PARKS COMMITTEE Department of Parks and Tourism, Parks Conference Room, 1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock January 16, 2019, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Committee Members Present Eric Jackson, Chair Ron Gossage Jim Shamburger Bill Barnes Kaleen Griffith Cindy Smith John Gill

Committee Members Absent Danny Ford Ness Sechrest

Advertising Committee Members Present Mike Wilson Austin Albers

ADPT Staff Present Cynthia Dunlap Jeff King Grady Spann Randy Roberson Shea Lewis Mike Wilson Kevin Carr Melinda Miller Kelly Farrell John Beneke Joe Jacobs Zach Foster Marcel Hanzlik LaJeana Carroll

CJRW Jennifer Morgan

Miles Media Susie Kardas Amanda Stewart

Call to Order Committee Chair Eric Jackson called the meeting to order at 1:59 p.m.

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Presentation of Minutes from Parks Committee Meeting

Grady Spann requested approval for the October 17, 2018, Parks Committee Meeting minutes.

Jim Shamburger moved to approve the minutes from the October 17, 2018. Austin Albers seconded and the motion carried.

General high-level overview: Grady Spann reported this has been the fourth wettest season on record. First Day Hikes in Arkansas more than doubled the number of participants over last year. This year’s warmer temperatures boosted attendance; weather plays an important role in park visitation. War Memorial Stadium - The AAA football championship was completed without any problems; the weather was perfect for the first weekend and very wet the second weekend. Arkansas State Parks (ASP) and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF) are working on the first of several Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area this will add approximately 15 miles to an existing trail. ASP will work with CJRW to coordinate a media release and announcement. John Gill noted APRF had approved the contract for the tunnel and Rogue Trails is working along the lake on leased U.S. Corps of Engineers property. Spann announced he was selected as chairman for the National Association of State Parks Directors State Park Leadership School (NASPD SPLS) Board of Regents. Kelly Farrell and Jeff King are recent graduates of the two-year program. Sixteen subjects are covered each year in three days with a comprehensive exam. Kelly Farrell was named Co-Valedictorian for the graduating class. Shea Lewis reported ASP staff is working to set goals and objectives for the new performance review system. Lewis stated he and Grady will be scheduling meetings with section managers to give assignments and deadlines. Spann remarked ASP is working with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office to resolve the DeRoche Ridge Campground construction issue at DeGray Lake Resort State Park (DLRSP) currently waiting on a response from the bonding company. Spann reported ASP will have to bid out the reservation system at the end of this fiscal year in accordance of state purchasing laws. Spann stated the Human Resource cap is having a negative impact on the parks; ASP is authorized for 805 positions, but have been capped at 750. Spann remarked continued closures for renovations and infrastructure repairs at Bull Shoals– White River, Village Creek, , DeGray Lake Resort State Parks, negatively impacted the revenue this past year.

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High-level financial overview Joe Jacobs reported total revenue of $28,431,445, this was the first decrease reported in total revenue since 2010. However, this was still the second best year recorded despite the facility closures at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Village Creek State Park and Ozark Folk Center State Park. Marina rentals and camping revenue reported their best year ever.

Revenue and Expense snapshot, top 10 revenue parks Joe Jacobs reported the top 11 revenue parks reported $21,300,728 total revenue which accounts for 74.88 percent of the ASP total revenue. The top 11 revenue producing parks were , DeGray, Petit Jean, Crater of Diamonds, Queen Wilhelmina, Ozark Folk Center, Lake Catherine, Devil’s Den, Village Creek, Bull Shoals, and State Parks; four of these parks have experienced facility or campground closures during the year for renovations/repairs.

Revenue snapshot, top 10 revenue buckets Jacobs reported that the marina rentals and camping revenue reported the best year ever and the restaurants reported the second best year and gift shops the third best years on record.

Reservations (indicator of future business) Jacobs reported future reservations just under 5 million for the next two years. Visitor demographics break down by state 44% from Arkansans, and 56% from out of state, Texas second highest with 16%. Reservation system breaks down 41% from the website/online, almost 11% call center and 48% in the park.

