Government is a necessity, but it's not what any business person would describe as the most efficient operation. It's deliberative, involving the public and political considerations. And that can slow things down. At its core, it's about delivering services the free market isn't equipped to handle effectively.
Sewage treatment? City parks? Building inspections? Zoning? Police? Fire protection?
What’s the point?
A proposed water park in Springdale raises questions about whether it’s the right fit as a municipal venture.
These are municipal essentials in most places.
Likewise, many, many ventures are far better suited for the private sector. St. Louis and Arlington, Texas, have some great municipal parks, but it's a private enterprise that runs the roller coasters and other rides at Six Flags.
So when we hear a business person pitching the notion to build a water park for kayaks, zip-lining, a lazy river and other features, it sounds like a fantastic idea. When that pitch is being made to the Springdale City Council, we're left wondering what the catch is.
This venture, which Mayor Doug Sprouse says he'll appoint a task force to examine, is envisioned for J.B. Hunt Park, west of Lake Springdale. A city-run animal shelter was viewed as too disruptive for neighbors to take there, but a water park and zip-lining near Rabbit Foot Lodge? Much calmer, we're sure.
The Chamber of Commerce joined in, saying the water park could become a destination in the region. Then, the catch: Chamber President Perry Webb said the project would require a community investment similar to those that built the Jones Center and Arvest Ballpark. The city would provide the land and maintenance, local businessman Joe Brooks said.
At first blush, what's being proposed sounds a lot like a business. Cities are much better designed to deliver parks for the enjoyment of their citizens. A venture such as the one proposed sounds like more of an amusement park. It may have all the viability in the world, and some sly business men or women would be able to take full advantage of that to make a profit by delivering a great experience. Cities aren't about making profits, though; they're about delivering public services.
So many good things are going on in Springdale these days, things for which this public-private water park might prove a distraction.
If the city and chamber want to facilitate a business venture buying land and coordinate with it to deliver needed services -- wider streets, demand for water and sewer, etc. -- that's a healthy relationship between a municipality and a business venture.
But if the city of Springdale is thinking about going into the water park business, we'd recommend great care. A venture like this either makes a great deal of sense as a private business or will make sense only with the city lifting some of the economic burden a business venture usually has to account for.
We're skeptical Springdale taxpayers want to carry that load.
Commentary on 06/21/2019