STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs, AR February 18, 2016

Commissioners Present

Jim Dailey, Chair Weston Lewey Shash Goyal, Vice Chair Montine McNulty Bill Barnes Mike Mills Jay Bunyard Jim Shamburger LeRoy Dangeau Cindy Smith John Gill Mike Wilson Kalene Griffith Randy Wolfinbarger

Commissioners Absent

Danny Ford Bob Knight Ness Sechrest

Department Staff Present

Kane Webb, Executive Director Kris Richardson, Executive Assistant Grady Spann, Director, State Parks Joe David Rice, Tourism Director Ron Maxwell, Assistant Tourism Director Cynthia Dunlap, Central Administration Division Director Jeff King, Chief Park Planner Kelly Farrell, Program Services Manager Joe Jacobs, Marketing and Revenue Manager Monika Rued, Public Information Officer Shea Lewis, Region 5 Supervisor Leah DiPietro, Communications Manager Kristine Puckett, Tourism Development Manager Tiffany Knox, Welcome Center Administrator Miranda White, Research Manager Erik Holbrooks, Administrative Specialist, Tourism Division LaJeana Carroll, Administrative Specialist, Parks Division Zoie Clift, Travel Writer Katherine Stewart, Travel Writer Kirk Jordan, Chief Photographer Kim Suggs, Administrative Analyst Lee Howard, Superintendent, State Park SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 2

Richard Boyes, Superintendent, Lake Catherine State Park Caleb Howell, Superintendent, Crater of Diamonds State Park Mark Myers, Superintendent, Cheryl Vincent, Assistant Superintendent, Lake Ouachita Park

Aristotle Jennifer Peper Marla Johnson Dina Pruitt Laura Kirk Whitney Ward

CJRW Jennifer Morgan Shelby Woods Bill Fitzgerald Darin Gray Brian Kartkiewicz Brian Clark Jaclyn O’Bramovitz Joy Phillips Brandy Childress

Governor’s Office

Hannah Ray

Guests

Shane Carter, Clinton National Airport Representative Kelley Linck Bill Ott, Eureka Springs

Roll Call

Chair Jim Dailey called the meeting to order at 8:30 am on Thursday, February 18, 2016. Kris Richardson called roll.

Approval of Agenda

Chair Jim Dailey requested approval of the Agenda.

Leroy Dangeau moved to approve the Agenda. Mike Wilson seconded and the motion carried.

Presentation of Minutes from Previous Meeting

Chair Jim Dailey requested approval of the Minutes from the February meeting.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 3

Jim Shamburger moved to approve the Minutes from the February meeting. Weston Lewey seconded and the motion carried.

Jim Dailey thanked Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, Hot Springs CVB and Garvan Woodland Gardens for their hospitality and hosting dinner and meeting event for Commission and staff.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Cynthia Dunlap presented the year-to-date financial report for the period ended January 31, 2016. The expenditures were: Parks Division, $49,468,742 - including construction and grants; Tourism Division, $7,323,585; Keep Arkansas Beautiful, $263,012; Administration Division, $1,937,767; and History Commission, $1,150,539. Expenditures for the Department totaled $60,143,645 an increase of 11.2% over the same period FY15. The year-to-date revenues included - operating revenue for Parks Division of $16,188,536, an increase of 14% over the same period FY15; 1/8% Cent Tax revenues of $18,123,999, an increase of 4.43% over the same period FY15; and 2% Gross Tax collections of $9,817,680, an increase of 9.1% over the same period FY15.

Mike Mills moved to approve the Financial Report as presented. Jay Bunyard seconded and the motion carried.

Discussion ensued about general revenue; Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism (ADPT) will use other sources of revenue not intended for operating expenses. Questions arose about how this compares with other agencies, Kane Webb commented, “I believe all agencies took a 1% cut last year.” State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission (SPRTC) recommended appointing a subcommittee to evaluate general revenue loss.

