Jones Center’s economic impact exceeded $10 million in 2025, report shows

The Jones Center in Springdale recently released its 2025 Community Impact Report as it marked its 30th anniversary. The center had more than 587,000 visits and a total economic impact on the region of $10.4 million in 2025, according to the report.

The report highlights growth and successes across the nonprofit’s three program pillars, including arts and culture, sports and recreation and science and technology. Other highlights include membership growth, regional nonprofit support and volunteerism.

“2025 has been an inspiring year for us,” said Joe Lloyd, president and CEO of the Jones Center. “As we celebrate our 30th year as Northwest Arkansas’ community center, we are reminded every day that none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity and belief of our donors. For three decades, generations have come together under this roof — growing, learning, connecting — and this year’s momentum and impact reflects the power of that shared spirit. Seeing families, active adults, and everyone in between filling our halls on their way to programs and experiences, we’re reminded of the deep impact a community can make when it invests in one another.”

According to the report, the Jones Center’s total revenue was over $9.87 million in 2025, up 9.7% from a year ago. The Jones Center’s membership rose by 18% to 8,814 members in 2025 from the previous year. Its Access for Everyone scholarship program increased by 10% to 1,490 recipients. The scholarship program received $169,000 in support.

“Our members and visitors are at the heart of everything we do,” said Andi Jones, member and volunteer engagement director. “Seeing the growth this past year is incredibly exciting — but what truly inspires us is knowing that more people across Northwest Arkansas are finding a home here. We want everyone in this region to walk through our doors and experience what Jones Center has to offer.”

Following are 2025 highlights.
• 587,904 Jones Center visits, with 43% of visitors from Springdale and 57% from the greater Northwest Arkansas region
• 400 classes were offered to children and adults, with 4,606 swim lessons given to students, 1,056 students in ice skating classes, and 1,398 children in day camps
• 1,420 community gatherings took place at the Jones Center
• 250 volunteers supported the Jones Center’s programs, with 3,000 service hours recorded
• 102 nonprofit affiliates received $2.6 million in in-kind rent and $854,754 in in-kind meeting spaces.

In 1995, Bernice Jones opened the 220,000-square-foot Jones Center, which was built from the original Jones Truck Lines terminal facility at 922 E. Emma Ave. Bernice’s husband, Harvey Jones, founded and operated the largest private trucking business in the United States, Jones Truck Lines, in Springdale until he sold it in 1980 to Sun Carriers, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.