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Parks director: youth tournaments costlier than they appear; cashless option coming but cash will remain available
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Summary
Parks & Recreation Director Jim reported that two volleyball tournaments and a basketball season produced revenues but, after accounting for staffing and indirect costs, yielded a net loss; the department plans to roll out a cashless point‑of‑sale option for youth sports while still accepting cash, and aims to have pools operational by May 1.
Jonesboro’s Parks & Recreation director told the City Council that while some recent tournaments generated significant gross receipts, once staffing and indirect costs are accounted for the events produced little or negative net revenue.
Jim (first name used in the record) said the January icebreaker tournament produced $42,207 in revenue with direct expenses of about $32,000 and additional staff‑time costs that reduced profit to roughly $995. A later event generated $27,920 in revenue and negative direct receipts once full staffing costs were added; when the three recent events are combined, the department recorded a net loss of about $6,505 after allocating staff and indirect costs.
Jim told council the department has decided to provide a cashless point‑of‑sale option for youth sports and concessions and has evaluated vendors and internal options. He said the upfront cost to implement a cashless system is approximately $25,000 for initial equipment and that the broader parks rollout outside Craighead Forest will cost less than $20,000. He emphasized the city will continue to accept cash at events to avoid excluding residents who do not use cards or apps.
Council members pressed staff on equity and logistics; one councilor said the city should ensure alternatives for residents without cards and urged clear public messaging. Jim said staff will coordinate with communications and that cash will remain an accepted option.
Jim also reported pool staffing and programming: pools are targeted to open by May 1, 19 lifeguards are currently hired with a goal of 30, and youth sports signups include nearly 1,500 children for soccer and 300+ for flag football.
During public comment later in the meeting, skate advocates urged immediate repairs at Allen Park’s skate facility; Parks staff had already inspected the site and the department and volunteers will coordinate short‑term repairs ahead of longer‑term planning.
