Where should ArkGeo meet in June of 2016

[jclaudii]

This is just a quick note to start members and non-members thinking about where Arkgeo should go for our 2016 event.
2015 is being held in Paris, AR.

Please feel free to post any of your thoughts or ideas down here and I will add it to the list we have in the Events Committee area.

[arkfiremedic]

For those of us who camp it sure is convenient to have it in a park that offers camping. I know it probably costs more and I understand that aspect of it as well, but it has been since 2012 (Daisy) since we have had it at a park with camping. (2013 at the Nature Center in Little Rock, 2014 at the Nature Center in Fort Smith and 2015 in Paris). My suggestion won't go as far as naming a particular park or area, I'll leave that up to those on the event committee, just it seems more like a family reunion to me when we have a central area to hang out at and a place for a hot dog roast and campfire. Afterwards we can all just retire to our tent, camper, cabin, etc. Thank you for requesting some input.

[likestocanoe]

I agree with Justin on having a central location for campers and non-campers alike to sit and visit.

[rklmbl]

We would hope the events committee will consider lodging facilities for non-campers that may travel a long distance and not be shut out like this year with the event being in Paris...a town without decent lodging.

[Flyfishingcachers]

On the other hand, Paris is being very kind to offer us all the facilities which are indoors and out of the weather for no cost to ArkGeo and providing us with extras for our annual event which no other town in Arkansas has offered. We thank David Spicer for making this happen!!

[jclaudii]

ARfiremedic and RKLMBL We ARE looking for specific locations to check into for 2016 so please post them up. Our Membership will basically be giving the Events committee the locations for us to research, make calls, and look into so we can have many options and give the board a hard time to pick :)

[likestocanoe]

Paris has very good lodging options just not right in town... You guys led us to Best Western in Clarksville with the best beds around. We stayed at a really nice cabin our first year and an even nicer one the second year. And, there is still Mt Magazine State Park although a bit pricy for our tastes. We thank David for all his hard work for 2015. We are both on the Events Committee and Walt to let all Arkgeo members know that you guys are in charge if providing suggestions for 2016. Please post suggestions so the Events Committee can follow up?

[guwisti]

I, too, like a place where we can camp and all hang out. I know we've been to Daisy before, but on the south side of Lake Greeson are several Corps campgrounds. (http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/LakeGreeson.aspx) Plus, it's a short drive to the Crater of Diamonds. Along that thread there is also a campground (http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/park-facilities/camping.aspx) at the Crater of Diamonds state park. I haven't personally camped there. But being able to freely dig for diamonds would be a neat side activity, plus would give us a good theme to work around "Diamonds". There are also several lodging places in nearby Murfreesboro.

[guwisti]

Some other places I've never been, but would be neat to go. And might pull in some other folks would be:

Lake Chicot State Park (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakechicot/)
Crowley's Ridge State Park (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/crowleysridge/)
Bull Shoals White River State Park (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver/)

[jclaudii]

guwisti, Murfreesboro and Greeson is my hometown stomping ground and the interpreter out there is a geocacher. He has expressed interest in getting our organization down there, but I can't never find a fit for the event that he puts together. Eitherway Murfreesboro has some pro's and Cons that we'll just have to weigh to see if they fit. One of the cons is the need for a paid admission to dig for diamonds, so that may limit some folks. On the plus side they do have a waterpark there now :) and the Little Missouri is there (I always want to do a geoevent like tube/kayak/canoe a river in AR).

I think all your other choices are great for review this coming year!

I wish there was a way to bring an event to the NPS (National Park Service) or NFS (National Forest Service). Places could include:
Buffalo River Area (I know it's out of the way)
Hot Springs (the city)
and somewhere near a population center in the Forest Service
Like Pine Creek near Russellville

[guwisti]

Buffalo River area would be neat! I like that idea too and several campground areas available.

Also, the event doesn't need to be inside where you dig for diamonds. That would just be a side thing that people could do while they are down there. I like the idea of a tube/kayak/canoe adventure as well. These can always be optional fun things for people to do while in the area, or a side event that someone hosts.

[guwisti]

Oh, I just saw on their site where Organized Groups get in half off. "Organized groups of 15 or more may receive half price admission if the park is notified in advance of visit. From Memorial Day through Labor Day tickets purchased after 6 p.m. are also good for the following day. NOTE: Organized groups do not include large family groups." So if we did have something here, it would be super cheap.

