EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1297937
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1297937_10-K_2022_0001493152-22-035579.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Parks! America, Inc., through our wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates three regional theme parks and is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating local and regional theme parks and attractions in the United States. Our wholly owned subsidiaries are Wild Animal Safari, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“Wild Animal - Georgia”), Wild Animal, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“Wild Animal - Missouri”), and Aggieland-Parks, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas”). Wild Animal - Georgia owns and operates the Wild Animal Safari theme park in Pine Mountain, Georgia (the “Georgia Park”). Wild Animal - Missouri owns and operates the Wild Animal Safari theme park located in Strafford, Missouri (the “Missouri Park”). Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas owns and operates the Aggieland Wild Animal Safari theme park near Bryan/College Station, Texas (the “Texas Park”). We acquired our Georgia Park on June 13, 2005, our Missouri Park on March 5, 2008, and our Texas Park on April 27, 2020.
Our parks are open year round, but experience increased seasonal attendance, typically beginning in the latter half of March through early September. Combined third and fourth quarter net sales were 62.1% and 60.3% of annual attendance based net sales for our 2022 and 2021 fiscal years, respectively. Since the acquisition of our Texas Park, the combined third and fourth quarter concentration of our sales has been reduced.
Our business plan includes expansion via the acquisition of additional local or regional theme parks and attractions. We believe acquisitions, if any, should not unnecessarily encumber the Company with additional debt that cannot be justified by current operations. We may also pursue contract management opportunities for themed attractions owned by third parties. By using a combination of equity, debt and other financing options, we intend to carefully monitor stockholder value in conjunction with the pursuit of growth.
Shares of our common stock trade on the OTC Markets Group OTCPink marketplace (“OTCPink”) under the symbol, “PRKA.”
For an overview of our business operations, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS herein.
Corporate History
The Company was originally incorporated on July 30, 1954 as Painted Desert Uranium & Oil Co., Inc. in Washington State. On October 1, 2002, Painted Desert Uranium & Oil Co., Inc. changed its name to Royal Pacific Resources, Inc. and its corporate domicile to the State of Nevada.
On December 19, 2003, Royal Pacific Resources, Inc. acquired the assets of Great Western Parks LLC pursuant to a Share Exchange Agreement that set the stage for our current corporate structure and operating strategy. We changed the name of the Company to Great American Family Parks, Inc. The acquisition was accounted for as a “reverse acquisition” in which Great Western Parks was considered the acquirer of Royal Pacific Resources for reporting purposes. As of June 11, 2008, the Company changed its name from Great American Family Parks, Inc. to its current name, Parks! America, Inc. In addition, effective June 25, 2008, the Company’s quotation symbol on the OTCPink was changed from GFAM to PRKA.
Wild Animal Safari, Inc. - Our Georgia Park
On June 13, 2005, Wild Animal - Georgia acquired our Georgia Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Our Georgia Park is situated within a 200-acre portion of a 500-acre plot, which is owned by Wild Animal - Georgia, located approximately 75 miles southwest of Atlanta. Our Georgia Park features a three-mile drive-through animal viewing area that opened in 1991. It is home to over 500 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 65 species. The majority of the animals roam wild in a natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along the paved road that runs through the drive-through section of our Georgia Park’s natural habitat area. Some animals are contained in special fenced-in exhibit areas within the natural habitat, drive-through section of our Georgia Park, while others are in a more traditional zoo-like walk through section of the park, the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, which also includes a reptile house, featuring reptiles from several continents.
Wild Animal, Inc. - Our Missouri Park
Wild Animal - Missouri purchased our Missouri Park as of March 5, 2008. Our Missouri Park is situated in Strafford, Missouri on 255 acres of land located 12 miles east of Springfield and approximately 45 miles north of Branson. Our Missouri Park features a five-mile drive-through wild animal viewing area that opened in 1971. It is home to approximately 350 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 65 species. Most of the animals roam wild throughout the natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along the paved road that runs throughout the drive-through section of our Missouri Park’s natural habitat area. Some animals are contained in special fenced-in exhibit areas within the natural habitat, drive-through section of our Missouri Park and other animals are in a more traditional zoo-like walk through section of the park, the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, which also contains a reptile house, featuring reptiles from several continents.
Aggieland-Parks, Inc. - Our Texas Park
Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas acquired our Texas Park on April 27, 2020. Our Texas Park is situated on 250 acres of a 450-acre property, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Bryan/College Station, Texas and 120 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Our Texas Park features a two-and-a-half mile drive-through animal viewing area that opened in 2019. It is home to over 650 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 70 species. The majority of the animals roam wild in a natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along a crushed-gravel road that runs throughout the drive-through section of our Texas Park’s natural habitat area. Our Texas Park also includes a 20-acre Walkabout Adventure Zoo, featuring outdoor and indoor animal exhibits, a reptile house, two aviaries, extensive giraffe and tortoise encounter areas, an otter exhibit, and a large hippopotamus enclosure and pond.
Animal Park Operations
Park revenues are primarily derived from admission fees, food and beverage sales, gift shop and specialty item sales, and sales of animal food. During our 2022 fiscal year, we introduced private and semi-private animal keeper guided animal encounters at each of our parks. We also introduced vehicle rentals at our Missouri and Texas Parks, which have been a customer favorite at our Georgia Park for over a decade. Management’s plans to grow revenues at each of our parks include ongoing improvements to existing facilities, making each park more attractive to visitors and developing unused acreage. We also believe that increasing local and regional awareness of each park via advertising and promotion is a critical element of our revenue growth plans, especially for our Texas and Missouri Parks.
In addition to the animal environments, each of our parks contain a gift shop, a restaurant or concessions areas, and picnic areas. We sell food and beverages in our restaurants or concession areas, and a variety of items in our gift shops, including shirts, hats, educational books, toys and novelty items, many of which are animal themed. Our 2023 fiscal year plans include the continuing renovation of walk about animal habitats and enclosures, especially at our Georgia Park, completion of a new otter exhibit at our Missouri Park, and the completion of expanded food service capabilities and offerings at our Texas Park. Our plan to open a significant new giraffe exhibit at our Georgia Park during our 2022 fiscal year experienced delays due to a highly inflationary period for building materials and a challenging labor market. We remain committed to this showcase attraction and expect to make progress on this project during our 2023 fiscal year, however the opening date is still unknown. Increasing attendance, as well as increasing the per capita income generated in our gift shops and from concessions, continues to be a primary focus.
Most of the animals at each of our parks have been born on-site or domestically acquired. We rarely import animals and have not imported any animals in the past 10 years. Auctions and sales of animals across the United States occur often and we may acquire animals in these auctions if we see an opportunity to enhance the animal population at our parks. As a result of natural breeding, animal populations at our Parks tend to grow over time. Periodically, we sell surplus animals, and the proceeds are recorded as revenue. The periodic acquisition and sale of animals is also part of our herd and genetic management program. From time-to-time, we may also relocate animals between our parks as part of this program. Each park is subject to routine inspection by federal and state agencies. Each park maintains a high standard of animal care and has passed all recent inspections.
Employees
Our Georgia Park has approximately 25 full-time employees and engages a range of 20-35 additional part-time and seasonal employees. Our Missouri Park has approximately 12 full-time employees and engages in the range of 10-20 additional part-time and seasonal employees. Our Texas Park has approximately 14 full-time employees and engages in the range of 10-20 additional part-time and seasonal employees. We also engage consultants from time to time. We have no collective bargaining agreements with our employees and believe our relations with our employees are good. Parks! America has three officers and one manager who oversee the strategy of the Company, the operations and capital investment activities of our Parks, as well as the overall financial activities, controls and reporting for the Company and each Park.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategies for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” below for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business:
The COVID-19 pandemic or similar public health risks and measures taken in response thereto may have a material negative impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows, and financial condition. The extent of the impact is dependent upon future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of a coronavirus, as a pandemic. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has resulted in governmental authorities throughout the United States implementing a variety of containment measures with the objective of slowing the spread of the virus, including travel restrictions, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns. The COVID-19 pandemic and these containment measures have the potential to have a material impact on the Company’s business.
We implemented several measures to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on our business and financial position. During the initial shutdown period, we reduced staffing, applied for and received Paycheck Protection Program loans and reduced discretionary spending. In addition, we delayed closing the Texas Park acquisition to renegotiate various terms, primarily focused on reducing the cash requirements of the acquisition in the subsequent year.
