Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission Meeting

By Jana Greenbaum, communications section manager
Arkansas Tourism

The following is a synopsis of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission meeting held November 15, at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena, Arkansas. For questions regarding this report, please contact Jana Greenbaum, communications manager, at (501) 682-7606.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Legislative Sub-Committee Report: The Parks & Tourism Legislative Subcommittee recently toured Village Creek State Park near Wynne and Parkin Archeological State Park. The group was impressed with progress of the new golf course at Village Creek and also with Parkin.

Miscellaneous: The state chamber of commerce’s leadership group will meet in Eureka Springs in November for an in-depth presentation on the tourism industry in Arkansas.

Richard W. Davies, executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, will address a national meeting of Sierra Club state leaders in California in December. Davies has been asked to share Arkansas’s efforts and subsequent success in the passage of the 1/8 cent tax for tourism. 

TOURISM DIVISION

"Welcome to America" video: The Walt Disney Company donated production of a seven-minute video depicting scenic and iconic travel destinations in the United States. The footage includes everyday people welcoming visitors to our country. The video will be shown in US airports as international visitors clear customs. 

Regional Tourist Association report: The committee appointed by the Commission to review the Regional Tourist Association guidelines and procedures has concluded its study. Chair Wade Williams reported that the system’s flexibility allows for each of the twelve regions to adapt their campaigns and focus their funding based on their individual needs and assets. Action items derived from the study will include an annual meeting for the regions to share their best practices. 

Communications: Section Manager Jana Greenbaum reported that Groundspeak, owners of www.Geocaching.com, recently visited the state to audit the Tourism Division’s implementation of the Cache In With the Natural State promotion. Shauna Maggs, marketing director of the company, also attended a geocaching workshop for park interpreters in northeast Arkansas. Maggs subsequently agreed to allow Arkansas State Parks an exemption from the company’s restrictions on posting commercial caches in 2008 for the division’s 75th anniversary. For more information on Cache In with The Natural State, contact Jana Greenbaum at 501-682-7606.

Research & Information Services: Research and Information Services processed 45,092 requests for travel information in October 2007, a decrease of 3.7% from October 2006. Manager Joanne Hinson attributed the decline to the late arrival of fall color. The year-to-date total is 493,935, up 6.5% from 2006. 

Tourism Development: Manager Donna Perrin reported that the bi-annual edition of the Calendar of Events in nearing completion and will be delivered to the printer at the end of November. The cover of publication will feature the 75th anniversary of Arkansas State Parks. The 15th Annual Silent Auction to benefit the United Way of Arkansas was held on October 31 at central office in Little Rock. The department hosts the event annually with the Arkansas State Library and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The group raised $4,900 this year. 

Group Travel: Mindy Hawes, Group Travel Manager, was attending a trade show and Nancy Clark presented the section report. The state had a good experience at the recent National Tour Association show, including a productive appointment session. Also, the Destination: Arkansas project continues to get more editorial coverage in the UK from the Saltmarsh Partnership.

Internet Report: Jonathan Eudy of Aristotle reported that Arkansas.com remains in the top two or three percentile among the nation’s tourism Web sites. The site’s Hot Deals and Packages site was recognized for excellence with a national award for its content. Arkansasstateparks.com received a Bronze Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators. 

Marketing Report: The Commission approved commercial footage for "Hog Heaven," a television show targeting motorcyclists and touting the activity in Arkansas. The thirty-second spot refers viewers to Arkansas.com and the state’s motorcycling brochure for download. 

PARKS DIVISION

Village Creek Resort: The Commission approved proposed fees for the new golf course. The Department is currently reviewing concept plans for the course’s pro shop and lodging facilities. Parks Director Greg Butts reported that blueprints will soon follow and the course’s management company anticipates a late summer or early fall opening. 

Old Davidsonville State Park: The Commission approved changing the name of Old Davidsonville State Park to Historic Davidsonville State Park.

ELECTION OF 2008 SPRTC CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIRMAN

The Commission unanimously elected Steve Arrison, executive director of Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, to serve as chair of the 2008 State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. Danny Ford, of Rector, will serve as vice-chairman. 

NOTE: The next meeting of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission will be January 2008 in Hot Springs.