Currently the fee schedule is
Fees to search for Diamonds


Adults:
$8


Children (ages 6-12):
$5


Children under 6 years old:
FREE

[arkfiremedic]

I've camped at the Crater of Diamonds and the facilities are top notch. 2ter and I dug for diamonds several times and brought home lots of... dirt... and rocks. She did find a large crystal at the clean out early one morning when the park opened and they were cleaning the sluice boxes out. The park interpreters were impressed they said as they apparently are pretty rare as large as she found. Really don't know how someone missed it in the sluice boxes, but hey she was happy so dad was happy! We stayed there during the middle of summer and hunted early when they opened and a couple hours before closing. In the middle of the day we utilized the water park. Lots of nice power trails near by from the great likestocanoe gang and others that could be hit relatively easily from the area. Again doesn't really matter to me the where part as long as maybe we can get back to that part of ArkGeo we really like where you can bring a lawn chair, some marshmallows, hot dogs, and chips and kick it around a great big fire and tell geocaching stories. Wherever you guys decide we will support the organization and those who work so tirelessly on the events committee. I just don't want you to take my comments wrong. I know how much work David has put into events in Paris and am grateful for that. I'm also grateful for those who have planned the past events in Little Rock and Fort Smith. I have nothing negative to say about those events and hope nobody was offended as that wasn't my intention. You just asked what we would like to do so we just mentioned the times at Lake Ouachita, Petit Jean, and Daisy where we were able to have the event, camp and socialize in one place. Thank you all again on the events committee for all you have done. I haven't been to a 'bad' event yet :D

[likestocanoe]

We, personally, loved Daisy and their facilities. There were a number of complaints about lodging, but there is actually a number of small motels very close. They are not "fancy", but they are clean and well kept. We enjoyed the camping, camp fire, and enclosed meeting spot. The camping at Crater of Diamonds does have top notch camping and facilities. The price for digging for diamonds is more than reasonable, also. There are two motels in Murfreesboro for lodging if an event is held there. Again, not "fancy", but clean and that is what ranks highest for us. {:o) Just some added thoughts.

[OldRiverRunner]

I think most are focused on good camping nearby and missing the point about having good lodging nearby. There are many members who can neither camp nor or want to camp out. That being said, ArkGeo needs to determine what is a reasonable driving distance from lodging to be considered "nearby." Case in point, Lake Ouachita SP was considered a good site because lodging in Hot Springs was close by. It seemed a little far to me, but I didn't question it. Then, Lake Ft. Smith SP was rejected because of the lack of lodging nearby. I didn't understand that at all, because Alma is not that far away and offers several lodging options. And I believe one can drive from Lake Ft. Smith SP to Alma in less time than it would take to get from Lake Ouachita SP to reasonable lodging in Hot Springs, primarily due to the differences in traffic and rural vs. urban driving. However, that decision was made and I only ask now that the Events Committee establish a criterion for distance from good hotel/motel lodging, make it public to the membership, and then use it in deciding where to hold an event.

Another point that has been made is that we are going to Paris because it's free to the association. While something that is nice about one location versus another, I don't think the cost of a location should be the primary or even a major factor in deciding where to hold an event. ArkGeo has money in the bank and yet I don't see how it is being used for the benefit of the membership, except for maybe supplying the lunch at the annual event. From what I have seen of the financial statements provided at each quarterly meeting, the association HAS the money. So use it for the benefit of the membership. Loosen up a little and spend some money on a good venue for the annual meeting. I am not advocating going crazy with the money. But I am advocating USING IT, reasonably, for the membership. I would not want ArkGeo to spend $1000 for the use of a venue for the day. But I can't see how budgeting AND using a few hundred dollars each year to rent a space for the event is going to harm the financial health of the association.

Regarding where to hold the event, I will think it over and come up with a few specific recommendations. But since ArkGeo is supposed to be a state-wide association, I believe that the annual meeting event should be moved around the state each year, to widely different locations across the state, to promote the association to cachers local to that area. Right now, the focus has been on holding events in Central or Western Arkansas, with maybe Daisy State Park being the only exception. Consequently, the active membership is made up of mostly geocachers from Central Arkansas, and a few from Western Arkansas. NW Arkansas has a large number of active geocachers. Yet the association has not really done much in that area to attract membership (the only thing I recall is one eat & greet hosted by paris1time a few years back). NE Arkansas, specifically the Jonesboro area, is another potential source of new membership. So maybe the Events Committee should look at locations in those regions. And not just "free" ones.

[jclaudii]

ORR, You do bring up some valid points on establishing some type of criteria for lodging/driving/movement around the state/and then balance that with how many cachers are in the area and making it where we do not isolate a quarter or more of our members/guests by having it in a place that is in a corner of the state (like Crowley's Ridge). The events committee members and I have struggled with the "moving the event around the state" part. We would love to do that but we don't want to kill our attendance. I think we roughly established the central area and or the high cacher crowds to be the best fit for a "membership" meeting and hold ArkGeo side events like meet n greets, cito's, etc at the other locations. A central location is "more fair" to the far away cachers that may reside in NWA or SWA.



