W.D. and Ida Feaster

W.D. and Ida Feaster. The Names Behind Feaster Park. , Dr. W.D. and Ida Feaster were notable African American civic leaders and educators in Arkadelphia in the 20th century. Originally from South Carolina, they were educated at colleges and universities on the East Coast. In 1906 they moved to Arkansas, where Dr. Feaster, a minister and professor, served the Northern Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) by leading the West End church and superintending the affiliated Arkadelphia Presbyterian Academy, a co-ed elementary and secondary school for Black children. Mrs. Feaster became one of the teachers. They modernized the Academy, reforming its curriculum, expanding its facilities, growing its enrollment, and bringing the school acclaim within the denomination. , Dr. Feaster died in 1926, and the Arkadelphia Presbyterian Academy left the city in 1933 to consolidate with its sister academy in Cotton Plant. Mrs. Feaster remained a part of the Arkadelphia community until her passing at age 98 in 1979. During segregation, a portion of her property served as a community park for African Americans to play baseball and softball, hold family reunions, and enjoy the company of friends. In 1976, the City of Arkadelphia purchased these 67.6 acres from Mrs. Feaster for $97,400 to establish an official city park, which was named for the Feasters.