In early April 2020, our Georgia and Missouri Parks closed to the public due to shelter-in-place mandates. In addition, our Texas Park was closed to the public for the month prior to its acquisition, due to a shelter-in-place mandate. In compliance with respective state issued guidelines, each of our parks reopened in early May 2020. After reopening, attendance levels increased significantly at each of our parks for the balance of its 2020 fiscal year, which continued throughout our 2021 fiscal year in comparison to comparable pre-COVID-19 periods. While attendance based net sales remain higher compared to pre-COVID-19 periods, we experienced a decline in comparable year-over-year attendance based net sales and attendance for the last 22 weeks of our 2021 fiscal year and for our entire 2022 fiscal year, respectively.
As the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates, our future operations are dependent on factors outside of our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of this pandemic or similar public health risks. While we have experienced attendance gains and strong cash flow in comparison to periods preceding the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be longer-term negative impacts to our business, results of operations and cash flows, and financial condition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These negative impacts may include changes in customer behavior and preferences, increases in operating expenses to meet consumer expectations and perceptions, limitations in our ability to recruit and maintain staffing, as well as increasing wages required retain and recruit staff. There is also the potential for attendance levels at our parks to moderate or decline as alternative entertainment venues are now open and consumers have broader travel and entertainment options.
The extent and duration of longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or similar public health risks on customer perceptions of our parks are largely uncertain and dependent upon future developments that cannot be accurately predicted. There is no recent historical precedent that provides insights into the longer-term impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on consumer behavior. As a result, the ultimate impact is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent COVID-19 will have on our overall business, results of operations and cash flows, and financial position. COVID-19 and the resulting economic disruptions have also led to significant volatility in the capital markets. As a smaller public company, our ability to access cash is already difficult and the impacts of COVID-19 on capital markets has likely negatively impacted our ability to raise additional capital at a reasonable cost.
General economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business and operating results can be impacted by a number of macroeconomic factors, including but not limited to consumer confidence and spending levels, tax rates, unemployment, consumer credit availability, raw materials costs, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and natural disasters, fuel and energy costs (including oil prices), and credit market conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted and will likely continue to impact many of these factors. A general economic slowdown or recession resulting in a decrease in discretionary spending could adversely affect the frequency with which guests choose to visit our parks and the amount that our guests spend when they visit. Our ability to source supplies, materials and services at reasonable costs and in a timely manner could be impacted by adverse economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad. For example, our ability to obtain gift shop merchandise had been adversely impacted by recent supply chain distributions at least in part attributed to collateral impacts from COVID-19. Similarly, our plans to open a new giraffe exhibit at out Georgia Park experienced delays during our 2022 fiscal year, in large part due building material price increases and labor storages in the construction industry.
Conditions beyond our control, including natural disasters or extreme weather, could damage our properties and could adversely impact attendance at our parks and result in decreased revenues.
Natural disasters, public heath crises, epidemics, pandemics, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, terrorist activities, power outages or other events outside our control could disrupt our operations, impair critical systems, damage our properties or reduce attendance at our parks or require temporary park closures. Damage to our properties could take a long time to repair and there is no guarantee that we would have adequate insurance to cover the costs of repair or the expense of the interruption to our business. Furthermore, natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, hurricanes or extreme weather events linked to climate change, may interrupt or impede access to our affected properties or require evacuations and may cause attendance at our affected properties to decrease for an indefinite period. For example, our Texas Park was closed for several weeks, experienced power outages and sustained property damage associated with winter storms in February 2021. The occurrence of such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot predict the frequency, duration or severity of these activities and the effect that they may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Theme Park Industry is highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete effectively.
The theme park industry is highly competitive, highly fragmented, rapidly evolving, and subject to technological change and intense marketing by providers with similar products. One of our competitors for attracting general recreation dollars, Callaway Gardens, is located within five miles of our Georgia Park. In May 2018, Great Wolf Resorts opened an expansive lodge and indoor waterpark within 10 miles of our Georgia Park. In September 2017, the founder of Bass Pro Shops opened “Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium”, approximately 12 miles from our Missouri Park in Springfield, Missouri. Branson, Missouri is located just 45 minutes from our Missouri Park. There are a variety of animal attractions throughout southeastern Texas; the nearest is Franklin Drive Thru Safari, within a 35-40 minute drive of our Texas Park. Many of our current competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater market presence as well as greater financial, technical, operational, marketing and other resources and experience than we have. In the event that a competitor expends significant sales and marketing resources in one or several markets we may not be able to compete successfully in such markets. We believe that competition will continue to increase, potentially placing downward pressure on prices. Such pressure could adversely affect our gross margins if we are not able to reduce costs commensurate with such price reductions. In addition, the pace of technological change makes it impossible for us to predict whether we will face new competitors using different technologies to provide the same or similar products offered or proposed to be offered by us. If our competitors were to provide better and more cost effective products, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We face strong competition from numerous entertainment alternatives.
In addition to competing with other themed and amusement parks, our venues compete with other types of recreational venues and entertainment alternatives, including but not limited to movies, sports attractions, vacation travel and video games. There can be no assurance that we will successfully differentiate ourselves from these entertainment alternatives or that consumers will consider our entertainment offerings to be more appealing than those of our competitors. The increasing availability and quality of technology-based entertainment has provided families with a wider selection of entertainment alternatives in their homes, including home entertainment units, in-home and online gaming, as well as on-demand streaming video and related access to various forms of entertainment. In addition, traditional theme parks have been able to reduce the cost and increase the variety of their attractions by implementing technologies that cannot be readily incorporated by wild animal attractions such as our Parks.
The suspension or termination of any of our business licenses may have a negative impact on our business.
We maintain a variety of business licenses issued by federal, state and local government agencies that are required to be renewed periodically. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in renewing all our licenses on a periodic basis. The suspension, termination or expiration of one or more of these licenses could have a significant adverse effect on our revenues and profits. In addition, any changes to the requirements for any of our licenses could affect our ability to maintain the licenses.
Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all possible losses that we could suffer, and our insurance costs may increase.
Companies engaged in the theme park business may be sued for substantial damages in the event of an actual or alleged accident. An accident occurring at our Parks or at competing parks may reduce attendance, increase insurance premiums, and negatively impact our operating results. Our properties contain drive-through, safari style animal parks, and there are inherent risks associated with allowing the public to interact with animals. Although we carry liability insurance to cover this risk, there can be no assurance that our coverage will be adequate to cover liabilities, or that we will be able to afford or obtain adequate coverage should a catastrophic incident occur.
We currently have $6.0 million of liability insurance per occurrence, which is capped at $10.0 million in aggregate. We will continue to use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain policies of liability, fire and casualty insurance sufficient to provide reasonable coverage for risks arising from accidents, fire, weather, other acts of God, and other potential casualties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate levels of insurance to protect against suits and judgments in connection with accidents or other disasters that may occur in our Parks.
We may not identify or complete acquisitions in a timely, cost-effective manner, if at all.
Our business plan includes expansion via the acquisition of additional local or regional theme parks and attractions. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in acquiring and operating additional local or regional theme parks and attractions. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the theme park industry is intense as there are a limited number of parks within the United States that could reasonably qualify as acquisition targets for us. Our acquisition strategy is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to: identify acquisition opportunities; obtain debt and equity financing; and obtain necessary regulatory approvals. Our ability to pursue our acquisition strategy may be hindered if we are not able to successfully identify acquisition targets or obtain the necessary financing or regulatory approvals, including but not limited to those arising under federal and state antitrust and environmental laws.
Significant amounts of additional financing may be necessary for the implementation of our Business Plan.
The Company may require additional debt and equity financing to pursue its business plan. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining additional financing. Lack of additional funding could force us to substantially curtail our expansion plans. Furthermore, the issuance by the Company of any additional securities would dilute the ownership of existing stockholders and may affect the price of our common stock.
Our ownership of real property subjects us to environmental regulation, which creates uncertainty regarding future environmental expenditures and liabilities.
We may be required to incur costs to comply with environmental requirements, such as those relating to discharges to air, water and land; the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste; and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. Under these and other environmental requirements we may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at one of our properties. As an owner or operator, we could also be held responsible to a governmental entity or third party for property damage, personal injury and investigation and cleanup costs incurred by them in connection with any contamination. Environmental laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the contaminants. The liability under environmental laws has been interpreted to be joint and several unless the harm is divisible and there is a reasonable basis for allocation of the responsibility. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of those substances may be substantial, and the presence of those substances, or the failure to remediate a property properly, may impair our ability to use our property. We are not currently aware of any material environmental risks regarding our properties. However, we may be required to incur costs to remediate potential environmental hazards or to mitigate environmental risks in the future.
We are dependent upon the services of our Executive Officers, key personnel and consultants.
