Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

100 W. Rock St. Suite 246 Fayetteville, AR 72701 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Agenda Jordan Annex Room 246 / Virtual Meeting Via Zoom Monday, May 4, 2026 5:30 PM Members Chair Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27) Vice Chair Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27) Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26) Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26) David McNiel (Exp: 12/28) Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28) Doug Walsh (Exp: 12/27) Coleman Warren (Exp: 12/28) Melissa Zabecki (Exp: 12/26) City Staff Parks and Recreation Director Alison Jumper Recreation Superintendent Lee Farmer Park Planning Superintendent Ted Jack Senior Administration Elizabeth Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board May 4, 2026 Zoom Information Webinar ID: 858 6669 6486 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D8ekhc39R_yEvpN5cTbOYQ Call to Order Roll Call Minutes Approval of the April 6, 2026, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. New Business Gregory Park Art Reports and Presentations 2025 Parks and Recreation Annual Report Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Doug Walsh Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham Arts Council Report: Coleman Warren Field and Partnership Report: Yarri Davis Construction and HMR Report: Ted Jack Park Land Dedication Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 2 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board May 4, 2026 May 5 Tree Anatomy and Function Session 2: Jordan Annex Meeting Room May 9 Walker Park Splash Pad and Gulley Park Interactive Fountain Opens: Walker Park / Gulley Park May 15 Last Day of YRCC Afterschool: YRCC May 23 Wilson Park Pool Opens: Wilson Park May 25 City Offices/YRCC Closed for Memorial Day (Wilson Pool Open) June 1-5 Be Active Summer Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp 1: Lake Fayetteville June 1 YRCC Summer Fun4Kids Camp Starts (8 Weeks): YRCC June 1-11 Swim Lesson Session 1: Wilson Pool June 2- July 30 Swim Team: Wilson Pool June 4 Gulley Park Summer Concert, Jon McLaughlin: Gulley Park Next Meeting Day: June 1, 2026 Adjournment NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE Parks and Recreation 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. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 3  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 1 of 6 113 W Mountain St Fayetteville, AR 72701 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes City Hall Meeting Room 101 / Virtual Meeting via Zoom April 6, 2026 5:30 PM Members Chair Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27) Vice Chair Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27) Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26) Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26) David McNiel (Exp: 12/28) Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28) 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 A meeting of the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held on April 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Room 101 of City Hall, located at 113 W. Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.. Zoom Information 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 2 of 6 Webinar ID: 884 4804 0140 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1YgugoPoT1ShU57LRVG8gQ Passcode: 575664 Call to Order Vice Chair Sky Caldwell called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call Present: Caldwell, McGee, McNiel, Hall, Walsh, Warren and Zabecki Absent: Davis, Cunningham Minutes Approval of the March PNRCAAB Meeting Minutes. Approval of the March PNRCAAB Minutes. McGee to motion for approval, Hall to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 7-0-0. Please refer to the City of Fayetteville Video on Demand Archive for a detailed discussion of the item: https://reflect-fayetteville- ar.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/gallery/6?channel=1 New Business Approval to Utilize Parkland Dedication Funds for the Design of Kessler Soccer Improvements: Ted Jack Staff Ted Jack to propose usage of unencumbered SW quadrant bond funds at Kessler Soccer Park. In the year 2026, $99,366 will need to be spent on the limited- time bond funds, and $528,113 by 2027. The first step proposed on how to use those funds is to hire consultants and begin design work to add a full-sized soccer field with artificial turf, and a small natural turf soccer field, lighting, bleachers, sidewalks, drainage, landscaping and parking. The turf field would be considered not only an extra and much-needed field, but Championship field space. Jack asked for approval for $400,000 to be released from the Southwest Quadrant for Kessler Soccer Field Improvements Project. McGee to motion for approval, Hall to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 7-0-0. 