To add to guwisti's plug for the Crater of Diamonds, I have camped there and it is nice, but could fill up almost anytime. They do have a climate controlled room, but i don't remember if it would hold all of us or not. The two motels in Murfreesboro are alright and usually always available, also there are a few bed and breakfasts rentals in the area(two with a private lake :)) and cabins for rental about 10 miles from the park at the lake.

I think I'll create a separate thread and ask for input on lodging and driving so it will help us make up this vital decision making criteria.

Again, no one can predict the future, but if gas prices would stay like this or go down more by the time the event comes around, what would have cost a SWA cacher 400 in fuel would now only be 200 or less to go to the opposite end of the state!

[rklmbl]

The Corps of Engineers has many facilities in the State of Arkansas. Our experience has been different sized pavilions, clean restrooms, some playground equipment, reasonable cost, electric outlets, et al. Granted, the pavilions we've seen are not air conditioned, but couldn't we break tradition once in awhile and change dates so it's more comfortable for attendees? Two sites that come to mind are: Toad Suck Ferry and Old Post Park. Both places would have lodging close by...Conway and Russellville. Look at www.reserveamerica.com for Arkansas' Corps facilities. It's no secret that the heavy traffic usage would be heavier during the warmer months, so the events committee would need to take some prompt action to secure a facility. We have used Lake Nimrod for several years and have been satistifed and attendees seemed satisfied, so we've had experience with the Corps taking care of its facilities. Of course, that's isolated for lodging...just using it as an example of Corps facilities and experiences we have had with Corps staff. Just an idea....

[likestocanoe]

First, as a member of the Events Committee, I need to say that the choice of Paris for the 2015 Annual Event was not only because it was "free"... If that is your thought pattern you are way off in left field and need to return to the dugout and check in with the coach. The city of Paris has offered us hospitality that no other city in Arkansas has offered. Through their appreciation of geocachers and David's hard work they have given us a place to hold the annual event ,a venue for the evening get together with swimming for the entire crew (something never offered before), dry camping for those who wish to either tent camp or bring their RVs, as well as providing the funds for Pathtags for the event. Yes, these were provided at no cost to the general membership or ArkGeo, but at an extensive expense in time and labor from David. This is, also, not the first time that the City of Paris has provided materials and venue to Arkansas geocachers. Paris is a central location to the largest populations of geocachers in Arkansas. Your Board of Directors have determined that the largest pockets of cachers in Arkansas are in the Central and in Northwest areas. Map Paris from both those locations and see how far out it is. Yes, if I lived in Southeast Arkansas or in the far Northeast I would probably prefer an event be held in my ballpark, but would hope that I would realize it was a long trip for the majority. Your Board of Directors have discussed moving the location of the Annual Event from corner to corner of the state, but the majority felt and, I believe, still feel that the action would be overall detrimental to the organization as a whole. I have heard it put as, "Sacrifice of the few for the good of the many", but then this is a game not a war.

I have to agree that the Corps of Engineers offer many wonderful places around Arkansas that would provide a perfect location for our Annual Event and Meeting. I have never visited Toad Suck, but Old Post is a wonderful spot. We camped there last year for a week and enjoyed the camping and the area geocaching. There are some choices of lodging and many wonderful spots to eat, also.

As for all the suggestions of venue... Please feel free to contact a location of your choice and do what David has done in Paris. Stir up some local support, talk to some folks and check on camping and optional lodging. You are welcome on the events committee but if you don't want to do that you don't even have to be on the committee to do some footwork if you would like the annual event in your neck of the woods or any specific location. Jason is going to start a special link for this subject. Please contribute to the success of the 2016 Annual Event and Meeting. Be positive. Be helpful. Contribute to your ArkGeo.

[OldRiverRunner]

L2C, you have misconstrued my comments, and perhaps those of others, as being critical of the selection of Paris as the location for the 2015 event. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Having been to Paris for many events over the years, I think it is a good location and I am impressed by what the community is offering to the association for that special meeting this year. I am also thankful for, and impressed by, David Spicer’s efforts to secure such benefits for the association’s meeting.

My statement, “Another point that has been made is that we are going to Paris because it's free to the association,” was based upon comments I heard from or attributed to some Board members. Perhaps I misunderstood the statements. But there is also this statement from the Board’s July Meeting Minutes,

A local geocacher in Paris has done quite a bit of footwork toward that goal and has obtained some sponsorship toward the cost of the event. The committee believes that the best place to hold next year's meeting would be Paris.