The amount allocated for retirement relocation was discussed, appropriation is $228 thousand. ADPT did not fund the retirement and relocation in the beginning of the fiscal year until ADPT knew the amount 2% tax they would receive.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Queen Wilhelmina - Morning Glory Train Update

Kane Webb, Grady Spann, Joe Jacobs, Jon Brown, Shew Lewis and Jim Shamburger visited Queen Wilhelmina State Park’s Morning Glory Train concessionaire. Joe Jacobs from Marketing and Revenue stated the Waggoner family indicated in a previous email they wanted out of the train business. The Waggoner family is not available to meet until early March. The Morning Glory Train is required by contract to be open by Memorial Day.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 4

Group discussion arose about the lease and restoration and responsibility of removal. Concessionaire’s original idea for the building was to make it a convenience store. ADPT feels this is a viable location and idea for the property. SPRTC recommends Arkansas State Parks (ASP) examine the convenience store idea.

Millwood Update

Superintendent Mark Myers reported the number of floods in 2015/2016 was a rare event, ASP recommends building smarter flood resistant structures and reducing the number of campsites. Millwood serves an underserved population and area of the state. The lake provides fishing, it is an Audubon recognized Important Bird Area and offers the only marina on the lake. Discussion followed about the Corp of Engineers managing lake levels. SPRTC stated ASP has it under control and is monitoring the situation. Park staff is commended for the dedication to maintaining the park. John Gill inquired about the possibility of leasing land on higher ground and more discussion followed.

PARKS DIVISION

Lake Dardanelle – Russellville Marina Lease Agreement

Jeff King requested approval to enter into a Supplemental Lease Agreement to reduce the lease area for Lake Dardanelle State Park by approximately 0.129 acres to accommodate expansion of the Russellville Marina's facilities and operations on Lake Dardanelle. This agreement will allow usage of approximately 0.129 acres of Corp of Engineers property, leased by ASP, to be utilized by Russellville Marina for construction, operation, and maintenance of a new breakwater, transient boat slips, and a boat travel lift. The current lease expires October 28, 2030. Jim Shamburger moved to approve the Supplemental Lease Agreement at Lake Dardanelle State Park to Russellville Marina for the remainder of the 50 year lease expiring on October 29, 2030: to reduce the current lease area for Lake Dardanelle State Park by approximately 0.129 acres, more or less. John Gill seconded and the motion carried.

Plantation Agriculture – Structure Removal

Jeff King reported the maintenance building (Building No. 43.06/AASIS No.120006406) is a 1,200 square foot cinderblock structure original to the property when brought into the park system but does not have any historical significance. It was used as a maintenance building until it was deemed unsafe in 2010. The building is substandard by park system standards, OSHA and Department of Labor. The structure has outlived its usefulness. Plantation Agriculture Museum plans to replace this structure with a new maintenance building funded by the FY 15 Arkansas SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 5

Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) grant award. A replacement will allow for additional public restrooms for park visitors and a new maintenance facility.

Mike Mills moved to approve based on the information presented; the Commission finds the structure obsolete notwithstanding the insured value and approved the removal of maintenance building (Building No. 43.06/AASIS No. 120006406) from Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park inventory. Jim Shamburger seconded and the motion carried.

Recreational Trails Program Federal Funding Update

Jeff King reported the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program grants (RTP) federally funded programs for the purpose of building and maintaining motorized, non-motorized, and multiple-use trails, local, county, state, and private non-profit agencies are eligible to apply for funds, providing access by the general public is available throughout the life of the project. The TAP and RTP Programs are managed by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) and are reimbursement-type grant programs, providing for an 80 percent federal share and a 20 percent local match, which is required from the eligible sponsor.

