Walmart Foundation donates $290,000 to Jones Center programs

The Bentonville-based Walmart Foundation, the corporate giving arm of Wal-Mart Stores, will donate $290,000 to the Jones Center for Families in Springdale to help fund programs and services, the center announced on Wednesday (Dec. 13).

The grant will provide general operating support for the center’s recreation venues and youth programming, including its after-school program, summer day camp and sports leagues, in addition to going toward scholarships programs for the facility and discounted pool and ice arena access through the Fun Day Sunday series, according to the press release.

“We are so grateful to the Walmart Foundation for their partnership,” Kelly Kemp-McLintock, chief advancement officer at the Jones Center, said in the press release. “Walmart’s continued investment over the years has enabled the organization to expand its quality programming for youth and families, and to sustain founder Bernice Jones’ vision of an affordable regional center ‘where all are welcome.’”

In addition to contributing to programs and services, the grant will help fund the creation of a five-year strategic plan for the Jones Center campus.

“Whether it’s the recreation venues or the after-school program, youth and families in our area rely on the Jones Center to provide a safe, fun and welcoming environment for learning and development,” Erin Hogue, senior manager at the Walmart Foundation, said in the press release. “We’re proud to support the center as it works to improve programming and offerings, guest experience and facilities for the future.”

The Jones Center in January will begin the second phase of an extensive $5 million renovation plan, and if all goes to plan, it will be completely transformed by 2019. The City Council-approved master plan for the revitalization of downtown Springdale calls for the Jones Center, as a key part of the downtown area, to create a strategic plan to address future community needs.

“We are especially appreciative of the foundation’s underwriting this year towards the strategic planning initiative,” Ed Clifford, president/CEO of the Jones Trust and the Jones Center, said in the press release. “We are conducting extensive surveys and interviews to receive important feedback from our members, guests and stakeholders about the Jones Center’s facility and offerings. The results of the survey are important as the center serves as a main anchor in the downtown Springdale revitalization effort, and as a trail-head for the Razorback Greenway trails system.”