Website Personalization Susie Kardas reported Miles Partnership is testing how minor changes to the website can increase booking. Changes to the images on the hero page and targeting specific visitors based on location. A current test for Queen Wilhelmina State Park’s landing page included an “available this week” and larger “book now” button resulted in a 6% lower bounce rate and an increase in the number of people utilizing the online reservations site after one week. Discussion ensued.

Significant personnel developments Shea Lewis summarized the Human Resource cap of 750 positions is below the 805 total allocated positions; at any given time, there must be about 55 positions vacant within ADPT. Most of the recent staffing changes utilize transfers or promotions as these are not affected by the cap. The field is experiencing key vacancies as staff juggles to stay below the cap and it is affecting the ability of the parks to serve the public. Cynthia Dunlap remarked ADPT has requested an increase in the capped positions, however, the Governor’s Office is not willing to increase it at this time due to Transformation. The Governor’s Office has agreed to consider 3 providing a small temporary leeway of five or maybe more positions in the hiring cap with proper justification. Discussion followed.

Promotions/transfers/departures Shea Lewis announced that Daniel Brown is the new Superintendent at White Oak Lake State Park. Cheryl Vincent was promoted to Superintendent at Lake Catherine State Park. Brandy Oliver transferred back to Assistant Superintendent at . Jonathan Wagner is the new Assistant Superintendent at Lake Poinsett State Park. Leita Spears was promoted to Chief Interpreter at Historic Washington State Park. Sam Files is the new Interpreter at . Reginald Tyler is the new Engineering Technician in Planning and Development. Kim Suggs transferred from Purchasing and is the new Administrative Analyst in Operations. Anna Howe is the new Emergency Services, Administrative Specialist.

Key Vacancies Lewis reported the following key vacancies: Assistant Superintendents at Delta Heritage Trail, Lake Catherine, and Crater of Diamonds State Parks. There are vacancies for Interpreters at Logoly, Mississippi River, and Historic Washington State Parks. A Lodge Manager position is vacant at Mount Magazine State Park. War Memorial Stadium vacant positions Stadium Manager and an Office Manager. Operations has several vacancies Operations Task Force Skilled Tradesmen, Trail Crew, Superintendent Trainees, and a Records Management Analyst. Program Services has an opening for a Commercial Graphic Artist. Outdoor Grants has a vacant Administrative Specialist III positions. In addition, ASP now has 16 various Maintenance positions and 13 Facility Specific positions in the field in various parks. Grady Spann remarked the vacancies are affecting the parks level of service; exempt employees are working more hours and covering other duties. Discussion followed.

Capital Projects Jeff King gave an update on the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Dashboard and a demonstration of how to maneuver around within the Dashboard. King announced SPRTC commissioners will receive login access and instructions to access the CIP dashboard including the CIP summary information.

Jeff King remarked the Village Creek State Park’s ongoing pipe replacement project has been delayed; the contractor ordered the wrong pipe and currently waiting on the correct pipe to be delivered. DeRoche Ridge Campground at DeGray Lake Resort State Park ASP is waiting on the proposal from the Attorney General’s Office and the bonding company for a resolution for the damaged areas. Mississippi River State Park and employee residence and maintenance facility at Storm Creek Lake, the contractor is behind and had some issues with power from the electric company; the project is close to substantial completion. Discussion ensued. Lake Catherine State Park will probably not see a resolution for the small number of repairs needed 4 from the contractor since the contractor has declared bankruptcy. Will need to remove this project from this list.

King stated the Visitor Center is completed and the park has moved into their new offices. The dedication will be held on March 8, 2019. At Delta Heritage Trail State Park, the Rohwer to Watson construction project is underway. War Memorial Stadium has begun bid opening for the turf replacement, upgrade to locker rooms, and establishing the command center. Arkansas City housing for Delta Heritage Trail State Park is approved, the purchase order requires a dry work site for ten days and the weather is causing a delay. Discussion followed.

Significant Repair and Maintenance Items Jeff King reported the Withrow Springs State Park swimming pool design is underway by CEI and anticipate opening date by Memorial Day. ASP is also working on a plan to upgrade the spring site to make it relative to the namesake. King commented on Lake Poinsett State Park’s lake was drawn down by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; lake will remain closed for a couple of years while AG&FC does repairs.

