HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-03 - Agendas - Final
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
April 3, 2023
5:30 PM
Hybrid Meeting
City Hall Room 111
113 W Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR
Members: Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y5pnZnXwQo2pA-N1So7J3g
Join by Telephone: (Toll Free) 888 475 4499)
Webinar ID: 880 5806 8391
Members: Will Dockery (Chair) - exp 24, Andrew Brink - exp 23, Julie Chambers - exp 23, Joel
Freund - exp 23, Hugh Kincaid - exp 25, Stephen Sheely - exp 22, Yarri Davis - exp 24, Doug
Walsh - exp 24, Sarah Downing – exp 25
City Staff: Alison Jumper, Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs Director; Lee Farmer,
Recreation Superintendent; Ted Jack, Park Planning Superintendent; Zach Foster, Park
Planner
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes, February and March
4. Lake Fayetteville Watershed Study update: Olsson
5. Graffiti Wall Proposal: Joanna Bell, Arts and Culture Director
6. Annual Report: Alison Jumper, Director
7. Walmart and AND1 paint the court proposal: Alison Jumper, Director
8. Proposed Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028: Ted Jack, Park Planning
Superintendent
9. AND 1 basketball court proposal: Alison Jumper
10. Wilson Park Courts Proposal Update: Alison Jumper, Director
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11. Active Transportation Advisory Committee Update: Yarri Davis
12. Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks Update: Joel Freund
13. Project Update: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
14. Review of HMR Report: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
15. Announcements
April 3 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Opening Day - Kessler
April 4 UFAB Meeting – City Administration Building
April 11 YRCC X-Factor Fishing – Lake Fayetteville
April 12- April 16 Us Pro Cup Mt. Bike- Centennial Park
April 12 Outdoor Fayetteville Event Paddle - Lake Fayetteville
April 13 Friends of YRCC Board Meeting – YRCC
April 15 Lake Fayetteville Spring Cleanup – Lake Fayetteville
April 18 Outdoor Fayetteville Cooking – YRCC Garden Shelter
April 19 Outdoor Fayetteville Archery – Lake Fayetteville
April 19 Outdoor Fayetteville Map and Compass Navigation-
Centennial Park
April 19 Arts Council Meeting – City Administration Building
April 22 Earth Day Cleanup – Marion Orton Recycling Center
April 24 Outdoor Fayetteville Mt. Biking – Centennial
April 26 Outdoor Fayetteville Field Navigation Course –
Centennial Park
April 27 Outdoor Fayetteville Cooking – YRCC Garden Shelter
April 27 Invasive Removal – Gulley Park
April 28 Friend of YRCC Crawfish Boil – YRCC
April 29 Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Plant Sale – BGSO
April 30 Invasive Removal – Mt Sequoyah Wood Pavilion
Next Meeting Date May 1, 2023
16. Attachments
1. PRAB February 6, 2023 Meeting Minutes
2. PRAB February 13, 203 Special Meeting Minutes
3. PRAB March 6, 2023 Meeting Minutes
4. HMR Report
17. Adjourn
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
February 6, 2023
5:30 PM
Hybrid Meeting
City Hall Room 111
113 W Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR
Members: Will Dockery (Chair) - exp 24, Andrew Brink - exp 23, Julie Chambers - exp 23, Joel
Freund - exp 23, Hugh Kincaid - exp 25, Stephen Sheely - exp 25, Yarri Davis - exp 24, Doug
Walsh - exp 24, Sarah Downing – exp 25
City Staff: Alison Jumper, Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs Director; Lee Farmer,
Recreation Superintendent; Ted Jack, Park Planning Superintendent; Zach Foster, Park
Planner; Sonya Morell, Operations Assistant
1. Call to Order - Sheely called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM.
2. Roll Call - Dockery, Brink, Kincaid, Sheely, Davis, Walsh, Chambers, Freund, Downing
3. In Attendance: Dockery, Brink, Kincaid, Sheely, Davis, Walsh, Chambers, Freund,
Downing
4. Staff: Jumper, Jack, Foster, Farmer, Morell
5. Approval of Minutes -
PRAB Motion: Kincaid moved to approve January’s meeting minutes. Freund
seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0.
6. Rowing Club of Northwest Arkansas Presentation: Meredith Hendricks
Hendricks discussed the following:
• Club founded in 2010.
• Utilize Lake Fayetteville.
• First Strategic Plan completed in 2013.
• Second Strategic Plan completed in 2022.
• Scholarships are offered for youth.
• Club would like to see a Convergence at the Greenway. A place to meet and learn
new skills and meet new friends.
