Public commenter, committee weigh sports tourism advisory council and pool needs in Jonesboro

The Jonesboro Public Services Committee discussed whether to form a sports tourism advisory council, how that group would interact with the Parks Planning Advisory Committee and contracted facility managers, and concerns about the city's pool capacity and scheduling.

Chair summarized follow-up from a recent joint meeting with the Parks advisory group and noted that the A&P and Public Facilities Board had requested seats on the potential commission but that the city attorney had not yet advised whether those bodies could take voting spots. The chair asked committee members for input on whether a separate sports tourism advisory council should be created.

A committee member and public commenter Jay Clevenger—who provided his name and address for the record—asked whether a sports commission would oversee baseball and other activities at the recreation center and whether contracted management would be required to recruit events. "Would it include baseball? Would it include everything that's happening at the rec?" Jay Clevenger asked. He suggested hiring an A&P employee to report to staff and help vet vendors and bring proposals to the Public Services Committee.

Craig, speaking for staff, said the contracted sports facilities company (SFC) would take the lead on recruiting and booking events at the Ridge Athletic Center, and that the sports commission's role may be primarily coordinating: "Primarily, that will fall on sports facilities companies. That's what we've contracted them to do." Craig added that A&P and city departments would work with the sports facilities company and that staff would vet potential contractors.

Committee members discussed committee size and membership, noting some terms had expired and that the group should be kept a workable size rather than expanded too large. Members emphasized the need for a long-range event calendar so tournaments can be scheduled well in advance; one member said events "got to be scheduled last year, the year before" to secure dates.

Separate discussion focused on pools: a committee member said the National Parks and Recreation Association recommends one pool per 25,000 residents and said Jonesboro is well below that mark as the city approaches a population of 100,000, raising concerns about providing swim lessons and lifeguard training.

The committee closed the public-comment period and adjourned by voice vote.