JONESBORO, Ark. — Starting Saturday, Sept. 19, a new one-way traffic pattern will be in effect at Joe Mack Campbell Park to address safety and congestion issues during weekend events.
Under the new arrangement, vehicles will enter the park from Elton Perry Drive and exit onto Dan Avenue. Officials say the change will be enforced only on Saturdays when events are held.
Jim Stearns, Jonesboro Parks and Recreation director, explained that the adjustment comes after heavy congestion and multiple traffic incidents during last year’s fall event days.
“We estimate about 9,000 people were in the park last year during combo days, and we had a terrible time getting people off Dan Avenue into the park,” Stearns said. This fall, the park is scheduled to host two such “combo days,” with baseball tournaments and youth sports taking place simultaneously.
Opening day this Saturday is expected to bring nearly 4,000 visitors to the park, according to park officials. Around 2,000 children are scheduled to participate in soccer, flag football, and cheerleading events.
Stearns highlighted that the one-way traffic flow on Elton Perry Drive will help ease the gridlock by utilizing the mile-long stretch to accommodate vehicles waiting to enter the park. “That gives us a lot of areas to put cars getting into the park,” he said. “Maybe alleviate some of the congestion on Dan and make it a little safer.”
The new traffic pattern is part of the city’s efforts to enhance safety and improve the park experience for attendees during its busiest Saturdays.