Bentonville Parks and recreation
2017
A nnual R eport
CONTENTS
Our Team
Letter from the Director
Our Mission Economic Growth
Cost Recovery
Financial Reports
2 3 4 6 7 8
Facilities, Parks and Trails
10
Major Accomplishments
14
Advisory Board Tom Butrynski
Michelle Malashock
Amy Davis
Mike Power
Shara McMurtrey
Courtney Shaefer
Craig Gilbert
Chris Sooter
Holly Hook
Jon Terlow
Our Team David Wright
Lee Farmer
Crant Osborne
Tracy Acosta
Chris Cuchia
Emily Krol
Zach Skinner
Danny Barlett
Kelsey McIntyre
Josh Stacey
Cody Batchelder
Robert Davis Chris Flores
Gerry Mendoza
Devin Strickland
Byran Beeson
John Francis
Layne Moore
Jerome Todd
Hayden Bough
Ricky Gaddie
Katie Morrison
Dana Torczon
Amanda Brothers
Bobby Hinton
Patrick Morrison
Mike Van Horn
John Casson
Jimmy Hutchinson
Steve Parker
Jimmy Walden
Brandon Caudell
Chris Kester
Kyle Payne
Ryan Ward
PAGE 2 | OUR TEAM
Letter from the Director During 2017, Bentonville Parks and Recreation continued to employ our mission to enrich lives through recreation, leisure and culture throughout our many parks, recreation centers, facilities, and trails. Some of the highlights include: the renovation of Melvin Ford Aquatic Center, the completion of Citizens Park Trail, and added fitness station and restroom to the Razorback Greenway. We have also continued our improvements and updates to facilities ensuring quality, safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Our vision for Bentonville Parks and Recreation is to ensure that our parks, trails, programs and events make Bentonville a premier destination for all residents and visitors. We have 22 parks, 50 (+) miles of trails and more than 92,000 square feet of facility space, there is truly something to offer for everyone. I invite you to visit our website, playbentonville.com to stay informed on all events and activities hosted by Bentonville Parks and Recreation. It is with great pleasure I present to you Bentonville Parks and Recreation’s annual report to the community. This detailed report of 2017 outlines the many programs, projects and accomplishments our dedicated staff has continued to deliver throughout the year. Thank you for your time and continued support in helping to make Bentonville a truly great place to live, play, grow and remember. Sincerely,
David Wright, CPRP Parks and Recreation Director
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. - JOHN MUIR PAGE 3 | LETTER FROM DIRECTOR
Our Mission Enrich lives through recreation, leisure and culture.
Our Vision Bentonville Parks and Recreation is the choice provider of recreation, leisure and culture. Our parks, trails, programs and events make Bentonville a premiere destination for residents and visitors. The parks system and its beauty encourage active lifestyles and enhance quality of life for citizens. We shape the character of Bentonville with parks, greenways and trails that are sustainable, well-maintained and safe. As an innovative organization, Bentonville Parks and Recreation offers comprehensive and diverse recreation programs for people of all ages, abilities and interests.
Legacy Leadership Integrity Quality
Our Core Values Creativity Fun Team Customer Service
Accessibility Safety Health Wellness
PAGE 4 | MISSION
FINANCIALS
Bentonville Parks and Recreation 2017 ECONOMIC IMPACT Sports Programs
01
$1,996,024
02
Collegiate Sports $351,958
03
In 2017, Bentonville Parks and Recreation events generated over $3 million in economic impact on the city.
Running/Cycling Events $745,308
Economic Growth From 2013-2017
$3,100,000
$2,975,039
$3,093,290
$2,422,797
$2,325,000 $1,550,000
$1,399,220
$775,000 $581,258 $0
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
PAGE 6 | ECONOMIC IMPACT
FINANCIALS
Bentonville Parks and Recreation 2017 COST RECOVERY Revenue Growth 2013-2017 $4,537,298
$4,550,000 $3,911,256
$3,412,500 $2,458,342
$2,275,000
$1,137,500 $829,934 $0
2013
$1,095,602
2014
2015
2016
2017
In 2017, Bentonville Parks and Recreation focused strongly on maintaining cost recovery rate of 65%. The Department aimed at continuing this sustainable revenue growth rate in an effort to offset the expenses of operations. The continued growth and success of Bentonville Parks and Recreation has allowed a boost of recreational offerings, thus increasing revenue for the department. Bentonville Parks and Recreation achieved a cost recovery rate of 71% in 2017, led by $3.1 million from grant funding which will be applied towards future capital projects. The National Recreation and Parks Association compares at an average rate of 29%, ranking Bentonville Parks and Recreation among the top departments in the nation.