Interpretive/education programs

Kelly Farrell provided an update on programs services. This calendar year parks offered 39,340 programs for around 542,167 guests for school and public programs offered in the parks and out of the parks. This lower number shows the human resources cap is affecting the services offered to our guests and the wetter year has an effect on visitation. Some of the difference could also be the difference is staff tracking the program visitation. Fewer school programs are conducting in the fall and winter and most of the seasonal interpreters are employed during the spring, and summer months.

SCORP

Zack Foster presented the 2019-2020 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCOPR). The SCORP must be completed for outdoor grants to receive federal grants. This is a statewide program, not just state parks. This document is designed to improve outdoor recreation in Arkansas. The SCORP guides outdoor recreation providers and directs The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funds. Arkansas has awarded $52 million LWCF funding since 1964 and awarded over 800 grants to 250 different sponsors.

Property Developments

Randy Roberson gave updates on the following parks: 5

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park West Acquisition Phase III Report received on 10/18/18 for $495,000.00 Offer accepted 1/2/19. Anticipated closing 2/28/19.

Petit Jean State Park Soundcraft Acquisition – Final walk-thru completed 11/7/18 with repairs completed. Full ownership transfer complete

Petit Jean State Park Tanyard Springs – Seller submitted an offer to ASP through Broker/Agent on 1/3/19. Discussion ensued. John Gill stated the offer is not from the seller, but an offer to purchase.

Jacksonport State Park Ganz Property – Seymore Acquisition appraised for $26,100.00. Next step is to complete the 22- 4-106 process with letter to Governor Hutchison.

Powhatan Historic State Park Davis Property – SPRTC memo for January meeting. SPRTC approval for the 22-4-106 process was granted in August of 2018. Per A.C.A. 22-6-501 COSL is authorized to transfer lands to state agencies. Prepared Donation deeds were sent to ASP for recording at Lawrence County, AR courthouse. Deeds were officially recorded on 12/11/18.

Hampson Archeological Museum State Park New Museum Property on November 8, 2018, a meeting with Gaylon Lawrence, SPRTC Commissioners (Ford, Smith, Gill, Sechrest), Grady Spann, & REO at Hampson Museum to discuss Lawrence Group Appraisal. Meeting concluded with the decision to order a third appraisal with both groups agreeing on a company and splitting cost 50/50. Ferstl Valuation Services out of Little Rock was agreed by both parties on December 18, 2018. Lawrence Group paid $2,250.00 upon acceptance of the agreement. ASP to pay $2,250 by invoice after receipt of the written report. Site visit completed on January 3, 2019, Written Report due 30 business days after acceptance of the agreement. Report anticipated by February 5, 2019.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park Cedar Glen Exchange – The Nature Conservancy has completed survey and appraisal of 30-acre tract for inclusion in Cedar Glen holding. TNC currently marketing home and remaining 10 acres for sale for $985,000.

Emergency Services

LE Update

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Grady Spann provided updates for emergency services with a comparison of 1709 incidents reported in 2018 to 1864 incidents reported in 2017. There has been a slight increase in the number of 146 agency assists reported in 2018 to 38 reported in 2017; 18 rescues in 2018 down from 32 in 2017; arrests were up in 2018 with 127 reported compared to 101 reported in 2017. Six boating violations were reported in 2018; most of these were probably the result of the jet skis in the swimming area at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Typically Arkansas Game and Fish patrols the lakes and issues boating citations. The number of DWIs were down by 12. Spann shared this with his course at NASPD SPLS and many other states are not tracking their numbers.

Significant Marketing Efforts and Expenditures (Current/Planned) Grady Spann stated ASP plans to officially announce the first Monument Trail completed at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in March of 2019. ASP is working with CJRW to create the brand and a logo for the marketing effort for Monument Trails. SPRTC Commissioners will receive an invitation to the grand opening of the Monument Trail at Hobbs. These trails will be multi-use trails for mountain bikes, trail running, walking and hiking. Motorized vehicles and horses will not be permitted on the monument trails.

The Parks Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

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