center State Park for the past two years. Prior to his move to the Ozark Folk Center, Joe was at Historic Washington State Park for six years as park superintendent. The Ozark Folk Center received the 2011-2012 Outstanding Maintenance Award under his leadership. Historic Washington State Park has received numerous awards under his leadership, including Region 4 and Overall Park of the Year in 2009-2010; and Outstanding Interpretive Program awards in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. Prior to his responsibilities at Historic Washington State Park, Joe was assistant superintendent at Petit Jean State Park for three years, and a park ranger at Petit Jean State Park for four years.”

Buckley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency administration management from Arkansas Tech University in 2004, an associate degree in criminal justice from Bossier Parish Community College in 1995, is a certified interpretive manager through the National Association for Interpretation, a certified and commissioned law enforcement officer, and an emergency medical technician.

For more information about Petit Jean State Park, call (501) 727-5441, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com.