HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-05 - Agendas - Final
100 W. Rock St. Suite 246
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Board Agenda
Rock St. Meeting Room / Virtual Meeting Via Zoom
Monday, January 5, 2026
5:30 PM
Members
Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27)
Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26)
Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27)
Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28)
David McNiel (Exp: 12/28)
Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26)
Doug Walsh (Exp: 12/27)
Coleman Warren (Exp: 12/28)
Melissa Zabecki (Exp: 12/26)
City Staff
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Director Alison Jumper
Recreation Superintendent Lee Farmer
Park Planning Superintendent Ted Jack
Senior Administration Elizabeth Milton
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 2
Zoom Information
Webinar ID: 836 7513 5276
Registration Link: https://fayetteville-
ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3MwrBUN6RsaM_VeLhp6R-w
Call to Order
Roll Call
Minutes
Approval of the December Parks, Natural Resources & Cultural Affairs Advisory
Board Meeting Minutes.
New Business
Welcome New Members
Committee Member Assignments: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Arts
Council and Active Transportation Committee
Future Orientation Date
Reports and Presentations
Active Transportation Advisory Committee Report: Doug Walsh
Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham
Arts Council Report
Partnership Committee Report
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 3
HMR and Construction Report: Zach Foster
Park Land Dedication
Announcements
Upcoming Programs and Events
January 6 YRCC Spring Afterschool Starts- YRCC
January 7 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting-
Rock St Public Meeting Room
January 10 Fayetteville Community Forester,
Dendrochronology Class- Rock St Public
Meeting Room
January 24 Frozen Toes Trail Race- Mt. Kessler
Regional Park
January 31 Youth Soccer Registration Closes
Next Meeting Date: February 2, 2026
Adjournment
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board meetings may be attended in-
person or virtually. Community members have the opportunity to address the board at a
designated time during the meeting.
The audience may attend the meeting via telephone by dialing (Toll Free) 888-475-4499.
As a courtesy, please turn off all cell phones and pagers.
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2025
Page 1 of 5
113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
100 W. Rock St. Suite 246
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Rock St. Meeting Room / Virtual Meeting Via Zoom
December 1, 2025
5:30 PM
Members
Chair Stephen Sheely (Exp: 12/25)
Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27)
Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26)
Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27)
Sarah Downing (Exp: 12/25)
Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26)
Hugh Kincaid (Exp: 12/25)
Doug Walsh (Exp: 12/27)
Melissa Zabecki (Exp: 12/26)
City Staff
Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Director Alison Jumper
Recreation Superintendent Lee Farmer
Park Planning Superintendent Ted Jack
Senior Administration Elizabeth Milton
A meeting of the Fayetteville Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Board was held on December 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM in Suite 246 of the City Hall Rock
Street Annex Building, located at 100 W. Rock Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas..
Zoom Information
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2025
Page 2 of 5
113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Webinar ID: 851 9055 3617
Registration Link: https://fayetteville-
ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2dpsrj2eRlSqerc05KNTPQ
Call to Order
Chair Steve Sheely called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Sheely, Downing, Caldwell, Cunningham, Davis, Kincaid, Zabecki
Virtual: Hall, Walsh
Minutes
November 2025 PNRCAAB Minutes
Approval of the November 2025 Minutes motion made by Kincaid, Davis to
second. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0.
Link to video archive for further reference: reflect-fayetteville-
ar.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/show/9171?channel=1
Reports and Presentations
Fayetteville Disc Association Report: Josh McGee
Josh McGee, President of the Fayetteville Disc Association, gave an overview of
Ultimate Frisbee in Fayetteville. FDA is a member-led 501c3 that promotes Ultimate
in NWA, and runs four community leagues which total 300 co-ed participants each
year from 13 years old to 60+. FDA hosts a weekly pick-up game and tournaments
throughout the year, and supports local university and youth teams as well. 30+
years of partnership with The City of Fayetteville is valued by the group, and asked
us to continue to value open field space.
Botanical Garden Annual Report: Ashley Wardlow
Ashley Wardlow, Executive Director of the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, gave an
annual report. 2025 has been a year of intentional growth and forward momentum,
reporting a balanced budget entering 2026, and strengthening their team by
promoting from within. Advanced nature capital and operational upgrades through
donations and grants were used to fund a second green house, upgraded restrooms,
new irrigation system, new siding, refurbished entry doors, new flooring, and
furnishings to upgrade their workspace. Other repairs, a new art installation, and
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2025
Page 3 of 5
113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
undeniable growth are expected in 2026. Their Autumn Gala exceeded expectations,
as well as facility rentals, the inaugural online bulb sale was initiated, and a retail
partnership with White River nursery were just a few of BGSO's 2025 highlights.