Following SPRTC approval February 19, 2015, planning staff submitted the eight applications for the FY 15 TAP and RTP Grant cycle on May 1, 2015. On December 21, 2015, the Arkansas State Highway Commission awarded three of the four ASP projects submitted for funding by the RTP. The awarded grant amounts: 1. Delta Heritage Trail - Rohwer to Watson segment - 9.5 miles, $500,000 (total project estimate = $1.65 million). 2. Mount Magazine - Cabin & Lodge Barrier Free Trail - 0.5 miles, $103,962 (total project estimate = $129,952). 3. Cane Creek - Connector Trail & Boardwalk - 0.2 miles, $157,266 (total project estimate = $196,582). TOTAL AWARDED: $761,228.00 Discussion followed about the additional projects at Delta Heritage Trail State Park with ASP moving forward with two projects.

Jeff King updated the SPRTC request on January 21, 2016, the percentage of repairs and renovations to new facilities from the ANCRC grant request, 70% of the projects are for existing facilities and 30% of the requests are for new facilities or acquisitions. King noted there will be a report for the April SPRTC meeting.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 6

Spring TV & Radio Spots

Joe Jacobs requested approval for proposed spring radio and TV spots to be aired in March, April and May in conjunction with the Arkansas Broadcaster’s Association partnership.

Montine McNulty moved to approve the spring radio and TV spots as presented: Radio spot (60-second spots) Radio Cut #1: “Arkansas State Parks Adventure and Accommodations” Radio Cut #2: “Arkansas State Parks Website”

TV Spots (30-second spots) TV Cut #1: “Arkansas State Parks: Making Extreme Memories” TV Cut #2: “Arkansas State Parks: Making New Memories” TV Cut #3: “Arkansas State Parks: Historic Memories” Kalene Griffith seconded and the motion carried.

Discussion ensued about the possibility of an additional ad focused on the history and museum parks, the new focus will incorporate history and adventure into all the ads. ASP will add the history television spot. Discussion followed on incorporation of interpretive programs in the advertisements as well.

Revenue and Occupancy

Joe Jacobs reported on the January revenue increases of slip rentals, camping, gift shops, lodges, and restaurants; the total January revenue was $863,874. January occupancy is not showing the same increase in revenue for two reasons: increased rates and more facilities were built. Discussion followed.

Social Media

Monika Rued reported ASP launched into social media in 2008, currently with 81 thousand followers, but only about 16% will view posts. The goal is to present a consistent and uniform branding through social media and advertisements.

Online Marketing and Development

Dina Pruitt with Aristotle reported on ASP website stats for January, 100 thousand visitor sessions almost a 2.1% increase over last year. The ASP web page has shown an increase in mobile traffic which was an element of the redesign, to make the site responsive for mobile devices. Additional focus of the redesign was to increase the prominence for the “book online” button. January shows 26 thousand total clicks, over a 100% increase compared to last year. SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 7

Questions arose on the connection of increased traffic to the increase in revenue; with separate platforms it is difficult to link the data.

Whitney Ward reported on the Ozark Highlands Radio website focus on a podcast feel, ASP anticipated 500 views the first month, but the page exceeded that expectation with over 300 visitors the first week. Integrated Sound Cloud allows for easier sharing and the archives will contain all previous shows. Branding and cross promoting the Cabins at Dry Creek and the Skillet Restaurant will be a focus.

Upcoming projects include a blog page redesign to be more responsive and the Trails application will be updated and integrated with geographic information system. Discussion followed regarding capturing data from Sound Cloud clicks. Southwest Trail

Mike Sprague presented The Southwest Trail a rails to trails concept of creating a 56 mile bike trail linking Little Rock to Hot Springs utilizing the old Rock Island Line railroad right-of-way and that of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Future expansion could include connecting to the Northeast Texas Trails linking Dallas to Northeast Texas. In addition, mountain bikers could use this trail to access the LOViT Trail, Ouachita Trail and the Womble Trail, all recognized as Epic Trails by the Mountain Bike Association. Total estimated cost for The Southwest Trail project is $33 million.

Jim Shambuger moved for the Commission to offer a resolution in support of the proposed Southwest Trail project. Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried.