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 3 of 6 Reports and Presentations Urban Forestry Update: John Scott Staff John Scott to give an update on Urban Forestry results from 2025, and plans for the department's Urban Forestry Master Plan goals for 2026. Scott's goal is to increase the City's overall tree canopy from 39% to 40.4% in 20 years. Through a recently implemented data collection process, staff are and plan to continue to track the removal and planting of trees in new development to make sure our canopy stays healthy. Scott to report that several events were organized for this year's first Earth Week, including tree and native shrub giveaways, a "bounty" photo contest for invasives removal, documentary film screenings, Talking to the Trees, dedicating this year's Amazing Tree winner in Wilson Park, among others. Several classes/hikes through the Fayetteville Community Forester Program were added in 2025 with great success and attendance. Park Land Dedication Update: Ted Jack Combined with Jack's earlier Project Updates. Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Doug Walsh Walsh to mention that the White River Greenway is 90% planned and is planned to be completed this summer. Walsh also reported that there are areas in need of more sidewalk access on the west side of town. Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham n/a Arts Council Report: Coleman Warren CAP applications were approved for the first round of applicants, and money has been set aside for the second round of applications, which Warren encouraged interested applicants to apply for. Field and Partnership Report: Yarri Davis McGee to report Field and Partnership met with Friends of Fayetteville Parks to identify potential parcels for field space/park land acquisition, and plan to work to move forward. 2025 Parks and Recreation Annual Report: Alison Jumper 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 4 of 6 Postponed. Construction and HMR Report: Ted Jack Ted Jack reported that HMR totals have improved. Installation has begun at the Walker Park playground, and construction progress continues throughout the park. Artist Jeremy Navarette, who also painted the basketball courts at Walker, will also be painting the ceiling of the Large Pavilion at Walker Park. The Lake Fyaetteville Nature Trail contract is to go to the Council for approval. An Owl Creek public meeting is coming soon to involve the public in planning a 2-acre park in the newly dedicated park land, and also to discuss connecting trails to the facility. Park Land Dedication Monarch Summers Development Name: Monarch Summers Engineer: Strand (B. Payne) Owner: Goose Creek Addition LLC Location: 6061 W Dot Tipton Rd Parcel ID Number: 765-16202-650 Park Quadrant: SW Development Size: 66 Ac Units: 264 Single-Family Land Dedication Requirement: N/A Fee-In-Lieu Requirement: $287,496 Nearby Existing Parks: Harmony Pointe Park, Owl Creek Park, Woolsey Farmstead, Woolsey Wet Prairie Developer’S Request: Fee-In-Lieu Staff Recommendation: Fee-In-Lieu Justification: Proximity To Existing Parks Foster to present the Monarch Summers development, proposing a 264 single-family project with 66 acres. Staff suggested accepting fees-in-lieu. Hall to motion for approval, Zabecki to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 7-0-0. Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 5 of 6 April 6 Fayetteville Youth Baseball Games Begin: Kessler April 12 Outdoor Fayetteville Trail First Aid Response: Fire Department Training Center April 13 Youth 4 And Under T-Ball Begins: Gary Hampton April 13 Outdoor Fayetteville Intro To Fishing: Lake Fayetteville Marina April 16 Outdoor Fayetteville Archery Basics: Lake Fayetteville Marina April 18 Tree Giveway At Farmers Market: Fayetteville Square April 20 Amazing Tree Plaque Unveiling: Wilson Park April 20 Talking To The Trees April 21 Three Documentaries With Panel Discussions: Fayetteville Public Library April 22 Earth Day Panel Discussion April 22 Outdoor Fayetteville Beginner Kayaking: Lake Fayetteville Marina April 23 Documentary: Fayetteville Public Library April 23 Spring Semester X-Factor Ends: YRCC April 24 No YRCC Afterschool: YRCC April 24 Arbor Day April 24 Weekend Starts Begin: Upper Ramble April 25 Rumble Pickleball Tournament: Wilson Park April 25 Lake Fayetteville Land & Paddle Cleanup: Lake Fayetteville Marina April 25 YRCC Shoe Giveaway With Samaritan's Feet: YRCC April 27 YRCC Teen Takeover Ends: YRCC May 2 Spring Square 2 Square: Upper Ramble May 2 Tree Anatomy And Function: Jordan Annex Meeting Room May 2 YRCC Basketball Classes End: YRCC Next Meeting Date: May 4, 2026 Adjournment Josh McGee to motion for adjournment at 6:27 p.m., David McNiel to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 7-0-0 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov  Meeting Minutes April 6, 2026 Page 6 of 6 Minutes Submitted by: Elizabeth Milton 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Ash tree at Walker Park, Fayetteville’s 2025 Amazing Tree  WHAT’S INSIDE 03 Letter from the Director 04 Leadership, Staff & Advisory Boards 05 Our Guiding Principles 06 New in 2025 07 Planning & Park 08 Run. Ride. Race. Repeat Development 09 