7. Botanical Garden Committee Update: Joel Freund
Freund discussed the following:
• Board created sub committees and populating the sub committees
• Received a grant and are using new software for memberships
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8. Active Transportation Committee Update: Yarri Davis
Davis discussed the following:
• New Chair and Vice Chair were elected.
• Board discussed mobility related to ADA access for the public.
9. Project Update: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Jack discussed the following:
• Gulley Community Park going to Council tomorrow.
• 2021 RTP Grant
• Map updates at Kessler Park are in the works.
• Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex expected to bid in March.
• Underwood Community Park, consultants working on Draft of plan based on feedback.
• YRCC, contractors are finalizing designs, hoping to break ground later this year.
• Walker Park Master Plan, first round of public meetings in second week of March.
• 2022 – Large Project Award – Firm: Olsson; Project: Lower Ramble Cultural Corridor;
Client: City of Fayetteville.
• 2022 - Large Project Honor Award – Firm: CEI Engineering Associates, Inc; Project:
Centennial Park; Client: City of Fayetteville and the Walton Family Foundation/NWA
Trailblazers.
• 2022- Small Project Award – Gulley Park – Engineering Excellence Awards from
ACEC/ Arkansas
• Wilson Park Prominade and Bridge, work to begin soon.
• Wilson Restroom/Hub Building – Groundbreaking tentatively set for 11 am February
16th.
• Wilson Catfish and Beavers work continues, Rockfish.
• Strategic Plan Update – Plan has been sent and need a Special Meeting Date
Monday February 13th at 12:00 – 1:30.
10. Review of HMR Report: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Jack said YTD 2021-2022 - up 16.5% and $660,621.
11. Announcements
Next Meeting Date March 6, 2023
February 11 Invasive Removal – Lake Wilson
February 15 Fayetteville Arts Council Meeting – City Administration
February 24 Bradford Pear Removal – Gulley Park
February 27 Adult Soccer League Starts – Kessler
March 1 Urban Forestry Advisory Meeting – City Administration
March 3-5 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Tournament – Kessler/
White River
March 5 Invasive Removal – Kessler
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March 6 Fayetteville Youth Baseball League Starts – Kessler/
White River
12. Adjourn: Dockery adjourned the meeting at 6:58 PM.
13. Submitted by: Sonya Morell, Operations Assistant
PRAB minutes provides the basic discussions and motions of the PRAB meeting.
For more information, please refer to the PRAB meeting video provided on the city’s
website.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Special Meeting February 13, 2023
12:00 PM
Hybrid Meeting
City Hall Room 326
113 W Mountain Street
Fayetteville,
Members: Will Dockery (Chair) - exp 24, Andrew Brink - exp 23, Julie Chambers - exp 23,
Joel Freund - exp 23, Hugh Kincaid - exp 25, Stephen Sheely - exp 22, Yarri Davis - exp 24,
Doug Walsh - exp 24, Sarah Downing – exp 25
City Staff: Alison Jumper, Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs Director; Lee Farmer,
Recreation Superintendent; Ted Jack, Park Planning Superintendent; Zach Foster, Park
Planner; Sonya Morell, Operations Assistant
1. Call to Order - Dockery called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM
2. Roll Call - Dockery, Brink, Kincaid, Sheely, Davis, Walsh, Chambers, Freund, Downing
3. In Attendance: Brink, Kincaid, Freund, Downing, Davis, Walsh, Sheely, Brink, Chambers
4. Staff: Jumper, Jack, Foster, Farmer, Morell
5. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Update: Paul Prewitt, Executive Director
The Botanical Garden is looking to partner with the Master Naturalists and add another
greenhouse within their lease area.
6. Park and Recreation System Master Plan Presentation
Staff reviewed the following:
• Park and Recreation System Master Plan:
o Long-range planning tool to determine service gaps, analyze growth trends
and identify opportunities for improvements.
o Visionary document that sets the values and goals for current and future parks
and facilities.
o An opportunity for staff and the public to weigh in on the future of parks and
recreation.
• Master Plan Vision Statement- Fayetteville parks are places to recreate, be playful,
gather and enjoy the many benefits of nature and sense of community. Our values are
evident in providing equitable, well-managed facilities and outdoor opportunities for all
in our parks system.
• Staff worked to get public input throughout the process.
