Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association

Bob Blake

Pulaski County

Outstanding Arkansas 4-H Alumnus, 2012

Bob Blake came to Arkansas from New Jersey in 1971 with the Air Force and was stationed in Jacksonville where he was an Athletic Specialist. He was the city of Maumelle's first Parks director in 1975 and graduated from UALR in 1977 with a degree in Recreation.

Bob then worked a the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he supervised city wide events like College spring break activities, 4th of July events and the New York Yankees Spring Training.

He returned to Arkansas in 1984 to work at the Air Base again as a civilian in charge of all of the Recreation facilities on the base from the bowling center to the golf course. He became the Fordyce Parks and Recreation Director in 1995 and helped with the construction of the Civic Center.

Bob became the C. A. Vines State 4-H Center director in 1996. In his 17 years as Center Director he has seen many changes at the center. He has added almost $7 million dollars in improvements to the center including:
Cabe Hall
The Hydroponic Garden and Patio
Reynolds Education Wing
Reynolds Lodging Unit
4 Shooting Ranges

Bob has been a big supporter of Arkansas 4-H and especially the Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association. He attends the Annual Alumni Association Luncheons and gives an update on center programs and improvements. Bob was most helpful in finding a special place for the Alumni Memorial Bricks Walkway. He allowed us to use a prominent location just outside the front door of the center where everyone that comes to the center can see and enjoy. Since we started the Memorial Walkway we have laid over 200 bricks, raising money for scholarships

But most importantly he has impacted thousands of 4-Hers that have come through the 4-H center and has seen their development into outstanding citizens.

He and his wife Marsha live in Maumelle and have one adult son