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The proposed Southwest Trail “rails to trails” concept would create a 65 mile bike trail linking Little Rock to Hot Springs utilizing the former Rock Island Line railroad right-of-way and that of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The proposed 65-mile Southwest Trail bicycle path would connect communities, amenities and points of interest of Central Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, the trail would give local residents access and a place to appreciate their surroundings and provide a nearby place to recreate and connect with others who use the trail; and

WHEREAS, the trail would attract visitors to Central Arkansas to experience its natural surroundings, historical and cultural amenities, and people and communities; and SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 8

WHEREAS, the trail would provide economic stimulus to not only the route’s corridor, however to the greater Central Arkansas region; and

WHEREAS, in addition, mountain bikers could use this trail to access the LOViT Trail, Ouachita Trail and the Womble Trail all recognized as Epic Trails by the International Mountain Bicycling Association; and

WHEREAS, future expansion could include connecting to the North East Texas Trails linking Dallas to Northeast Texas; and

WHEREAS, Garland, Saline and Pulaski counties want to create a trail network that will establish safe, continuous corridors throughout the community that promote outdoor recreation, facilitate non-motorized transportation and highlight the natural and cultural resources of the community. The proposed Southwest Trail would complement the existing historical and cultural fabric and would serve to make the three counties an even greater place to live.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission hereby supports the concept of the proposed Southwest Trail.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission is pleased to adopt and approve this resolution on February 18, 2016.

STATE PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL COMMISSION

/S/ Jim Dailey, Chair

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

/S/ Kane Webb, Executive Director

Food Service Workshop / ASP Top Chef Competition

Shea Lewis reported on the Fourth Annual Food Service Workshop, a recent training event for the ASP restaurants. The workshop involved presentations at Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute (PTC-CAHMI) and the Top Chef Competition with the focus this year being Arkansas products; each ASP team partnered with two PTC-CAHMI students. The second day included a tour of Superior Bathhouse Brewery to see the unique approach to their business and focus using Arkansas products. ASP staff shared best practices and ideas including hiring, training and retaining quality employees.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 9

Program Services Exhibit Updates / Eagle Weekends

Kelly Farrell reported on exhibit updates with a sneak peek of Davidsonville Historic State Park Visitor Center. It has an almost life size flat boat exhibit inside the center. The SPRTC will be invited to the ribbon cutting event in April. In addition, a glimpse of the exhibits becoming a reality with the dedication scheduled for June. ASP interpreters are busy during the winter months taking visitors for eagle tours and on hikes while connecting people to the resource and making memories.

Parks Miscellaneous

Grady Spann mentioned Davidsonville Historic State Park and the replica hunter/trapper flat boat was built by John Cooper. Mr. Cooper and his family will present a living history program during the dedication.

Grady Spann noted Highway 220, the last gravel highway in Arkansas, will be paved near Devil’s Den State Park. ASP has allowed the construction company to keep their construction trailer in the park during the paving project.

Grady Spann reported on a fatal gunfire incident resulting in the Mountain Pine police chief wounded. The article mentioned several agencies responded but they incorrectly identified as it should have said, Arkansas State Park Rangers responded. Recognized Superintendent Lee Howard and Assistant Superintendent Robert Hauger of were on the scene alongside the ambulance and assisted working on the wounded police chief and securing the scene. It is important to recognize that ASP officers are some of the best-trained park officers in the state. ASP runs cities and ASP responds and supports many agencies across the system.

John Gill moved to approve Certificates of Appreciation to Lee Howard and Robert Hauger for their actions on January 27, 2016, in response to the Mountain Pine call. Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried.

TOURISM DIVISION

Directors Office

Richard McKeown, of CJRW, informed the Commission that in 1886, Spring Training began in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He advised an interview with Larry Fowley who made the documentary entitled The First Boys of Spring, will air on the MLB Network Sunday, February 21. McKeown shared a clip of the interview with the Commission.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 10

Ron Maxwell, Deputy Tourism Director, stated that a screening of The First Boys of Spring will take place at the 42nd Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Springdale.