Parks Operations Report: Byron Humphry
Director of Parks Operations, Byron Humphry, gave an update on their year of
stewardship taking care of operations in City Parks/property. Since merging with
Public Works, Parks Operations now manages Forestry Field Operations, including
right of way with Transportation. Custodial staff have been increased this past year,
staggering their shifts so that there's an everyday presence in parks, as well as
adding a soft surface trail maintenance position. The Volunteer Coordinator position
was expanded and is also now an Ecological Coordinator. Mowing has begun being
contracted out with staff now free to maintain other areas. Restoration of local
creeks, Lights of the Ozarks installation, and maintenance of new projects were
prioritized this past year. Over 12,000 hours of volunteering were coordinated to pick
up litter and remove invasives in 2025.
Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Doug Walsh
Walsh to update that the bridge to Gordon Long Park is waiting for FEMA approval,
but could take a year before approval is granted. The 5-year trail plan mentions a
new trail along Ash Avenue connecting to Old Wire and Gulley Park. A Pedestrian
Safety survey opened on Speak Up Fayetteville to get input from neighbors and
residents.
Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham
Wardlow to give an annual update for BGSO previously in the evening. Winter Glow
will be held on Dec. 21.
Art Council Report: Sarah Downing
Downing reported a mural celebration for Tsa-la-Gi, a collaboration with the
University of Arkansas Mural Painting class. The YRCC ribbon cutting for the new
mural on Dec. 17. The 2025 CAP program was successful and prep for next year
has begun. Construction fencing photography murals expected soon.
Partnership Committee Report: Sarah Downing
Downing reported establishing and identifying opportunities in the community where
partnerships can be facilitated. For example, local schools, churches, etc. use their
available spaces when City spaces aren't available.
Park System Master Plan Project Progress: Alison Jumper
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2025
Page 4 of 5
113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Director Jumper showed progress made since adopting the Fayetteville Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan long-range planning tool in 2023. She is very
pleased that the Parks & Rec team have accomplished so many improvements in
less than two years. Friends of Fayetteville Parks is a product of one of the goals of
this plan; several former and current board members serve on this team. She
highlighted several projects; the Park Impact Fee study, the aquatics study, many
stewardship and maintenance upgrades, and noted that land has been identified for
future acquisition.
HMR and Construction Report: Ted Jack
Staff to present construction updates. Trees are being added at Centennial Park,
Kessler has grown by 700 acres, trail work continues with the City and local partners,
and the Clabber Creek trail is now open. Jack to talk about park/restroom
renovations, upgrades, new spaces, enhancements, and additions in 2025. The
Lake Fayetteville Bird Blind was opened after reconstruction after the fire. Lights
were added to the Square, work on Walker Park improvements continues, Bryce
Davis' sidewalks have started being poured and the playground is underway. South
Yard has officially been named, and a ribbon cutting will be held. Trail Connection
work at Gordon Long continues. Donated sculpture added to the Square.
Park Land Dedication
Box Avenue Cluster Development: Ted Jack
Development Name: Box Avenue Cluster Development
Engineer: Bates Engineering (A. Manzi)
Owner: Box Avenue Holdings
Location: 2906 Box Avenue
Parcel ID Number: 765-03002-000, 765-03003-000, 765-03005-000
Park Quadrant: NE
Development Size: 2.4 AC
Units: 18 Single-Family
Land Dedication
Requirement:
N/A
Fee-In-Lieu Requirement: $9,602
Nearby Existing Parks: Gulley Park, Braden Park, Madison Natural Area
Developer’S Request: Fee-In-Lieu
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2025
Page 5 of 5
113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Staff Recommendation: Fee-In-Lieu
Justification: Proximity To Existing Parks
Box Avenue Cluster Development is a proposed 2.4 acre development for 18 single-
family homes. Developers are requesting fees in lieu of land dedication as
recommended by staff. Cunningham to motion for approval, Davis to second.
PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0.
New Business
Announcements
Upcoming Programs and Events
December 4 Lights Of The Ozarks Parade: Square Gardens
December 6 YRCC Holiday Bingo: YRCC
December 6 Clabber Creek Invaise Pull: Clabber Creek
December 10-14 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships:
Centennial Park
December 13 White Elephant 5K: Square Gardens
December 24-25 City Offices Closed
January 1 City Offices Closed
January 6 YRCC Afterschool Program Starts: YRCC
Next Meeting Date: January 5, 2026
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Cunningham, Davis to second. Adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0.
Minutes Submitted by: Elizabeth Milton
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation HMR Comparison
2021 - 2025
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 YTD 2024-2025 YTD 2024-2025
3,621,420$ 4,268,759$ 4,563,511$ 4,793,978$ 4,859,922$ 1.4%$65,944
Year to Date
Total
Comparison
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