• Nature Connection; Stewardship and Maintenance; Active and Well; Gathering and
Placemaking; Resilient Natural Systems
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• Structure of how the Master Plan is set up: Vision; Guiding Principles; Goals;
Strategies; Priority Actions
• How do compare to other Park Systems?
o Aspirational Peers
o Benchmarking with NRPA
• Projected Funding Needs
• Next Steps – City Council Approval and Capital Planning Process Spring 2023
7. PRAB Motion: Brink moved to forward Master Plan to City Council, after staff makes edits
from board. Freund seconded the motion. Motion passed 9-0-0.
8. Adjourn: Dockery adjourned the meeting at 12:58 PM.
9. Submitted by: Sonya Morell, Operations Assistant
PRAB minutes provides the basic discussions and motions of the PRAB meeting.
For more information, please refer to the PRAB meeting video provided on the city’s
website.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
March 6, 2023
5:30 PM
Hybrid Meeting
City Hall Room 111
113 W Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR
Members: Will Dockery (Chair) - exp 24, Andrew Brink - exp 23, Julie Chambers - exp 23, Joel
Freund - exp 23, Hugh Kincaid - exp 25, Stephen Sheely - exp 22, Yarri Davis - exp 24, Doug
Walsh - exp 24, Sarah Downing – exp 25
City Staff: Alison Jumper, Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs Director; Lee Farmer,
Recreation Superintendent; Ted Jack, Park Planning Superintendent; Zach Foster, Park
Planner; John Scott, Urban Forester
1. Call to Order - Dockery called the meeting to order at 5:32pm
2. Roll Call- Dockery, Brink, Kincaid, Sheely, Davis, Walsh, Freund, Downing, Chambers
3. In Attendance: Dockery, Brink, Kincaid, Sheely, Davis, Walsh, Freund, Downing
4. Absent: Chambers
5. Stall: Jumper, Jack, Farmer, Foster, Scott
6. Approval of Minutes
PRAB Motion: Freund moved to postpone approval of minutes to March. Dockery
seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0
7. Parkland Dedication: Zach Foster, Park Planner
Development Name: Grand Village
Engineer: Crafton Tull
Owner: BCG Grand Village, LLC
Location: 1998 W Grand Blvd
Parcel ID Number: 765-15830-005
Park Quadrant: NW
Units: 18 Single-Family and 66 Multi-Family
Land Dedication Requirement: N/A
Fee-in-Lieu Requirement: $82,434
Nearby Existing Parks: Lake Fayetteville, Veteran’s Park, Mud Creek Trail Corridor,
Scull Creek Trail Corridor
2
Developer’s Request: Fee-in-Lieu
Staff Recommendation: Fee-in-Lieu
Justification: Development cannot provide suitable park land
PRAB Recommendation: Brink moved to accept staff’s recommendation of fee-in-
lieu. Davis seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0
8. Parkland Dedication: Zach Foster, Park Planner
Development Name: The Claude Apartments
Engineer: Anderson Engineering
Owner: Claude Shiloh Multifamily, LLC
Location: 4143 N Shiloh Dr
Parcel ID Number: 765-15581-003
Park Quadrant: NW
Units: 207 Multi-Family
Land Dedication Requirement: N/A
Fee-in-Lieu Requirement: $197,064
Nearby Existing Parks: Lake Fayetteville, Veteran’s Park, Mud Creek Trail Corridor,
Scull Creek Trail Corridor
Developer’s Request: Fee-in-Lieu
Staff Recommendation: Fee-in-Lieu
Justification: Development cannot provide suitable park land
PRAB Recommendation: Brink moved to accept staff’s recommendation of fee-in-
lies. Dockery seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0.
9. Urban Forestry Plan Overview – John Scott
Scott discussed the following:
• Scott is only Urban Forester in Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs
department.
• Urban Forestry Role includes: public outreach, budgeting, tree planting, review of
internal planting plans, construction manager for planting projects, hazard tree
reports, code changes and tree inspections, staffing the Urban Forestry Advisory
Board, Tree City USA application, Celebration of Trees program, invasive species
bounty program, and the Amazing Trees program. Additionally, Scott reported the
Public Works now has a dedicated Urban Forestry crew that Scott works with
regular for plantings, irrigation, tree removal, preventative care, trimming and
general tree care.
• Scott reported on the Urban Forestry Master Plan, which is conducted every ten
years. The plan has three components:
o Urban Forestry Inventory
Inventory is created using sample areas throughout the City
Preliminary results show 40% canopy coverage for the City
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Final report will provide tables, graphs and geospatial data
o Urban Forestry Tree Canopy Assessment
This will include canopy health, species, species diversity, proposed
planting locations and metrics to help guide.
o Forestry Management Plan
Goals
Canopy Goals
Program Evaluation
Policy Framework
Funding information
Recommendations
• Scott reported that plan is near completion which will be presented to the Urban
Forestry Advisory Boards and City Council
10. Subcommittee Discussion: Will Dockery, Steve Sheely
Sheely discussed opportunity to create sub-committees revolving around three areas.
