Northwest Arkansas residents will soon have access to another 358+ acres of outdoor recreational options. Check out some of the newest additions and future plans!
Photo by David Oakley
Fayetteville: 121 Acres
Wilson Springs Preserve
Let’s start with a nature preserve that opened with a month-long celebration back in September. After seven years of habitat restoration, removing of undergrowth and invasive non-native plants, the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has granted public access to the Wilson Springs Preserve. Open from dawn until dusk, this sensitive habitat area is intentionally designed for low-impact, passive enjoyment, including walking, wildlife watching, nature photography and solitude seeking.
In fact, NWALT manages roughly 3,500 acres from 23 properties throughout a service area that includes 13 counties in Northwest Arkansas—and they are on track to protect an additional 1,100 acres this year. Explore the protected properties HERE.
Bentonville: 55-acres
Osage Park
The Walton Family Foundation unveiled plans for Osage Park—and it’s another jaw-dropper! The park will include an expanded lake for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding and fishing; a multipurpose lawn; an aviation-themed play active zone; pickleball courts; multi-use trails and floating boardwalks that offer a first-hand look at the site’s 12-acre wetland system; and an open pavilion, intimate music venue. ((insert mic drop))
Select areas of Osage Park are scheduled to open to the public summer 2020. In the meantime, be sure to explore the 300-acres at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.
Walton Family Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Bentonville: 55-acres
Osage Park
The Walton Family Foundation unveiled plans for Osage Park—and it’s another jaw-dropper! The park will include an expanded lake for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding and fishing; a multipurpose lawn; an aviation-themed play active zone; pickleball courts; multi-use trails and floating boardwalks that offer a first-hand look at the site’s 12-acre wetland system; and an open pavilion, intimate music venue. ((insert mic drop))
Select areas of Osage Park are scheduled to open to the public summer 2020. In the meantime, be sure to explore the 300-acres at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.
Springdale: 182-acres
Nature Center & Shaw Family Park
Earlier this year, construction began on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale. Located on 61-acres, the center will include an outdoor archery range, indoor and outdoor classrooms, native plant gardens, walking and biking trails, as well as Ozark wildlife exhibits.
More recently, Springdale broke ground on what will eventually become the second-largest park in the city. The 121-acre park will introduce access to a vibrant trail system, an old growth forest, a meadow, over 1,200 new trees, a splash pad, and other natural amenities.
