Greenbrier City Council Approves Historic Partnership with First Service Bank to Transform City Ball Fields into Operation Red, White, and Brave Park

The Greenbrier City Council has approved a landmark public-private partnership with First Service Bank that will transform the current Greenbrier City Ball Fields into Operation Red, White, and Brave (ORWB) Park, marking one of the largest private investments ever made in the City's parks system.

Through the agreement, First Service Bank will invest $500,000 over the next 10 years toward improvements at the park, including synthetic turf for four baseball fields, restroom renovations, landscaping, entry enhancements, Veterans Walk, monument signage, and other park improvements. Combined with additional funding sources, the overall project is expected to exceed $1 million.

The project will create one of Central Arkansas' premier youth baseball facilities while honoring the men and women who have served our country through the naming of Operation Red, White, and Brave Park.

Operation Red, White, and Brave (ORWB) is First Service Bank's charitable foundation dedicated to serving veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families through community projects, financial assistance, scholarships, and patriotic initiatives across Arkansas.

Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick praised the partnership as a transformational investment in Greenbrier's future.

"This partnership represents the very best of what can happen when a local business and a city share the same vision. First Service Bank has been a tremendous community partner for many years, and this investment will benefit our youth, honor our veterans, and strengthen Greenbrier for generations to come. We are proud to welcome Operation Red, White, and Brave Park as part of our community."

The installation of synthetic turf will allow the park to host more tournaments and recreational events while reducing weather-related cancellations, lowering maintenance costs, and creating a better experience for athletes and families. The enhanced complex is projected to generate more than $1.2 million in annual direct economic impact, benefiting Greenbrier's restaurants, retailers, fuel stations, and other local businesses.

Jon Mike Barnard, Baseball Director for the Greenbrier Baseball Complex, said the project became possible because community leaders shared a common vision for the future of youth baseball in Greenbrier.

"Clayton Knighten, Matt McJunkins, and I were dead set on making this happen because we knew what it could mean for our kids and our community. Once the ball started rolling, it gained steam and turned into something really special. This project is proof of what can happen when the City, First Service Bank, and community partners come together around a shared vision. ORWB Park will create opportunities for generations of young athletes while giving Greenbrier a facility our entire community can be proud of."

Jon Patrom, Vice President of Marketing for First Service Bank, said the project reflects the bank's commitment to investing where it can make the greatest impact.

"Community banking is about more than providing financial services-it's about investing in the places where families live, children grow, and communities come together. ORWB Park represents our commitment to Greenbrier and our belief that when we invest locally, everyone benefits. This park will become a place where memories are made while also serving as a lasting tribute to those who have served our nation."

The project will also feature the continued development of Veterans Walk, a commemorative entrance honoring veterans, active-duty military personnel, fallen service members, and military families through engraved commemorative bricks, with proceeds supporting the Operation Red, White, and Brave Foundation.

Robin Hackett, Chief Operating Officer of First Service Bank, said the partnership reflects the bank's long-term commitment to Greenbrier.

"First Service Bank has proudly called Greenbrier home for nearly three decades. This partnership allows us to invest back into the community that has supported us throughout our history. Together with the City, we're creating something that will serve families, inspire future generations, and continue making Greenbrier a wonderful place to call home."

Rebecca Barnard, Chairman of the Operation Red, White, and Brave Foundation, said the naming of the park expands the Foundation's mission while honoring those who have served.

"Operation Red, White, and Brave was founded to serve those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Having our name on this park is about much more than recognition-it's about creating a place where patriotism, community, and service are celebrated every day. Veterans Walk will ensure that every family who visits the park is reminded of the men and women whose service made these moments possible."

In addition to the park improvements, the partnership recognizes First Service Bank as the exclusive financial institution partner of ORWB Park and reflects the bank's continued investment in Greenbrier through projects such as the city's playground sponsorship, Glisten in Greenbrier, and future community initiatives.

Construction planning will begin following execution of the final partnership agreement between the City of Greenbrier and First Service Bank.

First Service Bank is a community-focused financial institution that provides exceptional banking services to its customers. With a solid commitment to community impact and customer satisfaction, First Service Bank, headquartered in Faulkner County, has operated for more than 60 years and has locations in Clinton, Conway, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Maumelle, Mountain View, Saline County, Shirley, and Yellville. For more information, visit firstservicebank.com.

Operation Red, White, and Brave is the charitable foundation of First Service Bank dedicated to honoring and serving veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families through financial assistance, community service projects, scholarships, memorial initiatives, and programs that strengthen Arkansas communities.