Bentonville Parks Board Prepares for Busy Fall with New Events, Park Openings, and Safety Initiatives
The Bentonville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is set for an active fall season, with its September 8, 2025, meeting agenda highlighting upcoming events, new facility openings, and reports from summer programming.
Upcoming Meeting Focus
At the September meeting, the board will:
Review August minutes for approval.
Consider a special event closure request at Lake Bentonville for the UP. Summit, a major gathering that could impact park use and access.
Receive a summer camp report, reflecting on the city’s seasonal youth programming and participation levels.
Celebrate the grand opening of Phillips Park, a long-awaited community addition that will expand recreation options in the city.
The meeting will also include the 2025 Capital Improvement Worksheet for September and provide an opportunity for discussion under “Other Business.”
August Meeting Highlights
At the August 4 session, the board finalized and approved the Memorial Park Master Plan, developed in partnership with Ecological Design Group. Key features include:
Eliminating cut-through traffic by converting roads into cul-de-sacs, while ensuring emergency access via permeable or grass pavers.
A redesigned fitness loop with improved safety and accessibility.
Expanded volleyball courts, from two to six.
A destination playground designed for accessibility.
A new pavilion with kitchen and meeting space to support festivals and community gatherings.
Enhanced pedestrian connections, including a bridge across the creek.
A layered wayfinding system to guide visitors.
The phased plan allows the city to implement changes incrementally, balancing costs with community needs.
Public Art Approvals
The August meeting also approved two major public art projects:
An oil painting of the Bentonville Community Center by Lori Weeks of Natural State Gallery, donated to celebrate the center’s 10th anniversary.
A 25-foot steel “Old Tree” sculpture by Pamela Rosenkranz for the A Street Promenade, installed as a permanent loan with maintenance handled by OZ Art.
Health and Safety Awareness
Board member Kristin Kuhlow raised growing concerns about Alpha-gal Syndrome, a tick-borne allergy increasingly reported in Northwest Arkansas. She recommended limiting tall grasses near trails and play areas and emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns.
Additional Updates
Parks staff reported on several operational and safety issues:
Relocation of dumpsters in the A Street Promenade with alley access for restaurant coordination.
Landscaping work for Phase 3 of the promenade nearing completion.
Ongoing monitoring of new stop sign installations for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Discussion of trail safety, including boosting public education and coordination with police, fire, and bike patrol units.