Maybe I am guilty of misconstruing that statement, but the way I read it, the cost of the event was a major consideration in changing the location for the event from the Nature Center at Little Rock to Paris. Regardless, I understand the reasons behind the Board’s decision to change the event’s location, and I have no problem with that decision. With the effort that David has already put into it, and the accommodations that are being made for ArkGeo by the community, it was a good call.

But this thread is supposed to be about the location of the 2016 event. My point continues to be that the cost of renting a venue, as long as it reasonable, should not be a deterrent to holding an event at a certain location, if it is otherwise a good one. But it seems to me that to the Events Committee and the Board, cost is a major deterrent. Case in point: I have seen in these Forums that the annual event held at Petit Jean State Park had the highest attendance of any annual event before or since. Yet immediately after that successful event, I heard complaints from several Board members that we were charged for the use of the pavilion and therefore we would not be holding future events there. This position was based upon the experience of the Lake Ouachita State Park events where ArkGeo had not been charged for use of the facilities because of the CITO the day after the event. And that position continues, apparently, to this day.

I can understand the desire to spend as little as possible on events. However, I think it might be time to consider other alternatives. The success of the Petit Jean event cost the association a little money. So what? It had a large attendance and got a lot of people there who were not familiar with ArkGeo or had never attended an ArkGeo event before. Shouldn’t the events be about growing the organization, by getting new people in attendance, in addition to socializing with current members?

Looking at the Board’s minutes from the July and October meetings, I see that ArkGeo has a reasonably steady balance of funds exceeding $2000. Yet the cost of the last event was only about $300. So why not consider using some of this $2000 in 2016 to secure a place to hold the annual meeting? At least, consider it. It just might open up some other possibilities of locations that have not been thought about. And if we can get a place for free, GREAT!

With that said, I recommend to the Events Committee and the Board that the 2016 annual membership meeting be held at Petit Jean State Park.

[jclaudii]

Everyone, I have to say this is great to see great dialog being exchanged and not just bottled up and talked about at events Amongst friends. ORR, I love Petit Jean and Ouachita...The only reason we have not had it back there yet is mainly to try some of the ideas those on the events committee have came up with. Some ideas were successful and some were not. But we wanted to try something new for the last few years and the numbers may have been down but fun was still had and all of us on the Events Committee and future ArkGeo leaders learned from those trials. This thread is doing exactly what I want, getting people talking and discussing the pro's and con's so when it comes time to pick a spot next year, we can take in as much as possible and feel even more connected to the organization. In return, we hope the members of ArkGeo will respond by coming to an event that they had input too or possibly even helped plan parts of it.

I will see what it will take to change the annual event month, Just thinking out loud, if we did this in May, the elections would need to be one month earlier. Also, some schools may not be out and that could affect families. For all I know, this could be worth a "trail for one year) just to see what happens? Finally it would need to be adjusted in the by-laws I believe to make it permanent, but for a temporary trail for one year only it may be possible.

[rklmbl]

jclaudii, we thank you for your post regarding dialog. It didn't seem threatening and it looked like you were searching for input from all members without being critical. We weren't trying to criticize Paris, far from it, just trying to put our two cents worth in and ask that the committee consider lodging for everyone when making a section of site in 2016.

[floaten]

I have held back from commenting because I am new to the area (just under two years in Arkansas) and new to ArkGeo. I have no idea what would be a good place to have the event because I am still learning the state so I'll give you my opinion as a newcomer looking into an organization they just joined. All of you have known each other for quite some time. I'm still making my presence known and trying to learn all the names and meet people.

I have no idea what the agenda is for an annual event but apparently it is a two day activity since the discussion of logging is of a big concern. I don't camp (the wife that is) and we have two young boys. If I'm going somewhere for an event and staying overnight it will definitely need hotel accommodations.

I have made it to the last two Paris events and have been highly impressed. I’ve noticed that there is not much lodging. Clarksville looks like the closest place that has the chain hotels. There are a couple bed and breakfast hotels but with kids you need a pool (mine anyway). It is a real nice town and I think it is awesome what David Spicer has done there. My feeling on Paris are 50-50.

There was a recommendation for Petit Jean. This is another place I have had an opportunity to visit. Seems there are a couple options for lodging here. There are a couple lodges right at the park, Morrilton is nearby, and potentially Russellville. Russellville being a bit further drive. The park itself is beautiful and has tons to offer for kids. I remember there being a large pool and a couple huge playgrounds not to mention the hike to the waterfall. These are the types of things I have to consider.

I have no idea what either place offers as far as camping but I'm sure you all know. If you want more new people like me (with young kids) to attend there needs to be things for the family to do. My wife is not as excited about geocaching as I am. She knows it is my primary hobby and she accepts that. I imagine there are many other cachers in the state that are in the same boat. It would be a lot easier to coax my wife into going to Petit Jean over Paris for a weekend getaway. Just saying. It may not be about numbers but if you want the organization to grow you have got to think about what it will take to get people there.