1. Fundraising: “Friends of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation”
• The purpose of this workgroup is to create a non-profit entity that
raises fuds and cultivates stakeholder for parks and recreation.
• Initiate ways to fund the acquisition of new park land, unbudgeted
capital needs and recreation scholarships for sports and activities.
• Develop strategies to increase community involvement, awareness
and volunteerism.
• Discuss ways to create and develop social media-based groups
around each individual park, networking them with Friends of
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation.
2. Communication and Signage
• Identify ways to promote our parks while relieving the burden of the
City’s Communication Department.
• Create a social media based
3. Policies and Partnerships
• The purpose of this workgroup is to review the Parkland Dedication
Ordinance, City ordinances related to parks and trails and consider the
creation of policies to enhance park and recreation partnerships.
Davis recommended focusing on one of these initially, being the creation of a non-profit
“Friends of Parks and Recreation.” PRAB discussed sub-committees further.
Dockery Appointed: Sheely, Davis, Kincaid and Freund to serve on this sub-
committee related to the creation of a non-profit entity “Friends of Parks and
Recreation.”
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11. Kessler Trail Naming: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Rob Reno with Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC) updated PRAB on a new trail which was
built by OORC at no cost to the City. This trail is approximately 1.5 miles in length. This
advanced trail is identified on the master plan and OORC had 108 volunteers assist with
building this trail. The trail is scheduled to open in approximately six weeks.
OORC is proposing the following trail names, which were all approved the City GIS:
Bewitched, Call Your Bluff, Kit and Caboodle, Monkey Wrench and Odyssey.
PRAB discussed the proposed trail names further.
PRAB Recommendation: Davis moved to accept Bewitched as the trail name.
Dockery seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0
12. Park Land Acquisition Discussion: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Jack presented current park land information, new land criteria, park land needs and
funding. Jack reported without our Regional Parks and trail acres that Parks, Natural
Resources and Cultural Affairs is operating at 11.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.
The 2022 NRPA national average is 10.4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.
Removing Regional Parks and trail acres a better comparison to the NRPA national
averages.
Jack reported some Land Acquisition Criteria that helps prioritize potential acquisitions:
• Parks in “Gap” areas or areas that do not have nearby (10-15-minute
walk) recreation areas.
• Land contiguous to existing parks or trail corridors.
• Land able to support a park hosting at least two full size multi-purpose
fields and other neighborhood park amenities.
• Conservation Parks, that protect important natural resources.
• Lands that can create a park that benefits from being next to a partner
that can create synergy.
• Additional priorities:
o Land that has good tie into alternative transportation systems
o Land or easements that protect Visual Quality of the City.
Jack reported that we currently do not have enough park land in existing properties to
add multi-purpose fields. Jack also gave overview of tennis and pickleball facilities with
the city. Currently the there are 34 tennis courts and 9 pickleball courts withing the city,
however Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs only manages 7 tennis courts
and 4 pickleball/junior tennis courts. The reaming courts are privately or school owned
and managed. Unlike multi-purpose fields, we do have space in existing parks to add
additional tennis and pickleball courts.
Jack reported that a study done in 2018 showed that the average cost per acres was
$47,130/ac. Land size suitable for multi-purpose fields would need to be approximately
ten acres, so land acquisition costs could be in the half million-dollar range.
5
Jack reported current Park Land Dedication funds per quadrant and current
undeveloped land parcel within the city.
• NW Quad Available Funds: $561,382
• NE Quad Available Funds: $117,884
• SW Quad Available Funds: $873,383
• SE Quad Available Funds: $533,876
Next steps would be to complete the study, prioritization, determine method to proceed
on acquisition and to identify funding.
13. Wilson Park Courts Proposal Update: Ted Jack, Park Planning Superintendent
Zach Foster reported that we installed two onsite cameras at Wilson Park to monitor tennis
and pickleball use. This camera showed that during a 30-day window that pickleball
usage was higher that tennis usage. Total usage during this time period was 63%
pickleball and 37% tennis usage. Pickleball use also averaged 1.4 more players per court.
Jason Smith spoke in support of converting the junior tennis courts at Wilson Park to
dedicated pickleball courts.
Ted stated that preliminary estimates to convert the 1 tennis court and 4 junior tennis
courts to 8 pickleball courts is $700,000, which would include work on the other existing,
courts and lighting the basketball court. Dockery asked to get more detailed budget of
where these funds would come and how much of Park Land Dedication funds would be
needed to complete this project.