Our success is heavily dependent on the continued active participation of our executive officers. Loss of the services of one or more of these officers could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Further, our success and achievement of our growth plans depend on our ability to recruit, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. Competition for qualified employees among companies in the theme park industry is intense, and the loss of any such persons, or an inability to attract, retain and motivate any additional highly skilled employees required for the expansion of the Company’s activities, could have a materially adverse effect on the Company. The inability of the Company to attract and retain the necessary personnel, and consultants and advisors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
Increased labor and employee benefit costs may negatively impact our results of operations. We also depend on a seasonal workforce, many of whom are paid at or near minimum wage.
Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our business. Our ability to control labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including market pressures with respect to prevailing wage rates, unemployment levels, and health and other insurance costs, as well as the impact of legislation or regulations governing labor relations, minimum wage, and healthcare benefits. Furthermore, our operations are dependent in part on a seasonal workforce, many of whom are paid at or near minimum wage. We seek to manage seasonal wages and the timing of the hiring process to ensure the appropriate workforce is in place for peak and low seasons; however, we may be unable to recruit and hire sufficient personnel to meet our business needs. In addition, we cannot guarantee that material increases in the cost of securing our workforce will not occur in the future. Increased state or federal minimum wage requirements, general wages or an inadequate workforce could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. We anticipate that the recent upward pressures on general wage rates may increase our salary, wage and benefit expenses in our 2023 fiscal year and beyond, and further legislative changes or competitive wage rates could continue to increase these expenses in the future.
Data privacy regulation and our ability to comply could harm our business.
We (or third parties on our behalf) collect, store and use personal information and other customer data we receive through online ticket sales, marketing, mailing lists, and guest reservations. There are multiple federal, state and local laws regarding privacy and protection of personal information and data, and these laws and regulations continue to evolve. For example, many states have passed laws requiring notification to customers when there is a security breach involving their personal data and multiple jurisdictions are considering legislation that may impose liability if a business fails to properly safeguard personal information of its customers. Maintaining compliance with applicable security and privacy regulations may increase our operating costs. While we believe our cybersecurity measures are adequate, if we were to experience a data breach, we could be subject to fines, penalties and/or costly litigation.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Common Stock:
Our Common Stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in our Common Stock is limited, which makes transactions in our Common Stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in our Common Stock.
Our common stock is considered a “penny stock” and the sale of our stock by you will be subject to the “penny stock rules” of the SEC. The penny stock rules require broker-dealers to take steps before making any penny stock trades in customer accounts. As a result, the market for our shares could be illiquid and there could be delays in the trading of our stock, which would negatively affect your ability to sell your shares and could negatively affect the trading price of your shares.
We do not expect to pay dividends for some time, if at all.
As of the date of this report, no cash dividends have been paid on our common stock. We expect that any income from operations will be devoted to our future operations and growth, as well as to service our debt. We do not expect to pay cash dividends in the near future. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, operating and financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The provisions of credit agreements, which we may enter into from time to time, may also restrict the declaration of dividends on our common stock.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns and operates the following wild animal theme parks:
Wild Animal Safari, Inc. - Our Georgia Park
Our Georgia Park is situated within a 200-acre portion of a 500-acre plot, which is owned by Wild Animal - Georgia, located approximately 75 miles southwest of Atlanta. Our Georgia Park features a three-mile drive-through animal viewing area that opened in 1991. It is home to over 500 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 65 species. The majority of the animals roam wild in a natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along the paved road that runs through the drive-through section of our Georgia Park’s natural habitat area. Some animals are contained in special fenced-in exhibit areas within the natural habitat, drive-through section of our Georgia Park, while others are in a more traditional zoo-like walk through section, the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, which also includes a reptile house, featuring reptiles from several continents. In addition to the animal environments, our Georgia Park contains a gift shop, a restaurant and picnic areas. During our 2022 fiscal year we implemented various animal exhibit and habitat improvements to the Walkabout Adventure Zoo section of our Georgia Park, with plans to continue the transformation of this area of the park in 2023.
Wild Animal, Inc. - Our Missouri Park
Our Missouri Park is situated in Strafford, Missouri on 255 acres of land located 12 miles east of Springfield and approximately 45 miles north of Branson. Our Missouri Park features a five-mile drive-through wild animal viewing area that opened in 1971. It is home to approximately 350 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 65 species. Most of the animals roam wild throughout the natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along the paved road that runs throughout the drive-through section of our Missouri Park’s natural habitat area. Some animals are contained in special fenced-in areas within the natural habitat, drive-through section of our Missouri Park and other animals are in a more traditional zoo-like atmosphere, the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, which also contains a reptile house, featuring reptiles from several continents. During our 2020 fiscal year we completed an expanded giraffe exhibit, which allows our guests to view and feed our giraffes year round. A new otter exhibit is scheduled to open at our Missouri Park during the second quarter of our 2023 fiscal year. Our Missouri Park also has a gift shop, a restaurant, and several party rooms for rental.
Aggieland-Parks, Inc. - Our Texas Park
Our Texas Park is situated on 250 acres of a 450-acre property, located approximately 25 miles northeast Bryan/College Station, Texas and 120 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Our Texas Park features a two-and-a-half mile drive-through animal viewing area that opened in 2019. It is home to over 650 animals, birds and reptiles, comprised of over 70 species. The majority of the animals roam wild in a natural habitat. Visitors can observe, photograph and feed the animals along a crushed-gravel road that runs throughout the drive-through section of our Texas Park’s natural habitat area. Our Texas Park also includes a 20-acre Walkabout Adventure Zoo, featuring outdoor and indoor animal exhibits, a reptile barn, two aviaries, extensive giraffe and tortoise encounter areas, an otter exhibit, and a large hippopotamus enclosure and pond. In addition, our Texas Park offers a gift shop, a covered individual and group dining area, several party rooms for rental, and a playground for young children and families. During our 2023 fiscal year, we anticipate the completion and opening of a restaurant and significantly expanded food service operations at our Texas Park.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On February 17, 2021, two children of James Meikle, our former President and Chief Operating Officer, filed a Complaint in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada (case no. A-21-829563-C), alleging we were obligated under Mr. Meikle’s Employment Agreement to purchase at least $540,000 of life insurance for Mr. Meikle, who passed away on November 28, 2018. The Complaint was seeking damages of $540,000, as well as interest and expenses. The trial date was set for August 15, 2022. Effective August 5, 2022, we agreed to pay the plaintiffs $100,000 to settle this Compliant and obtain a full release for any related complaints. The release was completed August 26, 2022, we issued payment for the settlement amount on August 31, 2022 and an order of dismissal was filed on September 19, 2022.
Other Matters
Except as noted above, we are not a party to any pending legal proceeding, nor are any of our properties the subject of a pending legal proceeding, that is not in the ordinary course of business or otherwise material to the financial condition of its business. None of our directors, officers or affiliates is involved in a proceeding adverse to our business or has a material interest adverse to our business.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock trades on the OTCPink under the symbol “PRKA”. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices per share of our common stock as reported on the OTCPink. These quotations reflect prices between dealers, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns, and commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The prices are adjusted to reflect all stock splits. As of October 2, 2022, there were 75,124,087 shares outstanding held by approximately 3,200 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders of record does not reflect shares held beneficially or those shares held in “street” name.
High Low
First Quarter $ 0.740 $ 0.524
Second Quarter $ 0.630 $ 0.429
Third Quarter $ 0.530 $ 0.328
Fourth Quarter $ 0.475 $ 0.320
First Quarter $ 0.480 $ 0.310
Second Quarter $ 0.478 $ 0.380
Third Quarter $ 0.850 $ 0.370
Fourth Quarter $ 0.930 $ 0.600
We do not currently pay any dividends on our common stock, and for the foreseeable future we intend to retain future earnings, if any, for use in our business. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, operating and financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The provisions of our credit agreements, which we may enter into from time to time, may also restrict the declaration of dividends on our common stock.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition (“MD&A”) is a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and provides additional information on our businesses, current developments, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2022 provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully herein.
The forward-looking information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is based on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events, and speak only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC. More information about potential factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, we own and operate three regional theme parks and are in the business of acquiring, developing and operating local and regional theme parks and attractions in the United States. Our wholly owned subsidiaries are Wild Animal Safari, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“Wild Animal - Georgia”), Wild Animal, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“Wild Animal - Missouri”), and Aggieland-Parks, Inc., a Texas corporation (“Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas”). Wild Animal - Georgia owns and operates the Wild Animal Safari theme park in Pine Mountain, Georgia (the “Georgia Park”). Wild Animal - Missouri owns and operates the Wild Animal Safari theme park located in Strafford, Missouri (the “Missouri Park”). Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas owns and operates the Aggieland Wild Animal Safari theme park near Bryan/College Station, Texas (the “Texas Park”). On April 27, 2020, we acquired substantially all the assets of Aggieland Safari LLC and related entities (“Aggieland Safari”).