One last comment. Again, I don't know the agenda for the event so keep that in mind when you read this statement. It appears the event is two days long. Referring back to my earlier comment about the wife, she isn't as gung ho about geocaching as I am. I'm a little obsessed. It would be a heck of a lot easier to talk her into a long one-day event. Drive to a hotel Friday night, spend all day at an event, and head home that night. We might stay the second night in a hotel but we would head home first thing in the morning. Maybe it is only a one day event, I don't know, so this statement may not have been needed.

I felt compelled to make a few comments. I'm a new guy to the group looking in but so are the many geocachers in the area that are not members of ArkGeo. You have to give them a reason to want to be part of the organization and having it somewhere that might be a little more entertaining and fun may help them decide. The length of the drive will always be a factor but if you hold it at a family friendly place with additional things to do I think more people will attend.

Just my thoughts after reading all the posts. There are probably a lot of people like me reading everything on this site and not commenting. Potential ArkGeo members. Keep that in mind as you have your discussions.

[jclaudii]

Floaten you are the exact kind of folks we need to be thinking about. We do have a section that is off limits to non voting members ( the arkansas geocachers) and we sometimes air our differences out there, but whatever. A qu icky run down. Of th e annual event. Event is only on saturday and a cito is the following day till around noon. Most come just for the sat event, but others stay the night and cito the next day. The local folks do usually put a meet n greet on Friday afternoon at a restraunt or something. Feel free to pm me and I'll send you any extra info on the annual event so you can help us out by see what we done in the past.

[ReapersQueen]

Crowley's Ridge State Park is where I was going to mention. The park is pet friendly both tent and rv camping. And plenty of hotels to fit any budget all right there in town. And with us doing a Cito there they may give campers a discount along with a free pavilion. I go to church with on of the Game n Fish Directors and see if some strings can be pulled if this area is chosen.

[KSDS97]

Ahh a great topic. I shall add my two cents about Our State Parks. 1: Bull Shoals-White River State Park, 3 mile drive into town, there are many motels, hotels, cottages, State Parks has 103 campsites, about 5 miles away is a very large Corp park. The State Park has ample pavilions that would meet our needs. I camp there every
year, in fact I delayed my trip there this year to accommodate ArkGeo Annual Meeting. The best thing about it is the real nice weather they always have when I am there.

[KSDS97]

2: Petit Jean State Park. Has ample camp sites, plus lodge, cedar falls motel, http://rockefellerinstitute.org/ is a great place up on petit jean with lodgeing and meeting facilites. It gives Petit Jean Mountain great big boast.

[KSDS97]

3: Degray State Park has Camping, lodge, lake, golf, ample meeting facilites. Arkadelphia is like 10 miles away

[KSDS97]

4 Lake Ouachita camping yes, metting facilites yes, lodging a bit far away.
5 Lake Catherine Has camping, 12 miles to Malverne which has lodging but you have to book camping there early early

[KSDS97]

Lake Chicot has ample camping, town 10 to 15 miles away Lake Village. Real good pool too.

[KSDS97]

Crowelys Ridge, Lake Frierson, Lake Charles, Davidsonville dont have a lot of sites each. But Crowelys Ridge and Frierson are very close to Jonesboro which has lodging and a very nice campground Craighead Forest, The city parks has facilitates that would serve us well.

[KSDS97]

My rankings are as follows 1 Bull Shoals White River State Park, 2 Petit Jean State park or Rockefeller Institue, 3 Jonesboro Area, 4 Degray State Park, 5 Carter of Diamonds State Park or somewhere around lake Greeson.

[perm74]

1.Spending "some" money needs to be considered
2. A pavilion is needed. This can typically be granted with a CITO performed.
3. Camping for both tent and RV.
4. 10 mile radius of lodging. Lodging being that of a spot someone is given a few choices of the clean chains and possible B&B's.

I feel it's pretty simple if we meet those goals it would please the majority of the organization. As a board member of a few other volunteer basis organization, you need to fulfill the meat. There will ALWAYS be. A few complainers.

i strongly suggest at this annual meeting you handout in the "packet" an anonymous paper that asks questions like:
What do you like that we are doing.
What would you like to see in the future
What could we have done better

you will really get a feel from anonymous sheets where people can tell you what is really up. I used it in an organization that I am the president in and I had some eye openers. Also found new volunteers, ideas, things that I was wasting my time on. It can be done...

