Westside Community Guide

T he growing city of Gravette actively strives to maintain the ideals of their city nickname, "e Heart of Hometown America." e popular Main Street businesses, community events, improved facilities, and welcoming residents all contribute to Gravette's hometown atmosphere. Gravette was founded in 1893 and was originally referred to as a "gate community" because it was once a gateway from Arkansas to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. E.T. Laura Gravett, the town's namesake, played a crucial role in establishing the town in the railroad system, which is what prompted much of Gravette's early development. e mystery remains as to how the additional "e" got added to the town name, but a popular story states the name resulted from confusion at the local post office with a town of a similar name. Local businesses are one of the driving forces in the city, and according to the City of Gravette, more than 80% of Gravette's registered businesses are small businesses with less than 20 employees each. However, Gravette's five largest businesses, such as the local hospital, employ nearly 1,000 people. e city has an impressive mixture of established businesses that have been around since Gravette's early years, as well as several incoming new businesses that are continuing to improve the diversity and strength of the local economy. Gravette has an active and strong Chamber of Commerce that is continually working to better the community for its residents. e Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce is responsible for several community events throughout the year that include the Gravette Community Easter Eggstravaganza, Gravette Community Fall Festival, which also features Trunk- or-Treat and a chili cook off, and Smoke on the Border. e Chamber also works to grow local businesses and provide networking opportunities for those businesses and the community. e Gravette School District consists of four schools and is a highlighted feature of the community. One of the unique aspects of the Gravette schools is they offer trade programs that allow students to learn skills in welding, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and machining. e school's facilities have recently undergone several renovations in hopes to better meet the needs of the students and community. e renovations include maximizing space in Glenn Duffy Elementary School, creating an area for robotics and technology classes in Gravette Middle School, adding space for Automotive Technology Service in e Career Center, and remodeling the Gravette High School gym. Gravette recently added a splash park to their park system, which has been a huge hit with residents and visitors. e 3,100 square foot park is next to the swimming pool and has several slides, themed water fountains, spray cannons, water dumping buckets, and more for kids of all ages to enjoy in the hot summer months. e splash park has continued on page 18 Gravette Provides Hometown Feeling to Community By Brittany Smith | NWA Democrat-Gazette 2019 Westside Community Guide – 17 Best Prices in the Highlands For All Your Household Storage • Boat & RV Parking • Security Gate Entrance • All Metal Buildings with Concrete Floors Units Size 5'x10' to 15'x30' 14141 Hiwasse Rd at the Highlands • Hiwasse | 2nd Location - Off Hwy 59 N • Centerton 479-855-2505

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