Our parks are open year round, but experience increased seasonal attendance, typically beginning in the latter half of March through early September. Combined third and fourth quarter net sales were 62.1% and 60.3% of annual attendance based net sales for our 2022 and 2021 fiscal years, respectively. Since the acquisition of our Texas Park, the combined third and fourth quarter concentration of our sales has been reduced.
The table below outlines our annual net sales, reported and adjusted income before income taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and net cash provided by operating activities for the last five fiscal years. For the past several years, our Georgia Park has benefitted from a number of positive factors including strong and stable management, the addition of online ticket sales in June 2015, growth and positive economic conditions in the greater Atlanta area, as well as positive guest perceptions of this park. Our strong results through fiscal 2019 and the resulting improvements in our financial position provided us with the resources to pursue and ultimately complete the Aggieland Safari acquisition.
Fiscal Year
2019
Total net sales $ 10,741,417 $ 11,862,491 $ 9,507,264 $ 6,184,254 $ 6,046,758
% change -9.5 % 24.8 % 53.7 % 2.3 % -3.1 %
Reported income before income taxes 1,030,291 3,680,546 3,693,869 1,495,438 1,422,592
% change -72.0 % -0.4 % 147.0 % 5.1 % -30.1 %
% of total net sales 9.6 % 31.0 % 38.9 % 24.2 % 23.5 %
Adjusted income before income taxes (*) 1,130,291 3,490,558 3,669,496 1,575,882 1,553,124
% change -67.6 % -4.9 % 132.9 % 1.5 % -20.6 %
% of total net sales 10.5 % 29.4 % 38.6 % 25.5 % 25.7 %
EBITDA 2,168,161 4,620,623 4,457,682 2,138,546 2,188,851
% change -53.1 % 3.7 % 108.4 % -2.3 % -17.1 %
% of total net sales 20.2 % 39.0 % 46.9 % 34.6 % 36.2 %
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,540,719 3,308,718 3,680,401 1,858,158 1,767,243
% change -53.4 % -10.1 % 98.1 % 5.1 % -3.3 %
% of total net sales 14.3 % 27.9 % 38.7 % 30.0 % 29.2 %
* - Excludes a $100,000 legal settlement charge in 2022, a $189,988 gain on extinguishment of debt in 2021, $24,373 of tornado related insurance proceeds in 2020, $80,444 of tornado damage asset write-offs and costs in 2019, and $130,532 of deferred financing costs write-offs in 2018.
EBITDA is not a measurement of operating performance computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities computed in accordance with GAAP. We believe that EBITDA is a meaningful measure as it is widely used by analysts, investors and comparable companies in our industry to evaluate our operating performance on a consistent basis, as well as more easily compare our results with those of other companies in our industry. We also believe EBITDA is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability. EBITDA is a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under GAAP.
The following table provides a reconciliation of our reported income before income taxes to our EBITDA for our five most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal Year
2019
Reported income before income taxes $ 1,030,291 $ 3,680,546 $ 3,693,869 $ 1,495,438 $ 1,422,592
Interest expense 261,621 335,944 182,926 76,003 177,828
Depreciation and amortization 782,987 704,016 576,139 453,968 425,647
(Gain) loss on disposal of operating assets, net (6,738 ) 90,105 29,121 32,693 32,252
Legal settlement 100,000 - - - -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (189,988 ) - - -
Tornado damage and expenses, net - - (24,373 ) 80,444 -
Write-off of loan fees - prepayment - - - - 130,532
EBITDA $ 2,168,161 $ 4,620,623 $ 4,457,682 $ 2,138,546 $ 2,188,851
In response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental authorities throughout the United States implemented a variety of containment measures with the objective of slowing the spread of the virus, including travel restrictions, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns. We implemented several measures to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on our business and financial position. During the initial shutdown period, we reduced staffing, applied for and received Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and reduced discretionary spending. In addition, we delayed closing the Texas Park acquisition to renegotiate various terms, primarily focused on reducing the cash requirements of the acquisition in the subsequent year.
In early April 2020, our Georgia and Missouri Parks closed to the public due to shelter-in-place mandates. In addition, our Texas Park, was closed to the public for the month prior to its acquisition, due to a shelter-in-place mandate. In compliance with respective state issued guidelines, each of our parks reopened in early May 2020. After reopening, attendance levels increased significantly at each of our parks for the balance of our 2020 fiscal year, which continued throughout our 2021 fiscal year in comparison to comparable pre-COVID-19 periods. We experienced a decline in comparable year-over-year attendance based net sales and attendance for the last 22 weeks of our 2021 fiscal year and for our entire 2022 fiscal year, respectively.
While we experienced a comparable 52-week attendance-based sales decline for our 2022 fiscal year compared to the elevated pandemic levels, our overall sales remain at significantly higher levels when compared to pre-COVID-19 periods. On a combined basis, attendance-based sales of our Georgia and Missouri Parks for our 2022 fiscal year were up approximately 43.0% compared to the comparable pre-COVID-19 2019 fiscal year, which we believe illustrates a significant increase in local and regional awareness of each park, a critical development with positive long-term ramifications for our business. (Note, our Texas Park, acquired on April 27, 2020, originally opened in May 2019; therefore, a full year of sales is not available for pre-COVID-19 periods).
Although we have experienced attendance gains and strong cash flows subsequent to the reopening our of parks after the initial closures at the beginning of the pandemic, there may be longer-term negative impacts to the Company’s business, results of operations and cash flows, and financial condition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These negative impacts may include changes in customer behavior and preferences, increases in operating expenses to meet consumer expectations and perceptions, limitations in our ability to recruit and maintain staffing, as well as increasing wages required retain and recruit staff. There is also the potential for attendance levels at our parks to moderate or decline as alternative entertainment venues are now open and consumers have broader travel and entertainment options.
We are committed to leveraging the strong operating model we have established at our Georgia Park at all three of our properties, with a focus on increasing attendance through enhanced marketing efforts and focused capital investments, as well as continuing to prudently increase the average revenue generated per guest visit via concession and gift shop revenues. Among our highest priorities over the next several years is continuing the integration of our Texas Park, continual enhancement of the overall guest experience at each of our parks, as well as the introduction new programming and enhanced marketing efforts. As our Texas Park first opened to the public in May 2019, we believe there remains tremendous potential to increase attendance by increasing the local and regional awareness of this facility via advertising and promotion. We are pleased with the expanded attendance at our Missouri Park since it reopened in May 2020 and plan on leveraging the increased exposure of this facility to continue to build on this recent success.
Our 2023 fiscal year capital investment plan remains elevated versus historical levels, however, is lower than the $1.84 million record level of capital spending during our 2022 fiscal year. Our 2023 capital plan targets substantial guest-facing enhancements at all three of our parks, delivering a marketable attraction at each property and setting the stage for longer-term master planning and optimization at every park. Our plan to open a significant new giraffe exhibit at our Georgia Park during our 2022 fiscal year experienced delays due to a highly inflationary period for building materials and a challenging labor market. We remain committed to this showcase attraction and expect to make progress on this project during our 2023 fiscal year, however the opening date is still unknown. Our 2023 projected capital investment spending will again be fully funded from our existing cash and continues to demonstrate our commitment to building for long-term, sustainable growth.
Our long-term business plan also includes expansion via the acquisition of additional local or regional theme parks and attractions. We believe acquisitions, if any, should not unnecessarily encumber the Company with additional debt that cannot be justified by current operations. We may also pursue contract management opportunities for themed attractions owned by third parties. By using a combination of equity, debt and other financing options, we intend to carefully monitor stockholder value in conjunction with the pursuit of growth.
Strong annual operating cash flow over the past several fiscal years has provided us with incremental cash flow, provided us with the financial strength to complete the Aggieland Safari acquisition and has funded a significant increase in capital investment. However, our current size and operating model leave us little room for error. Any future capital raised by us is likely to result in dilution to existing stockholders. It is possible that cash generated by, or available to, us may not be sufficient to fund our capital and liquidity needs for the near-term.
Consolidated and Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended October 2, 2022 as Compared to the Year Ended October 3, 2021
We manage our operations on an individual location basis. Discrete financial information is maintained for each park and provided to our corporate management for review and as a basis for decision-making. The primary performance measures used to allocate resources are Park earnings before interest and tax expense, and free cash flow. We use this measure of operating profit to gauge segment performance because we believe this measure is the most indicative of performance trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment.
Our 2022 fiscal year was comprised of 52-weeks, compared to our 2021 fiscal year which was comprised of 53-weeks. Therefore, in addition to full year reported attendance based sales comparisons, attendance based sales analyses will include comparable 52-week sales comparisons.