[likestocanoe]

I suggest Daisy State Park or Crater of Diamonds State Park. There were complaints when we met at Daisy State Park before about lodging, but there is actually quite a few motels and lake cottages in the immediate area. They have a GREAT pavilion that is screened in. There are plenty of camping spots for those wanting hook ups. The park is VERY geocaching friendly - having a geocacher (Down In The Woods) and park employee currently hiding new caches in the park. They welcomed us and allowed tent camping at the pavilion at no charge. The Crater has a large number of camping spots that provide whatever level of hook ups you are looking for. The Crater is, also, geocacher friendly and is near two motels in Murfreesboro.

[KSDS97]

I Love the idea of one of our parks, several people have said that daisy was the biggest turn out

[arkfiremedic]

Either of those is fine by me. Tons of caches around too.

[jclaudii]

KSDS97 & and anyone else, would you mind contacting these parks and locations and seek information about them and present that back to us? Info that you provided plus cost of pavilion, like daisy was 1 day free pavilion with 1 day paid, free tent camping around pavilion, ample camp sites at the park with hookups, and very geocaching friendly. I just made brief notes in years past like you did above and put it in one post and word doc and started a pole for the events committee. We usually picked the one everyone liked best or that was most friendly towards us. I love the idea of chicot and other areas, but I think keeping central area is key to not make some folks drive across the state. I usually mention that you will present your findings to our board and they will vote on the next location and you will be in contact. Please write down and call back if they "pencil" you in as a reservation and we don't pick them so they take it off.

The park interpreter at Crater I went to HS with and his family is into geocaching. I can get in touch with him and see what they could do as far as accommodations.

I love the lake greeson area and around Murfreesboro as that is my home town area. But I like Petit jean as well!

[OldRiverRunner]

1) Petit Jean SP
2) Mt. Nebo SP
3) Lake Dardanelle SP

PJSP is a little far from lodging, if one doesn't stay in one of the park's facilities. But the ArkGeo event held there a few years ago had the largest attendance of any ArkGeo event, ever. Not Daisy.

The other 2 are relatively close to good lodging. All 3 have good camping and good facilities we could use. And all three are relatively easy to get to because of their proximity to a major interstate. They are also closer to the geographic center of our Association's base membership.

[likestocanoe]

Love the idea of the Crater. Hope they will work with you.

[likestocanoe]

I am contacting Corp of Engineers and Crater of Diamonds State Park tomorrow. I have left a call for Pt. Jean this afternoon and should hear from them tomorrow. More to follow............ I hope. LOL

[KSDS97]

Ask Petit Jean if the group site includes use of the pavilion. Also how many do you need to reserve the group site.

[likestocanoe]

Pt. Jean – I have left another message.

Lake Ouachita Corp of Engineers – Crystal Springs Use Area
They will let us have the pavilion and tent camping at no charge for work done at the CITO on Sunday. It might not be trash pickup, but some type of work that they need done. We will have to have Hot Dog Roast at a campsite, but that would work. There are a number of RV / Tent sites available for those wishing to camp. Hot Springs and Mt. Ida are nearby for lodging and if you want closer lodging there is a motel less than five minutes from the use area. The area is wide open for placing new caches and for temps, but there, also, a number of caches already in the area.

Lake Greeson Corp of Engineers – Riverside Use Area –
They will, also, let us have the pavilion at no charge for work done at the CITO on Sunday. They could have something other than a trash pickup (Although this area might need it more than Crystal Springs). There is lodging very close in the form of cabins and in nearby Murfreesboro. The Corp has a number of RV / tent campsites across the river from the Pavilion. There are caches in the lake area and in Murfreesboro, and the Corp would welcome any permanent caches we would want to place. A number of places are available for the temporaries, also.

Crater of Diamonds State Park
There are few permanent geocaches in the area at present, but that just means there are lots of places to place new ones. I am waiting to hear back from them with more info. I do know that they have RV/Tent camping, a water playground, digging for diamonds, an enclosed pavilion, and nearby lodging. Will pass on more as soon as possible.

Daisy State Park
This park is very geocaching friendly – as all these places are – and would welcome us back once again to their park. They will provide the enclosed pavilion at no cost and like before will allow for dry camping at the pavilion. They would come up with a job for us to do instead of a trash pickup because this park never needs a true CITO. Before there were complaints about no lodging in the area, but there really are places to stay… Daisy Motel, Lakeside Motel, and Self Creek Cabins. The park, itself, can provide RV/Tent camping sites. There are caches placed in the park by Emilie and Patricia, but there are still areas begging for new caches.

[likestocanoe]

Who was calling on the ones around river valley area and Northeast? The folks that suggested them?

[arkfiremedic]

All of these sound great to me. Thank you for your leg work Likestocanoe.