Joe David Rice, Tourism Director, shared several articles with the Commission regarding Jon Jarvis, National Park Service Director, who had a recent visit to Central High School National Park.

Maxwell advised that Commissioners have rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn, which is the host hotel for the Governor’s Conference. Maxwell stated that presently there are 242 registrations and $28,000 pledged in sponsorships thus far.

Rice presented sketches of a proposed Main Street Welcome Center to the Commission, which would be located in downtown Little Rock. The Welcome Center would be open 8 am -5 pm and have a security guard. This would be a place where visitors could pick up brochures about area attractions and the rest of the state. Rice stated that it should be open by the end of the fiscal year. Ann Laidlaw, Director of the State Building Authority, presented the space to the Department.

Tourism Development

Kristine Puckett, Tourism Development Manager, stated that Arkansas Delta Byways purchased ad space in Arkansas Wild and Fish Arkansas publications. Ozark Gateway has developed and produced post cards featuring scenic areas in their region and information on the back of the postcard on how to receive their regional brochure.

Puckett announced that Amy E. Jones has been hired as the new Tourism Development Consultant.

Welcome Centers

Tiffany Knox, Welcome Center Administrator, informed the Commission that a Managers Meeting took place at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in January. Knox stated that the meeting was a success.

Knox presented photos of the Red River and Harrison Welcome Centers. Ground work for the new centers has begun.

Knox shared a comment card from the Bentonville Welcome Center which read: We moved to Bella Vista from Kansas City, MO, because we stopped at the Visitor Center two years ago and were so impressed with the friendliness of the staff and the beauty of Bella Vista. Knox also shared a visitor’s letter from Australia complementing the staff at the West Memphis Welcome Center. SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 11

Lastly, Knox stated that Sheila Ward, of the Blytheville Welcome Center, went above the call of duty to assist a gentleman of St. Charles, MO, who had fallen and become unresponsive at the Center. Ward immediately began chest compressions while an AHTD employee performed CPR. After 10 minutes of treatment, the visitor began breathing on his own. An ambulance arrived and took the gentleman to Great River Medical Center for further evaluation.

John Gill moved to approve a Certificate of Appreciation to Sheila Ward for her heroic duties at the Blytheville Welcome Center. Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried.

Research & Information Services

Miranda White, Research Manager, presented the Research and Information Services Section report to the Commission. The section processed 10,107 requests for travel information during January 2016, an increase of 20.4% from January 2015. Online media requests accounted for 78.8% of all inquiries, while traditional media requests were only 21.2%. There were significantly more online requests in January 2016 than 2015 with an increase of nearly 25%. However, of all media, newspaper saw the greatest change from January 2015 with a 517% increase.

The total number of vehicles stopping at Arkansas Welcome Centers increased 7% compared to January 2015. The total number of visitors increased 6.77% from January 2015. The ratio of travelers to vehicles for January 2016 was 1.97.

There were a total of 40,478 visitors who requested assistance from Travel Counselors during the month of January 2016. The total number of tourists assisted in January 2015 was 37,913.

White stated that as of January 1, she implemented the following updates: 1. Eliminated a number of questions the Travel Consultants were asking 2. Began using a new daily tabulation sheet 3. Implemented a new survey instrument 4. Launched new cloud-based system to log data

Communications

Leah DiPietro, Communications Manager, shared a map of Arkansas depicting each travel writers designated area.

DiPietro informed the Commission that Cabela’s Sporting Dog Adventures Media Tour was hosted by the Delta Resort in Tillar. The group included host Jeff Fuller and a three person crew. The show will air on several television networks including Discovery Channel Destination America and Time Warner cable in NC, SC and TX.

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 12

DiPietro announced that Travels with Darley airs on AETN statewide Tuesdays at 10:30 pm. The “Southern States Road Trip” episode, featuring footage from her tour of Arkansas, will air March 22. Newman will be a speaker at the Governor’s Conference.