The following table shows our consolidated and segment operating results for the years ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021:
Georgia Park Missouri Park Texas Park Consolidated
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Fiscal
Total net sales $ 7,086,232 $ 8,067,808 $ 1,691,602 $ 1,792,112 $ 1,963,583 $ 2,002,571 $ 10,741,417 $ 11,862,491
Segment income (loss) from operations 2,895,820 4,517,649 (344,404 ) 202,597 (254,834 ) (62,922 ) 2,296,582 4,657,324
Segment operating margin % 40.9 % 56.0 % -20.4 % 11.3 % -13.0 % -3.1 % 21.4 % 39.3 %
Corporate expenses
(995,946 ) (896,136 )
Other income, net
91,276 65,314
Legal settlement
(100,000 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt
- 189,988
Interest expense
(261,621 ) (335,944 )
Income before income taxes
$ 1,030,291 $ 3,680,546
Total Net Sales
The Company’s total net sales for the year ended October 2, 2022 decreased by $1.12 million, to $10.74 million compared to $11.86 million for the year ended October 3, 2021. Our Parks’ combined attendance based net sales decreased by $1.05 million or 9.0%, and animal sales decreased by $75,607. On a comparable 52-week basis, our attendance based net sales decreased by $848,862 or 7.4%.
On a reported basis, our Georgia Park’s attendance based net sales decreased by $881,252 or 11.1%, to $7.07 million, our Missouri Park’s attendance based net sales decreased by $101,592 or 5.7%, to $1.67 million, and our Texas Park’s attendance based sales decreased by $62,623 or 3.2%, to $1.88 million.
On a comparable 52-week basis, our Georgia Park’s attendance based net sales decreased by $748,701 or 9.6%, our Missouri Park’s attendance based net sales decreased by $76,473 or 4.4%, and our Texas Park’s attendance based sales decreased by $23,688 or 1.2%. On comparable 52-week basis, paid attendance at our Georgia Park decreased by approximately 17.9%, paid attendance our Missouri Park decreased by approximately 15.7%, while paid attendance at our Texas Park increased by approximately 2.2%.
Segment Operating Margin
Our consolidated segment operating margin decreased $2.36 million, resulting in segment income from operations of $2.30 million for the year ended October 2, 2022 compared to segment income from operations of $4.66 million for the year ended October 3, 2021. Our Georgia Park’s segment income was $2.90 million, a decrease of $1.62 million, principally attributable to lower attendance based net sales and lower animal sales, as well as higher compensation and benefits, advertising, insurance and general operating expenses, partially offset by higher margins on gift shop and food service sales. Our Missouri Park generated a segment operating loss of $344,404, a net decrease of $547,001, primarily attributable to lower attendance based net sales, as well as higher special event, advertising, compensation, depreciation and general operating expenses, partially offset by gains on asset dispositions. Our Texas Park generated a segment loss of $254,834, an increase of $191,912, primarily attributable lower attendance based net sales, as well as higher advertising, benefits, insurance, depreciation and general operating expenses, partially offset by higher animal sales, higher margins on gift shop and food service sales, and lower losses on asset dispositions.
Corporate Expenses
Corporate spending increased by $99,810 to $995,946 during the year ended October 2, 2022, primarily due to higher professional fees, compensation and benefits, travel and insurance expenses.
Legal Settlement Charge
Effective August 5, 2022, we agreed to pay $100,000 to two children of a former officer of the Company to settle a complaint alleging we were obligated to purchase life insurance of at least $540,000 for said officer. The release was obtained, and the full payment was made prior to October 2, 2022. For additional information, see “Note 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net, was $91,276 for the year ended October 2, 2022, an increase of $25,962, primarily attributable to higher mineral rights royalty income for our Texas Park.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During the year ended October 3, 2021, we received notification the SBA approved both of our PPP loan forgiveness applications, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $189,988.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended October 2, 2022 was $261,621, a decrease of $74,323, primarily as a result of the lower interest rate associated with the June 2021 refinancing of our Synovus term loan and scheduled principal payments on our term loans over the trailing 12 month period, as well as the retirement of the Aggieland Seller Note in June 2021.
Income Taxes
For the year ended October 2, 2022, we generated income before income taxes of $1.03 million and recorded a tax provision of $302,800, for an effective tax rate of approximately 29.4%, which was unfavorably impacted by state income taxes due to operating losses for our Missouri and Texas Parks. For the year ended October 3, 2021, we generated income before income taxes of $3.68 million and recorded a tax provision of $882,000, for an effective tax rate of approximately 24.0%, which was favorably impacted by the non-taxable PPP loan forgiveness. For additional information, see “Note 7. Income Taxes” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Net Income and Income Per Share
Our reported net income for the year ended October 2, 2022 was $727,491 or $0.01 per basic share and per fully diluted share, a decrease of $2.07 million or $0.03 per basic and fully diluted share, as compared with reported net income of $2.80 million or $0.04 per basic share and per fully diluted share, for the year ended October 3, 2021.
For the year ended
October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021
Net income $ 727,491 $ 2,798,546
Legal settlement 100,000 -
Tax impact - legal settlement (27,000 ) -
Gain on extinguishment of debt - (189,988 )
Adjusted net income $ 800,491 $ 2,608,558
As shown in the table above, several one-time items impacted our year-over-year reported net income comparison. Our 2022 fiscal year included a legal settlement charge of $100,000. Our 2021 fiscal year included a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $189,988. Management believes that adjusted net income, excluding one-time items, should be considered in evaluating the ongoing operating performance of our business. Excluding the after-tax effect of these items, our 2022 and 2021 fiscal year adjusted net income would have been $800,491 and $2.61 million, respectively, resulting in a decrease in adjusted net income of $1.81 million. The decrease in our adjusted net income is attributable to a $1.62 million decrease in the segment income for our Georgia Park, a $547,001 net decline in the segment income for our Missouri Park, a $191,912 increase in the segment loss for our Texas Park, a $99,810 increase in Corporate expenses, partially offset by a $74,323 decrease in interest expense, a $25,962 increase in other income and a $552,200 decrease in our adjusted income tax provision.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financial Condition and Liquidity
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations and borrowings under our loan agreements. Historically, our slow season starts after Labor Day in September and runs until Spring Break, which typically begins toward the end of March. The first and second quarters of our fiscal year have historically generated negative cash flow, requiring us to use cash generated from prior fiscal years, as well as borrowing on a seasonal basis, to fund operations and prepare our Parks for the busy season during the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year. As a result of our improved cash position, during our 2022 and 2021 fiscal years we did not utilize any seasonal borrowing.
On June 18, 2021, we entered a new $1.95 million, seven-year term loan (the “2021 Term Loan”) with Synovus Bank (“Synovus”), at an annual interest rate of 3.75%. The 2021 Term Loan replaced our 2018 borrowing facility with Synovus Bank, which included a term loan in the original principal amount of $1.60 million at 5.00% per annum and a $350,000 line of credit at 4.75% per annum. After paying off the balance outstanding on the 2018 Term Loan, the net additional borrowings on the 2021 Term Loan were $930,222 and the line of credit was not renewed. Combined with available cash, we used the incremental proceeds from the 2021 Term Loan to paydown $1.0 million of the 2020 Term Loan used to finance our Texas Park acquisition, which has a 5.00% annual interest rate. Overall, we estimate this refinancing will generate approximately $24,375 in annual interest savings.
Our working capital was $4.67 million as of October 2, 2022, compared to $5.70 million as of October 3, 2021. The year-over-year decrease in working capital primarily reflects cash used for capital investments and scheduled term loan payments, partially offset by cash generated by operating activities during our 2022 fiscal year.
Total loan debt, including current maturities, as of October 2, 2022 was $4.96 million compared to $5.66 million as of October 3, 2021. The year-over-year decrease in total loan debt the result scheduled term loan payments during our 2022 fiscal year.
As of October 2, 2022, we had equity of $15.35 million and total loan debt of $4.96 million, resulting in a debt to equity ratio of 0.32 to 1.0, compared to 0.39 to 1.0 as of October 3, 2021.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.54 million for our 2022 fiscal year, compared to $3.31 million, for our 2021 fiscal year, resulting in a decrease of $1.77 million, principally due to lower net income.
Investing Activities
Our 2022 fiscal year included $1.84 million of capital improvements, compared to $988,901 spent on capital improvements during our 2021 fiscal year, representing an increase of $850,490.