[Coon&Bud]

I can't sleep...a cold. I like ORR suggestions. Petit Jean, Lake Dardanelle, and Nebo are all great. Jonesboro would have more geocachers from Missouri and Tennessee attend than Arkansas Geocachers. I do like the Crater of Diamonds possibility as a site. Ouachita and Daisy we have been there and done that, but I did not go to Daisy, too remote. Ouachita was good but that park sees its share of storm damage every year, and areas might be closed like last time. Yes we have had an event at Petit Jean and it was my first state meeting. Hey we all want this in our backyards, and if it is in Daisy, or Lake Ouachita or the other place L2C suggested then so be it. I just think it is great we can post our thoughts and have a board who really is trying to consider all the places. Communication is great and keep it up. See a bunch of you at the 15,000 event in Russellville, Saturday. Okay I am tired and sleepy better go to bed. Kendall

[Flyfishingcachers]

Thanks for everyone's ideas. Thanks to Sandy for checking all these places out. It is a challenge to pick a spot. It's hard to find a place that has everything we all want. The ideal place would be somewhere that was in the middle of 3 hotels, had free camping, plenty of free parking, unloading area within 2 feet, etc. wouldn't it be great if it had grassy woods behind to hide caches. Man, if we could only find our perfect spot that everyone in the state would come too!! LOL!!!!! Just throwing some humor among the mix!!!

Keep the ideas coming. If you think of a spot, make some calls & do done leg work for the Events Committee. I'm sure they would appreciate it!!!

[KSDS97]

Something to consider when looking at a location. 1: camping, how many rv sites, how many tent only sites, is there a group camp site 2. lodging, how far away are hotel/motels and how much do they cost 3. other activities in the area, is there stuff for families to do 4. cost, will we have to pay and how much is it 5. meeting faclites, indoor or outdoor, how many people will it hold. This type info is most helpful.

[KSDS97]

Does anyone know if we have ever ask the following question: At events that you stay overnight for in Arkansas do you use hotels or camp? If camping is it tent or RV?

[arkfiremedic]

I'll answer. I have been to the last six- camped in a tent five and one was close enough I pulled the camper (Daisy). Before I was in ArkGeo I understand that it was at Lake Catherine State Park. Why is it never mentioned in these threads? It is one of my favorite parks and one that I think would be pretty centrally located to the geographical center of the state? Just curious. Lots of motels and things to do in Hot Springs...

[OldRiverRunner]

Who was calling on the ones around river valley area and Northeast? The folks that suggested them?

With all due respect, I thought the Events Committee was responsible for taking care of that and you were just asking for input.

[likestocanoe]

There were Events Committee members who have made recommendations. Their assistance would be appreciated. So far there are only two members that are assisting on this. Now, if you would like to join the committee PLEASE feel free and your help would be appreciated, also. Anyone, who has an interest in the ArkGeo Annual Event should feel free to lend their assistance!

[likestocanoe]

I had missed the recommendation on Lake Catherine and am sorry. I will contact them Tuesday since they are in my area. Will report in as soon as I speak with them.

[jclaudii]

ORR, I think we needed to branch out of the Events committee only section and ask our general membership these types of questions. Yes the events committee folks could do this in their locked little section with no transparency and the leg work and decision gets made with only a few folks input and votes. This method allows way more transparency, a way to participate without being on the events committee and have a saying in what happens and where, and if they have time to help out in our legwork.

The events committee is held together by only a few people who perform legwork, I'm not sure if it is dis-satisfaction with the committee, me as a chair person, time constraints, or lack of heart for the organization or it's direction, but this is one way we can bring more folks in on the planning process and have less surprises at events and meetings. I'm not one to point fingers at people or tell them one way or the other but I can find another way to get the same result without jeopardizing friendships and/or maiming the name of Arkgeo.

[likestocanoe]

So everything is on forums. Just received via e-mail from Lake Ouachita Corp of Enginees.

The answer is yes, your request has been approved for June of 2016. Crystal Springs Pavilion and some tent sites.


Thanks,
Mike

[arkfiremedic]

So it's a go for 2016? Whoo hoo! Love it up there!

[likestocanoe]

No, nothing has been decided... Just passing along an email I received today. I received one more after that one, also. Will copy and paste it.

After the fact, it was suggested that we feature geocaching at Lake Ouachita is some of our internal publications. I completely agree with the idea and I'll work up some "interview" questions for you to answer as we get closer to the date. We'll take some pictures, but we will likely only do something for our print pieces.

Mike

[arkfiremedic]

Gotcha. I love it in the area still :)

[likestocanoe]

Valid points, many that I agree with. The events committee has been given $300 for the Annal. Event and the Annual Hot Dog Roast. The committee is doing with what they have.

My my personal belief is that the general membership meeting should be in the central part of the state giving equal distance to nearly all in the state. I personally consider Paris in the Northwest part of Arkansas. If the state is divided into quarters that is where I find Paris. Meaning nothing negative to or about NE or SE caches - I honestly believe attendance will go down if we place the event in those areas.