PRAB Recommendation: Freund moved to table this until the April meeting.
Downing seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-1-0.
14. 2022 Annual Report: Alison Jumper, Director
Jumper gave a highlight of 2022 accomplishments which included volunteerism,
Underwood Park master plan kickoff, launched Arts and Culture division and the opening
of the Upper Ramble, hosting the UCI World Championships, opening 4 new baseball
fields at Kessler and completions of the Parks and Recreation System Master Plan.
PRAB discussed the annual report further
PRAB Recommendation: Freund moved to table this until the April meeting. Davis
seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0-0
15. Active Transportation Advisory Committee Update: Yarri Davis
Davis reported the connection of Dinsmore and Old Farmington trail connection happening
soon.
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16. Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks Update: Joel Freund
Freund reported the BGOS director has funding over $300,000
17. Project Update: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Jack reported project updates which included:
• Walker Park Master Plan timeline. Public Input meeting is Saturday, March 11th.
• Wilson Hub groundbreaking, February 16th. Additionally, the pedestrian bridge has
been installed.
• Gulley Park – a volunteer team removed Bradford Pear from the prairie. The
playground project has started and contractor is ordering all equipment.
• Kessler Saddle Up trail construction will start soon. This project will include an
adaptative cycling trail.
• Bryce Davis master plan is schedule to start soon
• Yvonne Richardson Community Center project is finalizing design. Construction is
scheduled to start this fall.
• Lake Fayetteville Softball project will start this summer.
• Parks and Recreation System Master Plan going to City Council tomorrow for
approval.
18. Review of HMR Report: Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent
Jack reported the January HMR was $381,681, which is an 8% increase from last year.
19. Announcements
March 7 Park and Recreation System Master Plan at City Council
March 7 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Starts – Kessler/ White River
March 9 Invasive Removal – Mt. Sequoyah Woods
March 11 Walker Park Master Plan Public Meeting – Walker Park
March 11 Youth Softball Player Clinic – Fayetteville High School Softball
Complex
March 12 Lake Sequoyah Cleanup – Lake Sequoyah
March 14 Outdoor Fayetteville Fishing – Lake Fayetteville
March 15 Arts Council Meeting – City Administration Building
March 16 Outdoor Fayetteville Archery – Lake Fayetteville
March 18 Razorback Greenway Cleanup – North Street Trailhead
March 20 Spring Break Camp – YRCC
March 24 Woolsey Invasive Cleanup – Woolsey Homestead
March 24-26 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Tournament – Kessler
March 27 Adult Softball Spring League Starts – Gary Hampton/
Lake Fayetteville
March 27 Youth Softball Spring League Starts – Gary Hampton
March 31-April 2 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Tournament – Gary Hampton
Next Meeting Date April 3, 2023
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20. Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm
21. Submitted by: Lee Farmer, Recreation Superintendent
PRAB minutes provides the basic discussions and motions of the PRAB meeting.
For more information, please refer to the PRAB meeting video provided on the city’s
website.
2022
ANNUAL
REPORT
P A R K S , N A T U R A L
R E S O U R C E S &
C U L T U R A L A F F A I R S
Niokaska Creek
Director's
Statement
Dear Fayetteville,
2022 was a year of new programming, planning, foundation building, and
tremendous progress.
The opening of the Lower Ramble marked the beginning of Arts and
Culture programming for the City of Fayetteville. Dozens of activations
occurred in this new urban park, offering new opportunities for the public
to experience and participate in visual and performing arts.
We continued plans for the Yvonne Richardson Community Center
expansion, the first since the facility opened in 1996. We began developing
a master plan for the newest community park on the west side of town,
Underwood Park.
We also carried the new Parks and Recreation System Master Plan to the
finish line. The first system-wide master plan update since 2002, once
approved by City Council, will soon be the guiding document that
establishes a new vision for the department to carry us into the future.
I also must highlight that amid an extraordinary year of new ideas and
plans, staff continued to achieve excellence in programming and events.
Thanks to our creative and dedicated team, we had an incredible year for
event and program attendance. From soccer to road races, our programs
and events continue to improve and grow.
