Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver has appointed Jim Stearns as the director of Parks and Recreation. He replaces Danny Kapales who resigned amid an FBI investigation.
“Jonesboro’s Parks and Recreation Department is a focal point for our community, all our families and economy. Jonesboro is blessed to have a wide variety of offerings for both residents and visitors alike. Having gotten to know Jim over the past couple of months, I have full confidence that he will serve our community well and take great pride in our facilities,” said Copenhaver.
Stearns is a graduate of Arkansas State University and holds a master’s degree with an emphasis in exercise science. His bachelor’s degree is in education.
A member of the Arkansas Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation from 1998 to 2022, Stearns is also a member of the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.
“My vision is to deliver accessible, low- and no-cost youth sports opportunities while expanding adult recreation options that enhance community health and quality of life,” said Stearns. “It’s important that we align with the goals of the award-winning 2024 Master Parks Plan, support our great staff along with a commitment to accountability and transparency to the public.”
As director of parks and recreation, Stearns will manage a staff of approximately 160 full and part-time employees and an additional 50 seasonal staffers.
The director works closely with other agencies ranging from classroom trips to coordinating with the Advertising and Promotions Commission, managing grants that fund multimillion dollar investments in the community.
In addition to sports programming, Jonesboro is also home to more than 1,000 acres of park property and natural spaces, such as the Craighead Forest Park and accessible playgrounds that attract people from across the region.
“Jim has stepped up and proven his passion, organizational skills and commitment to transparency during his time as interim director. It’s a tough job and a lot of responsibility. Jim is ready for that challenge, and I am excited about the future of our parks system under his direction,” said Copenhaver.
