The Lions Club Municipal Golf Course closed out November with a monthly revenue intake that lagged slightly behind the same month in 2021.
While reviewing a financial statement on Nov. 29, members of the El Dorado Parks and Playgrounds Commission learned that month-to-date revenues had reached $15,001 at LCMGC.
By the end of the day on Nov. 30, the number had climbed by another $100, topping out at $15,101, compared to $15,655 in November of 2021, LCMGC co-manager Terri McCaskell reported.
Year-to-date revenue for the golf course has exceeded $300,000 and is up by more than $8,000 over the same period in 2021.
Danny Carelock, co-manager of LCMGC, told commissioners on Nov. 29 that the golf course is in good shape and is holding up well in cold and rainy weather conditions that affected play in November.
"We've got everything winterized and ready to go for the winter. Play has been good, as far as good days. On bad days, we don't have much ... It's been pretty nasty," Carelock said.
Though inclement weather has stifled play somewhat this fall, Carelock said recent events, including a benefit tournament that was held October 29, have helped to keep 2022 revenue just ahead of 2021.
He said the tournament was held to assist El Dorado resident Brennan Cook, who is in need of a kidney transplant.
Proceeds from the tournament came in at about $5,500 and went to Cook, Carelock said.
At least two golf tournaments were held at Lions Club in September -- the annual First Financial Bank SHARE Benefit Golf Tournament and a ladies' tournament that drew 16 teams from South Arkansas and North Louisiana.
Commissioner Alexis Alexander noted that Carelock previously reported that two dead trees, which are near tee boxes 2 and 6, need to be removed from the golf course grounds.
Carelock told commissioners in September that the trees pose a safety hazard and that limbs have begun to fall from them.
On Nov. 29, Alexander inquired about the status of the removal project and Carelock said Foster's Tree Service had looked into the matter but due to inclement weather, crews have not been able to begin work on the project.
"It's been so wet that we can't get over there to them and he's going to come get them as soon as he gets a chance," Carelock told commissioners.
The EPPC also resumed discussions on how to promote the golf course during the 49th annual Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism.
The conference will be held in El Dorado for the first time on Feb. 26 - 28.
Commissioner Greg Harrison reminded the group that they previously talked about offering vouchers to encourage conference attendees to play at the course course while they are in town.
Carelock said LCMGC could offer an existing "Friday special" of $25, which includes an 18-hole round and green and cart-rental fees.
Commissioner Karen Hicks volunteered to design the vouchers and Alexander said that during previous conversations about the matter, the EPPC "got stumped on trying to find a logo."
Carelock said he provide a photo of the logo.
"Are we going to put something like that in their packets?" Commissioner and El Dorado City Council member-elect David Hurst asked.
Hicks said yes and asked if there are any brochures available for LCMGC.
Carelock said no.
Hicks then asked how such a project could be funded and commissioners suggested presenting a funding request to the El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission, who has already approved funding to assist with preparations for the conference, including $8,000 for the city to participate in the 2022 AGCT and to help put together the bid proposal to host the 2023 conference.
Alexander said Lions Club brochures could also be distributed and made available to the public at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Welcome Center and other locations.
She suggested that Hicks speak with the Diamond Agency, noting that the agency is the A&P commission and city's ad agency of record.
"I will reach out to have those conversations," Hicks said.