I don't care where it is held. We should be, thankfully, able to attend wherever the meeting is held.

[OldRiverRunner]

I nominate Clarksville as the location of the next ArkGeo annual meeting, in 2016. While not the birthplace of Arkansas geocaching, I believe it was truly the cradle. I have many fond memories of that city and I think many others do, as well. I think it would be an excellent place to hold the next event.


CLARKSVILLE IN 2016!!!

[KSDS97]

Clarksville is a mighty fine Arkansas Caching town and would be a great place to have an event. Snice I am not from there and don't know much about the town can you please give me a little insight about it. Where in Clarksville would you hold the event? There is ample motel/hotel availabilty but what about camping?

[arkfiremedic]

Clarksville is a great location to cache. Since it is only 25.5 miles according to Google Maps from Paris, I would venture to say the same State Parks would remain the same as they were from Paris, Mt. Magazine and Mt. Nebo. I respect your opinion on that ORR, however Clarksville (as Paris was last weekend) a 3.5+ hour drive for some of us. If Clarksville is Geographically located in the middle of the membership I'm all for it and my suggestion will be withdrawn. I'm not saying put it my backyard by any stretch of the imagination and don't read into this as saying that please. I just think if we had a map and put where the majority of those who are active in ArkGeo the event would be more centrally located towards the center of the state and not in North West Arkansas again (Clarksville is only 64.7 miles from the Janet Huckabee Nature Center according to Google Maps)for the third year in a row. Just my $0.02 and my intent is not to upset anyone, just trying to be fair to all involved in ArkGeo who will attend/camp/travel/etc. I like the idea of having it at a State Park where those who camp can camp onsite, those who want to stay in a lodge or cabins (if available at the chosen park) can do that on site, and can just hang out without going to different places to camp. The last time we did that was 2012 at Daisy State Park. Of course again this is just my opinion and I am not on the events committee and will support ArkGeo where ever it is held, just as I have for the last 7 years.

[Savoy]

I 'get' the travel distance issue... but personally, I don't mind a bit of a trip to a state-wide event. I actually like getting out to a place a bit further than I would normally be able to go for a geo-caching event. Having something like a roast the night before (esp. if there is camping) is something I look forward too. I drove the 2+ hours to this year's event because is 'was so close' and ended up driving back and taking my honey to a movie that night. It was an AWESOME day.

Now, we won't be pulling very many 'new to newer' people like this - but we have other events like the SWAG and CAGE CB-Challenge to use as outreach and education events if we want to try and reach out a bit more.

just some thoughts... savy

[likestocanoe]

I spoke with Daisy State Park superintendent today and she is excited to be considered as a location for the next ArkGeo Annual Event. She even has a couple of ideas for our CITO. The use of the pavilion and dry camping would be free with the CITO. I know this may not be important info with so many new ideas, but I am reporting my conversation with her.

[perm74]

I want to propose the CITO being performed on Saturday. The attendance (self included) diminishes as we travel back home on Sunday or even Saturday night. If there is a place the events committee would like us members to call feel free to contact me. I will call anyone I am asked to contact. I need to know the questions we need answered upon the phone call. This thread has gone on for far to long. Someone needs to pick a place. Not everyone is going to like the venue. As long as it has camping, hotels, and is centrally located to the majority members I don't see how anyone could complain. Us Fat guys want to add air conditioning for at least the meeting portion. ;)

[perm74]

Sorry, sometimes I speak before I think.

[KSDS97]

Hey I vote with the fat guys. If no air condition then be sure we need to be sure we have some fans going

[KSDS97]

He is my 3 cents worth. If there are people camping and staying on Friday night someone can do a meet and greet opening. If we have a main event, a flash mob and CITO after flash mob on sat more people might just stay. Then for those that stay on Sunday you can have see you next year event.

[KSDS97]

As for me I will say that if the Annual Event is the first Saturday in Jun 2016 I will not make it to any of the events, since there is a family vacation already booked. In regards to a Sunday CITO if the location is more than an hour away it is doubtful that I will be there since I rarely will be doing overnight stays simply because I can't get the rest of the family to come. However I keep trying and who knows maybe one day.

[FauxtoPro]

Any chance to get the event closer to NWA in the coming years? There is plenty of lodging/dining in Bentonville/Rogers/Fayetteville as well as camping around Beaver Lake area.

[Clark~Griswold]

The event was held in Fort Smith and Paris the last two years. The 2016 event is already scheduled for Crater of Diamonds State Park on April 9. We will consider NWA for 2017.

https://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC64YZ9&title=arkgeo-annual-event-2016-digging-for-diamonds