Arkansas Tourism received two awards from the North American Travel Journalist Association. The Department was the Gold Prize Winner for Social Media or Marketing Campaign: Barkansas Photo Contest. The Department was the Grand Prize Winner for Destination Marketing Organization: “For their creative and well-executed marketing strategy [Barkansas].”

Lastly, DiPietro presented top social media posts and pictures of January activities.

Group Travel

Tracy Morales, Group Travel Manager, shared that she attended the International Research and Marketing Joint Committee Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on January 20.

Morales shared that the top overseas visitor markets for Travel South USA in 2014 were Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany.

The American Bus Association Showcase took place January 8-12, in which Morales attended with Amanda Glover and other A-Team members. The event took place in Louisville, KY. Morales gave away Apple watches as door prizes to those who won “Guitar Hero” at the Arkansas booth.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show took place February 5-7, in which Morales attended with Executive Director Kane Webb and Matt Bell of Harrison Chamber of Commerce. The event took place in Minneapolis, MN. The group distributed 3,400 motorcycle guides and 500 maps. Morales announced that 75% of the visitors that she spoke with had already biked Arkansas.

Lastly, Morales distributed Missouri’s motorcycle guide to the Commission, which looks identical in style to the Arkansas motorcycle guide.

Internet Related Items

Laura Kirk and Jennifer Peper presented the Commission with Aristotle’s internet-related items. It was reported that the motorcycle landing page on Arkansas.com has been updated to match the motorcycle guide. The updated design includes: logo, colors, fonts, icons, route maps, route attractions and social sharing. New features include five new on-road and dual sport routes along with a new trails database.

The Regional Tourism Associations landing page is now accessible through the ‘plan’ toolbar on the homepage of Arkansas.com. SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 13

It was reported that 47% of consumers expect a web page to load in two seconds. Arkansas.com loads in 1.9 second, while surrounding states take between 11 and 15 seconds to load.

Phone and tablet devices saw 196,201 visitor sessions for January 2016, which brought in 69,582 sales leads. A total of 166,790 sales leads equal 5,380 per day. Total visitor sessions for January 2016 were 354,667, a 4.5% decrease over January 2015.

Slides were presented to the Commission showing the upcoming Native American Heritage landing page. The site should launch soon, and will match the guidebook in design.

Campaigns drive visitors to the website, and ‘Barkansas’ did just that. A new campaign is in the works entitled ‘Parkansas’ which will feature parks around the state.

Advertising Items

Joy Phillips and Brandi Childress presented the Commission with CJRW’s advertising items. It was stated that of the Fall/Winter 2015 Post Buy Analysis in the five markets that were purchased, two performed below the industry standard of 90%; Little Rock at 87% for weekend news, and Jonesboro at 88% for weekend sports. All underperforming stations will run additional spots at no cost within the Spring/Summer campaign to make up the rating point deficit.

Listed below is the recommended Spring/Summer 2016 Television Schedule, with the previously approved budget of $2,443,611. Phillips reminded the Commission that this is already approved money, and that the Commission is now requested to approve the recommended scheduling of ads.

Cable: Run for five weeks – April 4-May 22 Average reach – 84.4% of Adults 25-54 Average frequency – 5.0 Total impressions – 28,433,864 Total Budget - $1,327,012

Broadcast: Run for five weeks – April 4-May 22 Average reach – 71.8% of Adults 25-54 Average frequency – 5.7 Total impressions – 59,976,000 Total Budget - $1,068,899

SPRTC Minutes February 18, 2016 Page 14

Hispanic: Run for five weeks – April 4-May 22 Spots airing in Northwest and Central Arkansas, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston Total impressions – 1,325,486 Total Budget - $47,750

Jay Bunyard moved to approve the Spring/Summer 2016 Television Schedule as presented to the Commission. Shash Goyal seconded and the motion carried.

Adjournment

The State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission adjourned at 12:55 pm on February 18, 2016, at Garvan Woodlands Gardens, Hot Springs, AR.