State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission Summary

Communications

SPRTC Summary

SPRTC Summary for May 2013

State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission Summary

The following is a synopsis of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission meeting held at Mississippi River State Park in Marianna on May 15-16, 2013. For questions regarding this report, please contact Gloria Robins, executive assistant, at 501-682-7614. The next Commission meeting will be held June 19-20, 2013, in Texarkana.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Richard Davies reported that the Arkansas History Commission has a new state historian. Dr. Lisa Speer begins work on June 3.

The legislative session has concluded and more than 350 bills were passed that directly affect Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

Davies reported that he had received a letter from the superintendent of the Buffalo National River in response to Davies’ recent letter regarding the closing of campgrounds and restrooms along the scenic waterway. The letter outlined the issues leading to the closures, including lack of staff and budget cuts. Commissioners voted to send another letter to the higher level within the agency, reiterating the problems and possible health issues for visitors to the river and the lack of open restroom facilities.

The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) granted $15,235,023 earlier this week. Arkansas State Parks received $5.299 million, as did the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

The Commission voted to have Davies write a letter asking the Southwestern Electric Power Company to reconsider some of the proposed routes for new towers through the Ozarks region due to the impact the 160 foot towers would have on the aesthetics of the area.

TOURISM DIVISION

Research and Information Services: Section Report

The dedication of the new West Memphis Welcome Center is scheduled for May 28. The Research & Information Services Section processed 51,093 requests for travel information during April 2013, an increase of 190.4% from April 2012. The calendar year 2013 inquiry total is 76,544, an increase of 62.3% over the same time period in 2012. Contact Joanne Hinson at 501-324-1520 for details.

Communications: Section Report

The Geiger FAM tour was a success. Twenty journalists representing magazines, newspapers and radio programs visited sites in Little Rock and northwest Arkansas on the arts and culture tour. Contact Kat Robinson at 501-682-7606.

Group Travel: Section Report

Group Travel inquiries for the month of April 2013 were 602, up from 477 in April 2012. On April 21-26, a group from Japan (comprised of 19 students, seven teachers, and one tour coordinator) visited Little Rock and Hot Springs. Former Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau employee Mariko Cobb created the program. It is a joint effort between the Little Rock CVB, the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs. The program is sponsored by the Japanese Government. It is now in its third year and will be renewed. Contact Renee Robison at 501-682-1219.

Tourism Miscellaneous

Tourism Director Joe David Rice presented the Tourism Development report in Donna Perrin’s absence. The 30th annual National Tourism Week was observed on May 4-12. The deadline for the Fall/Winter Calendar of Events has passed. The events are now being proofed before being submitted for printing. Contact Donna Perrin at 501-682-1926.

Assistant Director of Tourism and Arkansas Great River Road Director Marla Crider reported on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission’s spring conference in Bettendort, Iowa. She commented on how people in the northern states build around their Great River Road and the river to create a tourism base tied to the scenic byway. Contact Marla Crider at 501-682-1120.

Internet-related Items

Aristotle reported a 186% increase in the number of visitors to Arkansas.com using mobile devices (tablets, smartphones, etc.) from April 2012 to April 2013. Arkansas’s tourism website placed #3 on Hitwise’s custom category “All 50 State Tourism Sites” for April 2013.

For more information contact Eudy at 501-374-4638.

Marketing/Advertising

Cranford Johnson Robinson and Woods presented revisions to the 2013-2014 Late Summer/Fall/Winter Marketing Plan. The Commission approved the campaign. Commissioners were also presented with an update on the “Create Your Escape” contest.

Parks Summary – May 2013

Arkansas State Parks summer TV and radio spots were approved as presented. For additional information contact Joe Jacobs or Joan Ellison at 501-682-6924.

Certificates of appreciation were approved for Jay Miller, Administrator of Program Services, for 36 years of service and to Gary Wagner, Skilled Tradesman Supervisor, for 29 years of service to Arkansas State Parks. For additional information contact Greg Butts at 501-682-7743.

As a result of the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council meeting May 8, Arkansas State Parks was awarded $5.299 million for FY 2014. Grant funds will be used for priority repairs, capital improvements, historical renovations and priority land acquisition. For additional information contact Greg Butts at 501-682-7743.

The Ozark Folk Center, located on the outskirts of Mountain View, celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 5, 2013. On that same date in 1973, a prestigious group dedicated a special Arkansas State Park, the Ozark Folk Center, to perpetuating the Ozark way of life. The Ozark Folk Center State Park celebrated 40 years of Ozark heritage with special craft demonstrations, music and events. For bookings or additional information contact the park at 870-269-3851 or online at www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.

Arkansas State Parks and US Forest Service officials took part in the dedication ceremony for Mississippi River State Park and grand opening for the visitor center located near Marianna on May 16. The event was well attended by local citizens and public officials from the area. The visitor center at Mississippi River State Park serves a joint agency center staffed by both Arkansas State Parks and US Forest Service employees. It serves as an information and interpretive center for the state park and the St. Francis National Forest. For bookings or additional information contact the park at 870-295-4040 or online at www.arkansasastate.parks.com.

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