PAGE 7 | COST RECOVERY
FINANCIALS
Recreation Programs Total Participation 726,364 Total Revenue $3,778,756
2017 Major Highlights Participation
Revenue
Youth Soccer
4,281
$218, 668
Youth Camp Bentonville
1,526
$158,715
Youth Softball
1,012
$67,775
Youth Tennis
653
$93,085
Race Series
4,702
$106,027
Bike Events
3,905
$100,257
Half Marathon
3,005
$189,327
Personal Training
2,061
$74,569
Adult Soccer
1,024
$28,800
Adult Kickball
288
$4,500
Adult Tennis
98
$7,262
PAGE 8 | FINANCIAL REPORTS
FINANCIALS
Aquatics and Lawrence Plaza Total Participation 184,781 Total Revenue $392,871
2017 Major Highlights Participation
Revenue
Adult Soccer
1,024
$28,800
Adult Kickball
288
$4,500
34,153
$101,315
Melvin Ford Aquatic Center Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink
13,745 Participation $10,960 Participation
Bentonville Community Center Pool
108,915
Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink
22,477
Special Events Total Participation 63,537
Participation
Evening at Orchards
10,000
In the Park Series
1,747
Easter at Orchards
4,500
PAGE 9 | FINANCIAL REPORTS
Facilities 01 Bentonville Community Center
01
1101 SW Citizens Circle
84,000 square foot facility built in 2015 5,369 active memberships Over 130 programs in 2017
02 Downtown Activity Center 215 SW A Street 8,378 square foot facility Opened in 2011
03 Lawrence Plaza 214 NE A Street
7,000 square foot multi use facility Named after Ernest G. Lawrence, who served as Bentonville's Mayor from 1970-1974
02
04 Melvin Ford Aquatic Center
2000 NE Memorial Park Sqaure
03
 Olympic Size Pool  Diving and Wading Pool
04 PAGE 10 | FACILITIES
Trails Arkansas Missouri Trail .75 Mile trail that parallels the AR/MO Railroad
Bella Vista Lake Trail
1.75 mile hard surface /2.5 mile mountain bike trail
01 Citizens Park Trail
02
01
1 mile paved trail at the Bentonville Community Center
02 Crystal Bridges Trail 1 mile trail including sculptures and the Sky Space
Downtown Trail
1.5 mile trail downtown connecting to Razorback Greenway
03 Enfield Park Trail
.21 mile connects Greenway to Enfield Park and trails at Crystal Bridges
Memorial Park Fitness Trail 1 mile trail at Memorial Park
Moberly Lane Trail
03
2 mile trail that connects to Memorial Park Trail
NE J Street Trail
1.23 mile trail connecting to Memorial Park
North Bentonville Trail 2.2 mile trail that is part of the Razorback Greenway
04 Park Springs Trail
04
2.5 mile trail through wooded areas with a natural spring
05 Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trail System
23 (+) mile mountain bike system - Silver Level Ride Center
South Bentonville Trail 2.5 miles connecting Bentonville trails to Rogers trails
Tiger Trail
1.5 miles of trail connecting N. Bentonville trail to NE J. Street Trail
06 Town Branch Trail
1.1 miles of trail traveling through downtown neighborhoods
Trail of Two Cities
1.5 miles beginning at the Bentonville Community Center
North Walton Boulevard Trail
2.5 mile trail running length of N. Walton Boulevard
07 Wishing Springs Trail
1.5 miles of trail under Interstate 49
05
06
PAGE 12 | TRAILS
07
Parks 01 Bella Vista Lake 132 acre park with trail, pavilion and play structure
Bark Park/Bike Playground Off leash area for dogs to exercise and socialize
Austin Bagget Park
02
01
1.2 acre park with playground, pavilion and picnic area
02 Downtown Bentonville Square Central downtown area with access to shops and restaurants
Citizens Park 35 acre park surrounding the Bentonville Community Center
Dave Peel Park
2 acre mini park east of Downtown Square
03 Enfield Park
2.5 acre park with pavilion and open turf area
Durham Place Park
03
Neighborhood park with play structure
Gilmore Park One acre park including playground and picnic tables
04 Merchants Baseball Park
Facility named in honor of Semi-professional team
Old Tiger Stadium
6 acre area with track and football field
04
Phillips Park 40 acre lighted park featuring multi-purpose fields
05 Memorial Park
Large area with many amenities
Lake Bentonville Park 20 acre park located on Hwy 102 with picnic tables and playground
06 Orchards Park Premiere park with walking paths, pond and water feature
05
Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Park Mountain bike trail with progressive features for all levels
Wildwood Park 1.5 acre park with tennis courts and picnic area
07
Park Springs Park Park with pavilion, picnic tables and fireplace
06
Town Branch Park
Trail head for town branch trail with gazebo
Train Station Park
Park area with gazebo and benches
PAGE 11 | PARKS
07
Enriching lives through Recreation, Leisure and Culture
Major Accomplishments Annual Tree Blitz In October, during the annual Tree Blitz, the Parks Maintenance staff planted 25 trees along sections of the bike path from Memorial Park to the North Trail. Species included Elm, Loblolly Pine, Oak and Tulip Poplar. The horticulture staff and Crystal Bridges Horticulture staff instructed the volunteers on proper tree pruning and mulching techniques. Parks Maintenance has also continued with the large caliper tree planting project that began December 2016. In 2017, there were three areas of emphasis- Citizens Park Trail, Trail of Two Cities and a section of trail north of Benton County 40. There were a total of 250 trees added.