During our 2022 fiscal year, property and equipment investing at our Georgia Park included various animal acquisitions, additions to animal shelters and exhibits, the addition of a guest party pavilion, enhancements to and expansion of our food service capabilities, improvements to our gift shop, annual improvements to our drive-through roads, and spending on annual requirements for our rental vehicle fleet. For our Missouri Park, 2022 fiscal year property and equipment investments included various animal acquisitions, the addition of a new otter exhibit scheduled to open in our 2023 fiscal year, renovations of various animal shelters and exhibits, ground and electrical improvements to support a new Christmas Lights display, enhancements to and expansion of our food service capabilities, the addition of playground equipment in the walkabout section, and the acquisition of various equipment. For our Texas Park, 2022 fiscal year property and equipment investments included various animal acquisitions, the addition of and enhancements to various animal shelters, the acquisition of several vehicles for customer rental and related service equipment, other equipment additions, and various improvements focused on introducing expanded food service operations, expected to fully launch in fiscal 2023.
During our 2021 fiscal year, property and equipment investing at our Georgia Park included improvements to our drive-through road and other infrastructure improvements, various improvements to our concession and food service capabilities, improvements and additions to animal shelters and exhibits, spending on annual requirements for our rental vehicle fleet, and the acquisition of various animals. For our Missouri Park, 2021 fiscal year property and equipment investments included improvements and additions to animal shelters and exhibits, the acquisition of various animals, fencing improvements, improvements to our gift shop, and the acquisition of various equipment. For our Texas Park, 2021 fiscal year property and equipment investments included improvements to animal shelters and exhibits, the acquisition of various park equipment, drive through road improvements, and the acquisition of various animals.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $866,193 for the year ended October 2, 2022, compared to $1.20 million for the year ended October 3, 2021, resulting in a decrease of $333,969.
During our 2022 fiscal year, cash used in financing activities was for scheduled payments on our term loans, as well as principal payments on a financing lease obligation prior to its termination in September 2022.
In June 2021, we entered into the 2021 Term Loan for $1.95 million, using those proceeds to pay off the $1.02 million outstanding balance of our 2018 Term Loan. Combined with additional cash, we used the net remaining proceeds of the 2021 Term Loan to prepay $1.0 million against our 2020 Term Loan. In addition, on June 29, 2021, we paid off the $750,000 Aggieland Safari Seller Note. Excluding the $1.0 million prepayment of the 2020 Term Loan, net principal payments against our combined term loans totaled $448,648 for the year ended October 3, 2021.
Borrowing Agreements
On June 18, 2021, through our wholly owned subsidiary Wild Animal - Georgia, we completed a refinancing transaction (the “2021 Refinancing”) with Synovus Bank. The 2021 Refinancing included a term loan in the original principal amount of $1.95 million. The 2021 Term Loan bears interest at a rate of 3.75% per annum and is payable in monthly installments of approximately $26,480, based on a seven-year amortization period. The 2021 Term Loan has a maturity date of June 18, 2028. The 2021 Term Loan is secured by a security deed on the assets of Wild Animal - Georgia. We paid a total of approximately $1,514 in fees and expenses in connection with the 2021 Refinancing. The outstanding balance of the 2021 Term Loan was$1.64 million as of October 2, 2022.
On April 27, 2020, through our wholly owned subsidiary Aggieland-Parks Inc., we acquired Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas. This acquisition was financed with the “2020 Term Loan” from First Financial Bank (“First Financial”) and the “Aggieland Seller Note ” (as defined below). The 2020 Term Loan in the original principal amount of $5.0 million from First Financial is secured by substantially all the Aggieland Wild Animal - Texas assets, as well as guarantees from the Company and its subsidiaries. The 2020 Term Loan bears interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, has a maturity date of April 27, 2031, and required interest only monthly payments through April 2021. The 2020 Term Loan requires monthly payments of approximately $53,213 beginning in May 2021. We paid a total of approximately $62,375 in fees and expenses in connection with the 2020 Term Loan. On June 30, 2021, the Company used the incremental proceeds of the 2021 Term Loan, combined with additional funds, to paydown $1.0 million against the 2020 Term Loan, which had an outstanding balance of $3.37 million as of October 2, 2022.
The Aggieland Seller Note represented a deferred portion of the purchase price, had a face value of $750,000, bore no interest, had a maturity date of June 30, 2021, and was secured by a second priority subordinated lien and security interest in the acquired mineral rights and the animal inventory. We applied a 2.5% discount rate to determine a fair value of $728,500 for the Aggieland Seller Note as of April 27, 2020 and the resulting $21,500 discount was amortized as interest expense over the 14 month period of the note. On June 29, 2021, the Company paid off the Aggieland Seller Note.
On July 11, 2018, through our wholly owned subsidiary Wild Animal - Georgia, we completed a refinancing transaction (the “2018 Refinancing”) with Synovus. The 2018 Refinancing included a term loan in the original principal amount of $1.6 million (the “2018 Term Loan”). The 2018 Term Loan had an interest rate of 5.0% per annum and was payable in monthly payments of approximately $22,672, based on a seven-year amortization period. The 2018 Term Loan had a maturity date of June 11, 2021, with an option to renew at 5.0% per annum for an additional 49-month term. The 2018 Term Loan was secured by a security deed on the assets of Wild Animal - Georgia. We paid a total of approximately $15,680 in fees and expenses in connection with the 2018 Refinancing. The 2021 Term Loan replaced our 2018 Term Loan with Synovus, which had an outstanding balance of $1.02 million, and was paid off with the proceeds of the 2021 Term Loan.
As a result of the significant negative economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wild Animal - Georgia and Wild Animal - Missouri each applied for PPP loans. On April 14, 2020 and April 16, 2020, we received two unsecured PPP loans totaling $188,087. The PPP was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The term of the PPP loans was two years, with an interest rate of 1.0% per annum. All payments were deferred for the first twelve months of these PPP loans, with accrued interest being added to the principal during the payment deferral period. Under the terms of the CARES Act, some or all the PPP loan proceeds were eligible to be forgiven, based on use for specified purposes, subject to limitations and ongoing rulemaking by the SBA. We applied for forgiveness of the full amount of both the Wild Animal - Georgia and Wild Animal - Missouri PPP loans in March 2021. Effective March 29, 2021 and May 25, 2021, the SBA approved the Forgiveness Applications for Wild Animal - Georgia and Wild Animal - Missouri, respectively, including forgiveness of accrued interest, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt totaling $189,988 during the year ended October 3, 2021.
Subsequent Events
Effective November 14, 2022, Lisa Brady was appointed as the Company’s President and CEO, replacing Dale Van Voorhis, who had been serving as interim President and CEO since June 1, 2022. Among other duties, Ms. Brady is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Company, evaluating and recommending strategic initiatives, as well as working with the management team to implement and execute approved strategic growth initiatives. Mr. Van Voorhis will continue as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and as a special advisor to Ms. Brady.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are set forth in “NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTNG POLICIES” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be reviewed as they are integral to understanding our results of operations and financial position. Our critical accounting policies are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to long-lived assets, revenue recognition, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Although actual results historically have not deviated significantly from those determined using our estimates, our results of operations or financial condition could differ, perhaps materially, from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Long-lived Assets, including Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity or improve the efficiency of the assets. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on the straight-line method and is based on the estimated useful economic lives of the respective assets. We make subjective assessments as to these useful lives for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record annually with respect to our investments in property and equipment. These assessments have a direct impact on our net income or loss, as a change in the estimated useful economic lives of our investments in property and equipment would increase or decrease depreciation expense, thereby decreasing or increasing net income or loss. We review long-lived assets whenever circumstances change such that the recorded value of an asset may not be recoverable and therefore impaired.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues when a performance obligation has been satisfied by transferring control of promised services or products to our guests/customers in an amount that reflects the amount we have received or expect to receive in exchange for those services or products. Park admission revenues for annual passes and memberships are deferred and recognized as revenue on a pro-rata basis over the term of the pass or membership. Park admission fee revenues from advance online ticket purchases are deferred until the customers’ visit to the parks. Advance online tickets can generally be used anytime during the one year period from the date of purchase. Revenues from retail and concession sales are generally recognized upon the concurrent receipt of payment and delivery of goods to the customer. Sales taxes billed and collected are not included in revenue.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We review our deferred tax assets to determine whether their value can be realized based upon available evidence. A valuation allowance is established when we believe that it is more likely than not that some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Significant judgment is required in determining our provision or benefit for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We record deferred tax assets, primarily resulting from net operating loss carry-forwards to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. In the event we determine it is more likely than not we will not realize our deferred tax assets we establish a valuation allowance.
Contingencies
We have various contingencies, as described in “NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are not aware of any other legal matters involving the Company, however, there can be no assurance that all proceedings that may currently be brought against us are known by us at this time.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our financial statements and related notes are set forth at pages through.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
With the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Parks! America (the “Registrant”), the Registrant’s management has evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Overview
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and includes those policies and procedures that:
1. Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
2. Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
3. Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce this risk.