The past year prepared us for the work to come, and I am thrilled to work
with this incredible staff in 2023 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Alison Jumper
Director of Parks, Natural Resources,
and Cultural Affairs
Alison Jumper | Director of Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs
Leadership
Staff Leadership | Community Leadership
Alison Jumper
Director
Alan Bearden
Financial Coordinator
Sonya Morell
Operations Assistant
Arts Council
Abby Hollis
Chair
Sonia Harvey
Chloe Bell
Emily Miller
Jessica DeBari
Lara Hightower
Robert Stafford
Parks and Recreation
Will Dockery
Chair
Andrew Brink
Julie Chambers
Sarah Downing
Joel Freund
Yarri Davis
Hugh Kincaid
Doug Walsh
Stephen Sheely
Staff
Advisory Boards
Urban Forestry
Lacey Jennen
Chair
Samuel Adkisson
Jim Parrish
Zane Colvin
William Chesser
John Crow
Ken Eastin
Lee Farmer
Recreation Superintendent
Lacie Ballard
Tiffany Hoover
Josh Lainfiesta
Mark Banks-May
Jeff Poole
Dean Rawlings
Ted Jack
Planning Superintendent
Zach Foster
John Scott
Joanna Sheehan Bell
Arts and Culture Director
Frozen Toes 5K/15K
Parks and
Recreation
System
Master Plan
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | Background
"This new community-led master plan will
shape our parks system for the next 10 years,
ensuring it continues to serve our growing
community."
- Mayor Lioneld Jordan
2022 brought the department to the finish line of creating a new Parks
and Recreation System Master Plan; a process that began with initial
community engagement in 2018. This plan is a long-range tool that
evaluates current parks, recreation facilities, and programs to determine
service gaps, analyze trends, align actions with community needs and
desires, and identify future improvement opportunities. It provides a
framework to guide city leadership decisions for public resource
allocation but allows for flexibility in changing situations.
This plan describes a future of caring for Fayetteville parks and improving
recreation offerings and natural areas. An ambitious vision
and five guiding principles direct the focus of this plan.
Walker Park Skate Park
Nature Connection
Active and Well
Resilient Natural Systems
Our outdoor spaces are integrated with our
everyday lives to attract people near and far for the
health benefits of our natural environment.
Our parks are designed to provide gathering spaces
and amenities for our community while celebrating
our unique culture, the arts and music, the people,
and the beauty of the region.
Our natural systems and parks help support a city
environment that integrates natural and built
landscapes and maximizes ecosystem benefits and
nature-based recreation for the community.
Gathering and Placemaking
Stewardship and Maintenance
We care for our parks and assets to ensure they
meet the needs of current and future generations.
Our operations and investments prioritize
sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and equity.
Opportunities for recreation, health, and wellness are
accessible for all through our parks, fitness and
sports programs, and trails and benefit our physical
and mental health.
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | Guiding Principles
2,535 people provided input critical to the creation of the Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan. The department reached out to the
community through online and in-person surveys, focus groups,
community workshops, and four project advisory committee meetings.
This feedback led to the creation of five guiding principles and aspirational
statements that shape the framework of this plan and our future.
5 Guiding Principles
Connecting to Nature
Park Projects | Accessibility
Centennial Park
This premier mountain biking
destination won the Arkansas
Recreation and Parks Association's
Outdoor Facility of the Year award.
Lake Fayetteville
Forest
We received a trail grant of $100,000
to assist with the first phase of an
accessible trail loop that will include
boardwalks and decks to provide lake
access and stunning views.
Trail Connections
The work to connect the Fayetteville
Traverse to the Markham Hill Trails
broke ground, further cementing our
effort to connect our parks systems
through our trails.
261,682 288,341
Total park users in 2022 Total trail users in 2022
Centennial Park
Lake Fayetteville
Fayetteville Traverse
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony
for The Ramble, we introduced
Fayetteville's first urban park and
outdoor event space.
The Ramble
Nature's connection to the Fayetteville community is a key
focus of this department and, based on our Master Plan results,
will continue to be top-of-mind for years to come. Real
progress was made on this front with our trails, parks, and
outdoor spaces over the past year. These efforts will continue
92%
Of respondents to
our surveys listed
"Spend Time in
Nature" as a value.
Park Projects | Nature Connection
with three goals in mind from our Parks and Recreation System Master
Plan.
Increase recreational opportunities in nature, lakes, and streams.
Raise awareness about parks, recreation offerings, environmental
education, and trails.
Increase nature interaction opportunities in parks; focusing on more
urbanized areas of Fayetteville.
1.
2.
3.
73%50%
Master Plan Feedback
Of respondents are
interested in more
urban camping
opportunities.
Of respondents
stated lack of
access to
information as a
deterrent.
Goals for Nature Connection
Wilson Park
Stewardship and
Maintenance
Parks and Facilities | Community Assets
Kessler Mountain
Regional Park
We wrapped construction on a new
pinwheel of four youth baseball fields.
