Established in 1999, Sparks Health System is a fully integrated, not-for profit healthcare delivery system. Sparks Regional Medical Center offers a full range of medical specialties and advanced diagnostic facilities with the latest technologies to ensure that our patients receive the very best care. Our full-service health system also includes the physicians and clinics that are part of the , comprised of 12 non-physician community members and 6 physician members, ensures that Sparks Health System is continually committed to the development of advancements in medical excellence and above all to meeting the needs of our patients.
Established in 1998, Sparks Medical Foundation (Sparks Health System's integrated physician-practice organization) includes about 85 Sparks-employed physicians in 37 clinics in the greater Fort Smith area. Sparks Medical Foundation, which serves as the clinic support network for Sparks Health System and the cornerstone of the Sparks PremierCare network, plays a major role in the recruitment and retention of quality physicians to serve residents of the River Valley.
The Region's scenic beauty is a hallmark of our quality of life, but is certainly not its only outstanding asset. Fort Smith is also noted for the strong work ethic of its citizens, the clean and progressive industry that drives the economy, a burgeoning tourism trade, a thriving business and retail base and a strong agricultural tradition. Our diverse and stable economic base prospers because of abundant natural resources, an educated workforce, professional medical facilities, award-winning schools, outstanding transportation network and quality of life
The arts are alive in Fort Smith! Live bands, symphony performances, theatrical productions and art exhibits highlight local talent and attract special guests. The Fort Smith Symphony features the oldest orchestra in the state and performs multiple concerts each year.
The University of Arkansas Fort Smith Season of Entertainment features national touring theatre and musical productions as well as the "Season on the Green," a series of free outdoor performances. Every fall, the Riverfront Blues Fest electrifies Harry E. Kelley Park and draws famous artists. The Old Fort Days Rodeo and the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair are annual events at Kay Rodgers Park and attract some of the best talents in North America.
The Greater Fort Smith Region features some of the best homes in the southwest that are available in all price ranges, neighborhood types and ages. With gentle rolling hills, the Ozark and Boston mountains, pristine lakes and wooded areas wrapping in and around the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, the rustic beauty of the region is hard to find anywhere else.
The Greater Fort Smith Region enjoys a cost of living that consistently ranks among the lowest five in the nation. Residents enjoy an overall cost of living that is 87.4 percent of the national average according to the federal cost of living reports. In fact, Forbes Magazine recently named Fort Smith as the number one city in America for cost of living based on cost of housing, utilities, transportation and other expenditures.
Our climate complements our natural beauty which is just as pleasant as our people. The sun shines on Fort Smith more than 200 days each year with an average annual high of 72 degrees and an average low of 49 degrees. Fort Smith annually receives, on average, 44 inches of precipitation and 7 inches of snow. Our temperate highs and lows make Fort Smith ideal for outdoor activities from playing in the Arkansas River, hiking through one of the state parks, enjoying one of the many golf courses or parks and even strolling through our beautiful and historic downtown.