Management based its assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting are effective as of October 2, 2022.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act, during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting as of October 2, 2022.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our executive officers and directors are as follows:
Name Age Title
Lisa Brady Chief Executive Officer and Director
Todd R. White Chief Financial Officer and Director
Mark Whitfield Executive Vice President
Dale Van Voorhis Chairman of the Board of Directors
John Gannon Director
Charles Kohnen Director
Jeffery Lococo Secretary and Director
Rick Ruffolo Director
Lisa Brady
Lisa Brady was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective November 14, 2022. Ms. Brady has served as a Director of the Company since November 2021. Ms. Brady brings more than a decade of experience in the entertainment, leisure, and hospitality industry with executive-level experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, financial modeling, and real estate development. For the decade proceeding her joining the Company, Ms. Brady served in a variety of leadership roles of increasing responsibility with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company including investor relations, strategic planning, M&A activities, resort and adjacent development and implementation of key growth initiatives. Prior to joining Cedar Fair Entertainment, Ms. Brady was a sell-side analyst at KeyBank Capital markets, covering the fitness, leisure and hospitality sector. Ms. Brady graduated summa cum laude from Penn State University and received the John Zahniser Female Scholar Athlete Award.
Todd R. White
Todd R. White was appointed the Chief Financial Officer of Parks! America in May 2013 and has served as a Director of the Company since January 2014. Prior to joining the Company, from 1992 through 2011, Mr. White was an executive with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company in a variety of roles, and served most recently as its Vice President, Global Controller from 2005 through 2011. Mr. White was with Price Waterhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio from 1986 to 1992. He received a B.A. in business administration from The Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He currently serves on the Board of Managers of Spring Brook Farm Cheese, LLC, which is wholly owned by the Farms for City Kids Foundation.
Mark Whitfield
Mark Whitfield joined Parks! America, Inc. and was appointed Executive Vice President in September 2020. Mr. Whitfield’s 43 year amusement park career began in 1979 at Six Flags Theme Parks, where he was Manager of Games & Attractions, and Merchandise and Director of Revenue at six of the current and former Six Flags parks. Most recently, Mr. Whitfield was a Senior Director of Revenue at PARC Management in Jacksonville, and for the last 10 years as General Manager at Palace Entertainment parks in San Dimas, California and in the Wisconsin Dells. He is very active in the community and served with distinction as an elected Village Trustee in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, President and Board Chair of the Sauk County, Economic Development Corporation, co-Commissioner of the Baraboo-Dells Airport, as well as serving on the Board of Directors at the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau. Mr. Whitfield brings extensive experience and consistent positive results in financial/EBITDA growth, employee development, marketing, operations and in-park revenue. Mr. Whitfield has BA in Communication and Political Science and a Master of Liberal Arts from Houston Baptist University.
Dale Van Voorhis
Dale Van Voorhis currently serves as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and as a special advisor to the CEO. Mr. Van Voorhis served as the Company’s interim President and CEO from June 1, 2022 until November 14, 2022. Mr. Van Voorhis served as the Company’s CEO from January 2011 through May 2022. Mr. Van Voorhis was re-appointed to our Board of Directors in March 2009 and served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer from March 2009 until January 2011. Mr. Van Voorhis previously served the Company in various management and board of director roles from December 2003 through December 2006. In addition, Mr. Van Voorhis has been the President of Amusement Business Consultants, Inc., an amusement industry consulting company since its inception in 1994. Mr. Van Voorhis was President and CEO of Funtime Parks Inc. (“Funtime”) from 1982 until 1994. Funtime consisted of three parks in New York and Ohio, and they generated total attendance of 2.6 million visitors in 1993. Funtime sold the three parks for $60 million in 1994. Mr. Van Voorhis has over 55 years of experience in the amusement/entertainment industry.
John Gannon
John Gannon has served as a Director of the Company since December 2019 and was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee in June 2021. Mr. Gannon has 33 years of experience in the amusement park, water park, and zoo industry. After 14 years of service, Mr. Gannon retired from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in January 2020, most recently serving as its Senior Vice President responsible for managing all for profit ventures, including its water park, its amusement park section and its golf course. Prior to joining the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Mr. Gannon was with Six Flags, Premier Parks and Funtime Inc. for a combined total of 19 years. During his time with Six Flags, Mr. Gannon served as Vice President of Finance, with responsibility over the eastern United States and Europe. Mr. Gannon started his career as a CPA with Ernst & Young. Mr. Gannon is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (“IAAPA”) and the World Waterpark Association (WWA). In 2017, Governor John Kasich appointed Mr. Gannon to the Ohio Department of Agriculture Advisory Board on Amusement Ride Safety. Mr. Gannon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Akron.
Charles Kohnen
Charles Kohnen has served as a Director of the Company since October 2010. Mr. Kohnen has a diverse business background including experience with planning and executing management strategies for turnaround companies. From 1998 to 2006 he was Managing Partner of Kohnen Realty Co., a real estate and stock investment company that he co-founded, where he was responsible for all aspects of the business including the coordination of all legal, accounting and buyout matters. Mr. Kohnen has also served as Chairman of a privately held restaurant located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Kohnen also serves on the Board of one non-profit organization and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Jeffery Lococo
Jeffery Lococo has served as a Director of the Company since May 2006 and was appointed Secretary of the Company in January 2011. Mr. Lococo is President of Lococo Company LLC, an industry-leading consulting firm in the amusement and resort industry segment. Mr. Lococo began his career with the Marriott Corporation theme park division and progressed through middle management to General Manager level in 1990 with Funtime. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Lococo held various executive vice president level positions with Six Flags Inc. Mr. Lococo joined Great Wolf Resorts Inc. in March of 2000 as General Manager of Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky, Ohio, and in 2005, was promoted to Corporate Vice President of Resort Operations for all Great Wolf Lodge Resorts. Mr. Lococo has over 35 years of experience in the theme/water park, entertainment and hospitality industry.
Rick Ruffolo
Rick Ruffolo has served as a Director of the Company since November 2021 and was appointed Chairman of the Strategic Growth Committee in May 2022. Mr. Ruffolo has over three decades of consumer goods, specialty retail, marketing, innovation, and executive leadership experience. In his first twenty years, Mr. Ruffolo held brand management roles at P&G, SC Johnson, and Nestle Purina, as well as senior executive roles leading the brand, marketing, and innovation departments at Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works where he received multiple patents including for the multi-billion dollar launch of the Wallflowers home fragrance business. Over the last eleven years, as CEO & President, Mr. Ruffolo has led the successful turnaround and growth of several private equity-backed portfolio companies including Sensible Organics, CR Brands, Enviroscent, and Phelps Pet Products. Mr. Ruffolo is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, was a NCAA Division I athlete and graduated summa cum laude in marketing and business administration from the University of Dayton, and received his MBA with honors from Washington University in St. Louis.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
During the past ten years none of the following events have occurred with respect to any of our directors or executive officers or any of the persons nominated by our board to become a director of the Company.
1. A petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;
2. Such person was convicted in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
3. Such person was the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:
i.
Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
ii.
Engaging in any type of business practice; or
iii. Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws;
4. Such person was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3)(i) above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
5. Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commission to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;
6. Such person was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated;
7. Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of:
i.
Any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation; or
ii.
Any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease- and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or
iii. Any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or
8. Such person was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee is responsible for: (1) overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company, including the audits of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; (2) appointing, compensating and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm employed by the Company; (3) assisting the Board in its oversight of: (a) the integrity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and (b) the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence; and (4) undertaking the other matters required by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Audit Committee is comprised of three directors, John Gannon (Chairman), Charles Kohnen, and Dale Van Voorhis. The Board has determined that John Gannon qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the applicable SEC Rules.
Our Audit Committee met four times in the twelve-month period ended October 2, 2022.
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee determines matters pertaining to the compensation and expense reporting of certain of our executive officers, and administers our stock option, incentive compensation, and employee stock purchase plans. The Compensation Committee is composed of three directors, John Gannon, Charles Kohnen, and Jeffery Lococo (Chairman).
Our Compensation Committee met eight times during the twelve-month period ended October 2, 2022.
Strategic Growth Committee
Our Strategic Growth Committee was established effective May 31, 2022 and is responsible for: (1) working with the CEO to lead the development of a strategic plan and associated periodic updates, and annual goal setting; and (2) leading or assisting in the process of recruitment and hiring of key Company personnel. The Strategic Growth Committee is composed of three directors, Charles Kohnen, Rick Ruffolo (Chairman) and Dale Van Voorhis, and Lisa Brady works closely with this Committee
Our Strategic Growth Committee met eight times during the twelve-month period ended October 2, 2022.
Code of Ethics
We have not adopted a Code of Ethics.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, on Forms 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish our Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based upon a review of those forms and any written representations regarding the need for filing Forms 5, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no required Section 16(a) reports were filed late.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and our other executive officers, for the years ended October 2, 2022, October 3, 2021 and September 27, 2020.
