The Jones Center For Families

Bernice Jones, widow of Harvey Jones-- who earned his living and resulting wealth by forming the Jones Truck Lines-- founded the center. This in itself is not at all unusual, since many people in the area share their wealth with the community. What makes the center unusual is the fact that all the activities in the center are free, including admission. All Mrs. Jones requires is written on the doors where you enter the building: "All are welcome who behave as ladies and gentlemen." And, stepping through the doors you will soon realize that is a small price to pay for such an excellent service to the community and its families.

One of the center's main attractions is the ice skating rink, and you don't have to bring your own skates either. They are furnished for free also. You will need to pick up some tickets, since they have to limit the number of people on the ice at once for safety purposes, but these tickets are, you guessed it, free.

If your plans are on the warmer end of the scale, you can take a dip in their indoor swimming pool, slide down the water slide or take your little one into the kiddie pool, complete with a fountain in the shape of a mushroom. Bleachers surround the pool for those who just want to watch the fun.

For the more athletic minded person they have basketball courts, a family fitness center, volleyball, an Aerobic/Dance room, and an indoor walking/jogging track.

For those of us who are watchers instead of doers, they have plenty to keep us busy too. How about a computer room whose computers are all online? All that is required is that you fill out a registration card at the desk. Simple huh?

If movies are more your style, they show them in the Chapel/Auditorium on certain days.

Or, if you are interested in furthering your education, you can enroll in their FREE School, (Family Recreational and Educational Enrichment). Classes cover everything from Ice Skating to computers. And, if you don't have a baby sitter, drop the kids off at KidsPlus, a childcare facility available to parents while taking advantage of the center's many programs, all at no cost.

To visit the Harvey and Bernice Jones Center for Families, take highway 412 into Springdale, Arkansas and turn north onto Old Missouri Road, then left on Emma. It sits on the corner of Old Missouri and Emma. If you are coming into Springdale from the north, you can take 71 south until you reach Emma, turn left and follow it all the way out to the center.

With all the center has to offer, it is the perfect stop for families while in the area. And, since good behavior is the only requirement to get through the doors, it is affordable for all of us!