The project includes a new
concessions and restroom building as
well as turf infields.
Underwood Park
The master plan process for
Fayetteville's newest community park
was kicked off with two public input
meetings, multiple focus groups, and a
public survey.
Yvonne Richardson
Community Center
We received a $1.4M matching grant
from the Walton Family Foundation to
support the expansion of the YRCC
slated to begin in 2023.
Volunteering
The Fayetteville community gave
back to #KeepFayettevilleBeautiful to
the tune of 25,408 volunteer hours of
cleanups, invasive plant removals, and
habitat restorations.Walker Park Skate Park
Underwood Park
Yvonne Richardson
Community Center
Kessler Baseball Fields
2022 '18-'21 Avg.
January
February
M
arch
April
M
ay
June
July
August
Septem
ber
October
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
Programs Lakes Miscellaneous Donations Concessions
$0 $250,000 $500,000 $750,000 $1,000,000
Revenue
Department
Revenue
Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Tax Revenue
Total 2022 Internal
Department Revenue,
$48K over projections.$854K
T O T A L
H M R
R E V E N U E
I N 2 0 2 2
$4.66M
I N C R E A S E
O V E R
2 0 1 8 -2 1
A V E R A G E
30%
Internal Revenue
0
J a n u a r y
F e b r u a r y
M a r c h
A p ril M a y
J u n e
J u l y
A u g u s t
S e p t e m b e r
O c t o b e r
N o v e m b e r
D e c e m b e r
Fayetteville is a giving community with a long history of caring
for the natural beauty with which it is blessed. Our team, as
well as our volunteer community, deliver on this front year
after year. This work will continue with four goals in mind from
our Parks and Recreation System Master Plan.
71%
Of respondents
desire a focus on
improving existing
parks and facilities.
Park and Facilities | Stewardship and Maintenance
Improve the financial sustainability of park operations through
increasing and diversifying funding sources and partnerships.
Prioritize existing park and facility improvements, horticulture
services, and maintenance.
Expand opportunities for volunteerism, community contributions, and
stewardship actions.
Support the use and safety of all in parks, reducing use conflicts and
partnering with service providers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
50%
Master Plan
Feedback
Of respondents feel
it is essential to
improve or build
parks in
underserved areas
of the city.
Goals for Stewardship and Maintenance
Wilson Park Greenhouse
Active and Well
Programs and Events | Impact
Summer Camps
Be Active Summer Camps and the
Yvonne Richardson Community
Center Summer Fun4Kids Camp
reached maximum capacity for all 17
weeks of camp.
Trick-or-Treat
on the Trail
We partnered with Experience
Fayetteville and The Rotary Club to
offer a free community trick-or-treat
and Pumpkin Pageant.
Wilson Park Pool
Wilson Park Pool achieved the highest
visitor and revenue totals in over 20
years.
Community
Engagement
Over 93,00 people participated in
park programs or attended events,
and 139 external events took place in
our parks in 2022.
Gulley Park
Concert Series
YRCC Summer Fun4Kids
Pumpkin Pageant
Wilson Park Pool
The world came to Fayetteville in
2022 for the UCI Cyclo-Cross
World Championships at
Centennial Park.
17,500
Attendees
219
Cyclists
21
Nations
Centennial Park
We pride ourselves on providing people of all backgrounds,
interests, ages, and abilities an outlet to recreate and enjoy the
resources we revere. We know the impact our work has on
Fayetteville, and we will continue to provide it under the
direction of the goals set forth by our Parks and Recreation
System Master Plan.
84%
Of respondents
believe it is
important to
provide places for
residents to
maintain and
improve their
health.
Programs and Events | Active and Well
Provide inclusive program offerings to meet the needs of all.
Improve access within and to parks and enhance and broaden the
recreational value of our trail corridors to strengthen them as linear
parks.
Improve existing properties and anticipate the need for undeveloped
parks for completion.
1.
2.
3.
82%75%
Master Plan Feedback
Of respondents
believe providing
mobility, with trails
and paths for
exercise and
transportation is
important.
Of respondents
believe providing
recreation
opportunities to
underserved
residents is
important.
Goals for Active and Well
Lake Fayetteville
Arts and Culture | Engagement
Artist Opportunities
88 artist opportunities in first year
Free community events
Nearly 3,000 people attended
Rock Fish
To be used in further stream
restoration work
Part of the effort to integrate art
into park design
Provides discovery opportunities
for children
Our goal is to ensure local arts and culture have a healthy future by
developing policies and strategies to support the arts and cultural sector,
incentivizing opportunities for thriving artists and organizations, growing
the creative industry ecosystem, and responding to community needs.