Name & Principal
Salary Bonus Stock Award Option Awards Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings All Other Compensation Total
Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Dale Van Voorhis 100,000 20,000 10,000
130,056
Chief Executive Officer and 100,000 25,000 10,000
135,006
Director 93,333 20,000 8,500
- 121,833
Mark Whitfield 142,500 30,000 10,000
3,466 185,966
Executive Vice President 135,000 - -
135,290
2,596 10,000 -
- 12,596
Michael D. Newman (1) 14,000 - -
- 14,000
Vice President of Safari 108,000 25,000 -
3,661 136,661
Operations 102,167 17,000 -
5,492 124,659
Todd R. White 90,000 20,000 10,000
3,466 123,466
Chief Financial Officer and 86,250 25,000 10,000
121,540
Director 73,750 20,000 8,500
- 102,250
(1) Effective October 31, 2021, Mr. Newman resigned his employment with the Company.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth with respect to the named director, compensation information inclusive of equity awards and payments made in the year ended October 2, 2022.
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash Stock Awards Option Awards Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings All Other Compensation Total
Name ($) Shares/($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Dale Van Voorhis $ 10,000 - - - - - $ 10,000
$ -
Lisa Brady - 4,018 - - - - $ 2,222
$ (2,222 )
John Gannon $ 5,000 13,562 - - - - $ 12,500
$ (7,500 )
Charles Kohnen - 18,083 - - - - $ 10,000
$ (10,000 )
Jeffery Lococo - 27,124 - - - - $ 15,000
$ (15,000 )
Richard Ruffolo - 4,018 - - - - $ 2,222
$ (2,222 )
Todd R. White - 18,083 - - - - $ 10,000
$ (10,000 )
Since our 2020 fiscal year, our annual director compensation is based on a dollar award, with each director provided the option of receiving that compensation in all Shares, all cash or a combination thereof.
Employment Agreements
Effective November 14, 2022, the Company and Lisa Brady, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, entered into an employment agreement (the “Brady Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Brady Employment Agreement, Ms. Brady receives an initial base annual compensation in the amount of $175,000 per year, subject to annual review by the Board of Directors. Ms. Brady is entitled to receive an annual Performance Incentive of up 25% of her base annual compensation, subject to performance milestones. Ms. Brady is also scheduled to receive awards of shares of Company stock, $50,000 after the first ninety days of employment, and $50,000, $60,000, $70,000 and $75,000 as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal year from its 2023 fiscal year through its 2026 fiscal year, respectively. The number of shares awarded is to be based on the average price of the Company’s stock on the date of the award. Each award will vest ratably over three year period. Ms. Brady also received a $5,000 sign-on bonus. The Brady Employment Agreement has a term of five years and entitles Mr. Brady to participate in any deferred compensation plan the Company may adopt during the term of her employment with the Company.
Effective June 1, 2022, the Company and Dale Van Voorhis, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, entered into an employment agreement (the “2022 Van Voorhis Employment Agreement”). Mr. Van Voorhis has been part of the Company’s executive management since 2009 and most recently served as the Company’s Interim CEO until Ms. Brady was hired. Mr. Van Voorhis will serve as Special Advisor to the CEO through May 31, 2023. Pursuant to the 2022 Van Voorhis Employment Agreement, Mr. Van Voorhis receives annual compensation in the amount of $100,000 through May 31, 2023 and $50,000 from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024. In addition, Mr. Van Voorhis will serve as a member of the Company’s Strategic Growth and Audit Committees during the two year term of his employment with the Company.
Effective January 1, 2022, the Company and Todd R. White, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, entered into an employment agreement (the “2022 White Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the 2022 White Employment Agreement, Mr. White receives an initial base annual compensation in the amount of $90,000 per year, subject to annual review by the Board of Directors. The 2022 White Employment Agreement has a term of two years and entitles Mr. White to participate in any deferred compensation plan the Company may adopt during the term of his employment with the Company.
Each of the foregoing employment agreements contains provisions for severance compensation in the event an agreement is (i) terminated early by the Company without cause ($371,667 in aggregate) or (ii) in the event of a change in control of the Company ($431,667 in aggregate), as well as disability and death payment provisions ($199,667 in aggregate). As of October 2, 2022, the Company has not adopted any deferred compensation plans.
Effective May 1, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Michael D. Newman (the “Newman Employment Agreement”) to serve as the Company’s Vice President of Safari Operations. Mr. Newman had been the general manager of Wild Animal - Georgia since February 2011. Pursuant to the Newman Employment Agreement, Mr. Newman received an initial base annual compensation of $95,000 per year, subject to annual review by the Board of Directors. Mr. Newman also received a $5,000 signing bonus. Effective as of May 1, 2020, Mr. Newman’s annual compensation was changed to $108,000. The Newman Employment Agreement had a term of five years. Effective October 31, 2021, Mr. Newman resigned his employment with the Company.
Stock Option and Award Plan
A Stock Option and Award Plan (the “Plan”) providing for incentive stock options and performance bonus awards for executives, employees, and directors was approved by our Board of Directors on February 1, 2005, however, the Plan has not been submitted to the stockholders for approval. The Plan sets aside five million (5,000,000) shares for award of stock options, including qualified incentive stock options and performance stock bonuses. To date, no grants or awards have been made pursuant to the Plan and we did not submit the Plan for consideration to the Company’s stockholders at the last meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the ownership of common stock by (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the information relates to these persons, beneficial ownership as of December 9, 2022. Except as may be indicated in the footnotes to the table and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares owned. The address of each beneficial owner is care of Parks! America, Inc., 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, unless otherwise set forth below that person’s name.
Name Number of Shares Owned Percent (1) Title
Lisa Brady 4,018 0.0 % Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mark Whitfield 18,083 0.0 % Officer
Todd R. White (2) 1,283,192 1.7 % Chief Financial Officer and Director
Dale Van Voorhis 16,012,700 21.3 % Chairman of the Board of Directors
Charles Kohnen (3) 22,229,208 29.5 % Director
Jeffery Lococo 581,883 0.8 % Secretary and Director
John Gannon 24,956 0.0 % Director
Rick Ruffolo 4,018 0.0 % Director
Focused Compounding Fund, LP 13,097,450 17.4 %
Alma Drive, Suite 460
Plano, TX 75075
(1) Based upon shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 9, 2022, except that shares of common stock underlying options and warrants exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof are deemed to be outstanding.
(2) 410,350 of the Company’s shares owned by Mr. White are held jointly with his spouse.
(3) 15,468,700 of the Company’s shares owned by Mr. Kohnen are held jointly with his spouse.
Officers, directors and their controlled entities, as a group, controlled approximately 53.4% of the outstanding common stock of the Company as of December 9, 2022.
The information as to shares beneficially owned has been individually furnished by our respective directors, named executive officers and other stockholders, or taken from documents filed with the SEC.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Except as set forth below, none of the following parties has, since our date of incorporation, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with the Company or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect the Company:
● Any of our directors or officers;
● Any person proposed as a nominee for election as a director;
● Any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to our outstanding shares of common stock;
● Any of our promoters; and
● Any relative or spouse of any of the foregoing persons who has the same house as such person.
Director Independence
Of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors, John Gannon, Charles Kohnen, Jeffery Lococo and Rick Ruffolo are considered independent under the listing standards of the Rules of NASDAQ set forth in the NASDAQ Manual (note, our common shares are not currently listed on NASDAQ or any other national securities exchange, and this reference is used for definitional purposes only).

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees
GBQ Partners LLC was appointed as our independent registered accounting firm effective April 8, 2020.
Fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firm, for the audit and quarterly reviews of our financial statements and services that are normally provided by an accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the years ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 were approximately $55,000 and $55,000, respectively.
All Other Fees
Our independent registered public accounting firm billed no other fees for the years ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that the provision of such services do not impair the registered public accounting firm’s independence.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Great American Family Parks, Inc. dated July 17, 2002 (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2005).
3.2 Amended Articles of Incorporation of Great American Family Parks, Inc. dated January 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2005).
3.3 Bylaws of Great American Family Parks, Inc. dated January 30, 2004 (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2005).
3.4 Great American Family Parks 2005 Stock Option Plan dated February 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2005).
3.5 Amended Bylaws of the Company, as of January 17, 2011 (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-KT filed by the Company on December 29, 2012).
3.6 Amended Bylaws of the Company as of June 12, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Report on Form 8-K filed by with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 16, 2012).
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of GBQ Partners LLC dated December 15, 2022.
31.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, promulgated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, promulgated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, promulgated pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, promulgated pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf as of December 15, 2022 by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PARKS! AMERICA, INC.
By:
/s/ Lisa Brady
Lisa Brady
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.