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Parks director outlines growth in Jonesboro youth sports; city plans more swim lessons and programs

City Council of Jonesboro, Arkansas · January 6, 2026

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Summary

Interim parks director Jim Stearns told the council Jan. 6 that 7,772 children participated in city-run youth sports in 2025 and previewed multiple upcoming tournaments and registration numbers; staff said they plan to increase swim lessons and accessibility at park facilities.

Interim Parks Director Jim Stearns told the City Council on Jan. 6 that parks and recreation staff have focused on continuity and growth following organizational changes, reporting that 7,772 youth participated in parks sports programming in 2025.

Stearns listed recent and upcoming events — Miracle League Disc Golf Day, a Miracle League Christmas party, the Dr. Troy Bartels basketball tournament with more than 100 teams, and ongoing winter and spring academy sessions — and gave registration figures for current programs, including 190 participants in a winter soccer academy and more than 300 already registered for a spring volleyball academy.

"Every child who wants to play should have the opportunity at no cost, low cost chance to play whatever sport that they choose," Stearns said, describing the department's objective to expand participation while improving maintenance, accessibility and safety at parks facilities. He also said staff are working to add youth track and field and a Miracle League pickleball offering later in the spring.

Stearns invited council members to meet with parks staff or committees for further detail and stressed a commitment to transparency and accountability in parks operations as the department absorbs responsibilities previously managed by an external organization.

The mayor also noted the city has hired nine new firefighters and highlighted awards and recognitions the city received for infrastructure and emergency-response efforts during the mayor's report earlier in the meeting.