Melvin Ford Aquatic Center The Aquatic Center underwent a $520,000 pool house renovation. This included a new roof, painting, lighting fixtures, restroom fixtures, heating and air conditioning, and flooring.
Trail of Two Cities A ribbon was officially cut connecting the Bentonville Community Center trail to the Razorback Greenway in a joint effort with the City of Rogers creating a connection through South Bentonville to Rogers. This trail is another great example of how two cities can work together to create community and healthy living. The portion of trail in Bentonville’s city limits is approximately 1.5 miles. PAGE 14 | MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major Accomplishments Lighting the Square Each year Bentonville Parks and Recreation provides one of the preeminent Christmas light displays in the four state area. Citizens from all over the region come to enjoy this massive light display by taking family photos, sipping hot chocolate, or ice skating at the nearby Lawrence Plaza. The lights have even provided the romantic backdrop for an engagement or two. Bentonville Parks and Recreation Maintenance Staff spends over 3000 man-hours installing and removing the lights each year. In 2017, we added two new trees and additional lighting on the courthouse side of the square with a touch of color. This sixweek event is undoubtedly the most highly attended event that the Bentonville Parks and Recreation provides for its citizens.
Citizens Park Trail This one-mile loop trail was completed around the perimeter of Citizens Park. This path will provide people a safe way to travel to the current amenities, the soccer fields, and to the soon-to-be constructed pavilion, tennis courts, and play structure. Just by stepping outside of the Bentonville Community Center citizens can enjoy outdoor fitness activities.
Fitness Station Bentonville Parks and Recreation completed work on a new fitness station located adjacent to the North Bentonville Trail on the Razorback Greenway. This fitness station provides the opportunity for citizens to get out, enjoy the trails, and improve the quality of their life while offering alternative fitness opportunities along our biking and walking paths.
PAGE 15 | MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major Accomplishments Bentonville Community Center Reaches One Millionth Visitor
Memorial Park Awarded National Sports Complex of the Year
PAGE 16 | MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major Accomplishments Volunteer Numbers
Public Art
Thank you to our volunteers! 63,200 hours in 2017 Valued at $1,390,400 Equivalent to 30 Full Time Staff Members
10 Year Master Plan Completed Grants Awarded Visit Bentonville- Memorial Park Fencing
$107,550 Visit Bentonville- Memorial Park Astroturf $131,000 Walton Family Foundation- Razorback Greenway Improvements $2,135,000 Walton Family Foundation- Town Branch- Streambank Restoration $171,250 Walton Family Foundation- Design Excellence-Downtown Parks $453,600 Walton Family Foundation- Bella Vista Lake Master Plan $98,960 Bentonville Parks Conservancy- Installation of 5” Caliper Trees $340,000 Total Grants Awarded
$3,097,360 PAGE 17 | MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Downtown Activity Center 215 SW A Street
Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 271 3393 playbentonville.com
Bentonville Community Center 1101 SW Citizens Circle Bentonville, AR 727212 (479) 696 0201 playbentonville.com
Lawrence Plaza 214 NE A Street Bentonville, AR 727212 (479)Â 464 7275 playbentonville.com
Melvin Ford Aquatic Center 2000 NE Memorial Park Square Bentonville, AR 727212 (479)Â 273 9206 playbentonville.com