Fall Fridays
8 weeks of free art programming
Included concerts, performances,
interactive displays, and
instructional sessions.
This year we launched the Arts and Culture
division to tap into the creativity of local artists
that is key to shaping our vibrant city.
Gathering and
Placemaking
The Ramble
The Entity
Artist: Nat Nicholson
Artist: Ben Buonaiutoi
Lafayette Bridge
Artists: University of Arkansas Advanced
Typography Design Class
Archibald Yell
Artist: Austin Floyd
Gregory Park
Artist: Jason Jones
Three new mural installations from local artists
commissioned by the Arts and Culture Division.
Establishing the new Arts and Culture Division and successfully
installing a new series of programs and events is an exciting new
avenue for us to engage and unite the community. We will continue to
grow the scope of this division under the vision of these goals from our
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan.
Arts and Culture | Gathering and Placemaking
Of respondents
would like to see
more gathering
places
75%
Design parks and greenways to celebrate our heritage and communities
surrounding landscape and culture.
Improve parks to address comfort and the ability to gather for activities.
Partner with organizations and provide infrastructure to support
programming and events in the parks system, such as theater, music,
races, games, food, access, and markets.
See opportunities to integrate art into public spaces.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Concerts and
movies in the
park
Farmers Market
Ping Pong and
Bocce in parks
Places to meet
1.
2.
3.
4.
Top 4
Goals for Gathering and Placemaking
Archibald Yell
Artist: Jeremy Navarette
Trees Planted
Trees given away through the
Celebration of Trees and
Invasive Plant Bounty Programs
Consecutive years receiving
the honor of Tree City USA
Over 500
1,381
27
Conservation | Urban Forestry
Resilient
Natural Systems
Our Urban Forester, John Scott, earned his
International Society of Arboriculture Municipal
Specialist Certification. In doing so, John
became the only ISA Certified Municipal
Specialist in the state of Arkansas.
Our natural environment and the care this department and
community share for it make Fayetteville a beautiful place to
call home. Public input indicated a desire for green
infrastructure, environmental conservation, and stream bank
restoration in parks. We will take the goals instituted in the
87%
Of respondents support
protecting the natural
environment and promoting
environmental sustainability.
Conservation | Resilient Natural Systems
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan and expand upon the already
outstanding work we have accomplished.
Conserve land and strategically direct acquisitions for conservation to
meet environmental and community objectives.
Promote green infrastructure and regional systems in support of
environmental conservation and preservation.
Enhance the ecological performance of existing parks and natural land
properties.
1.
2.
3.
61%
Master Plan
Feedback
Of respondents prioritize
water quality at Lake
Fayetteville as a focus.
56%
Of respondents expressed
there are not enough
designated areas for natural
environment preservation
and open space.
Goals for Resilient Natural Systems
Walker Park Master Plan Launch
Urban Forestry Master Planning
Arts and Culture Master Planning
Yvonne Richardson Community Center Design Unveiling
Yvonne Richardson Community Center Renovation Groundbreaking
Gulley Park Playground Renovation and Splash Pad Addition
Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex Renovation
Wilson Park Hub Building and Restroom Construction
Wilson Park Tennis Courts Renovation
Implementation of the Parks System Master Plan
Here is a sample of what to expect from our department in 2023:
Looking Ahead
2023 promises to be another banner year for the
Parks, Natural Resources, and Cultural Affairs
Department. We will continue planning and shaping
our future through more master plans, facility
expansions, park renovations, and much more.
Looking Ahead | 2023
Lake Fayetteville
Bryce Davis Park Master Plan and Construction
Completion of Yvonne Richardson Center Expansion
Combs Park and White River Master Plan
Continued evaluation of the Park Land Dedication Ordinance
We look forward to beginning work and completing these projects while
continuing to add and set more ambitious goals. These projects currently
include:
Looking Ahead | The Years to Come
We already have several projects slated for the
coming years from Phase II Bond Projects and
previous planning.
Gulley Park
1 4 5 5 S H a p p y H o l l o w R o a d
F a y e t t e v i l l e , A R 7 2 7 0 1
g o p l a y f a y .c o m
Kessler Mountain Regional Park
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation HMR Comparison
2019 - 2023
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 YTD 2022-2023 YTD 2022-2023
547,443$ 570,403$ 489,432$ 578,827$ 738,524$ 27.6%$159,696
Year to Date
Total
Comparison
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2019 2020 2021 2022 2023