Jonesboro Development News

Parks Department Reports on Event Success, Facility Improvements, and New Programs

The Parks Department provided an update on various park activities and improvements. Key initiatives include the debut of a cashless payment option for sporting events, which has been used during late spring events. Craighead Forest Park hosted a successful Iowa Children's Festival and a benefit concert. Youth shooting sports competitions, including trap shooting, have seen high participation. The Joe Mac Campbell sports complex concluded its spring season with significant numbers of games, participants, and spectators across soccer, flag football, and baseball. Rugby is being reintroduced with a youth program. Volleyball and softball seasons are concluding, with assistance provided for several travel softball tournaments. A large baseball tournament, the Mountain Dew Classic, had its highest participation in eight years. Miracle League Sports has expanded to include kickball alongside baseball, with strong support from local police and fire departments. Pool operations are running well with adequate lifeguards. Key facility improvements include the installation of keyless entries at community centers for enhanced safety and the completion of improvements to the ATV trail at Craighead Forest Park using grant money for emergency access. Land is being cleared east of Joe MacCampbell Park for a new walking trail, also funded by a grant. Additionally, a $43,000 grant will fund the planting of 140 new trees in the fall. Discussions also occurred regarding the implementation of gates at Craighead Forest Park to improve security and track visitor numbers, as well as the placement of new signage regarding park rules like 'no smoking' and reminders to clean up after oneself. The department is working on improving data collection for participants and spectators to better track usage and revenue, particularly comparing current year data with previous years.