Recreation Programs & 10 Youth Camps Participation 11 Community Events 12 Arts & Culture 13 Urban Forestry 14 Talking about Parks 15 Applying the 16 Find your Park Principles 17 YRCC 18 Service and Action 19 Supporting our parks 20 Connect with Parks 03 Alison Jumper, ASLA, CPRP LEADERSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR REFLECTIONS Fayetteville’s parks and public spaces are a major part of how people experience our City every day. They are where neighbors gather, where families spend time together, and where community takes shape. In 2025, we saw continued growth in HOW residents use and value these spaces. From signature events like the Dickson Street Mile and Phantasma to new programming at the Upper Ramble, our parks remained active, welcoming, and central to community life. This year also marked meaningful progress in expanding and improving our parks system. We welcomed the community to the expanded Yvonne Richardson Community Center, advanced construction on new community parks, including Walker, Underwood, and Bryce Davis, and partnered with Specialized Real Estate Group to open South Yard Park along the Razorback Regional Greenway. These efforts reflect our commitment to increasing access and creating spaces that serve residents across Fayetteville. At the same time, we continued planning for the future, wrapping up an aquatic feasibility study and drafting a park developer-impact fee study. We are taking thoughtful steps to make sure our parks grow to meet the needs of a changing, expanding community. Parks are critical infrastructure. They are the heart and lungs of a city and play a vital role in supporting community health, economic vitality, and environmental resilience. This report reflects the work of a dedicated team whose creativity and commitment shine through in every project, program, and space we care for. We couldn’t do it without them. I am proud of what we accomplished in 2025 and grateful to serve alongside this team and for our community. I hope you see the impact of this work as you read this report. With Gratitude, Alison  04 LEADERSHIP, STAFF & ADVISORY BOARDS LEADERSHIP TEAM Alison Jumper, Director Tiffany Hoover, Assistant Rec. Ted Jack, Planning Superintendent Superintendent Lee Farmer, Recreation Superintendent Elizabeth Milton, Sr. Admin. Joanna Bell, Arts & Culture Director Assistant STAFF RECREATION PARK PLANNING YRCC URBAN ARTS & Lacie Ballard Melissa Evans Josh Lainfiesta FORESTRY CULTURE Mark Banks-May Zach Foster T’Essence Long John Scott Sarah Dilatush Dean Rawlings J. Elizabeth Smith ADVISORY BOARDS Parks, Natural Resources & Cultural Affairs Steven Sheely, Chair, Sarah Downing, Vice Chair Members - Skyler Caldwell, Elizabeth Cunningham, Yarri Davis, Dell Hall, Hugh Kincaid, Doug Walsh, Mel Zabecki Urban Forestry Joseph Fox, Chair Members - Hannah Ash, Carlo Bertani, Joe Donahue, Jim Parrish, Kate Shirley, Tas Zinck Arts Council Chloe Bell, Chair, Emily Miller, Vice Chair Members - Andrew Blackwell, Jessica DeBari, Na'Tosha De'Von, Elizabeth Muscari, Diana Rubi, Robert “Bob” Stafford, City Council, Ellen Woodse  05 OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Nature Connection Our outdoor spaces are integrated in our everyday lives to attract people near and far for the health benefits of our natural environment. 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. Active and Well 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. Gathering and Placemaking Our parks are designed to provide gathering spaces and amenities for our community while celebrating our unique culture, arts, music, people, and the beauty of the region. Resilient Natural Systems Our natural systems and parks help support a city environment that integrates natural and built landscapes and maximize ecosystem benefits and nature-based recreation for the community. VISION To create and sustain a premier park system through best practices that enrich, welcome and connect residents, strengthening community and cultural pride. MISSION To improve quality of life through a vibrant park system, cultural and natural resources, and recreational opportunities.  06 NEW TO YOU 2025 Over the past year, the City has delivered a number of new initiatives that strengthen community engagement, promote environmental stewardship, and expand access to arts and culture experiences. TREES, TREES, TREES COMMUNITY ART Fayetteville further expanded its focus on our The Community Arts Program (CAP) tree stewardship through dedicated staff, new was also introduced, offering local programs, and increased community engagement. artists and organizers the opportunity The Fayetteville Community Forester Program to lead free, community-based was launched to foster tree stewardship and activations. environmental awareness among residents, and The program supports creative saw 92 residents in classes. expression while enhancing gathering The first-ever Fayetteville Tree Week was held and shared experiences across the city. from April 19–26, aligning with Earth Day and The first City Hall Art Exhibition Arbor Day. Our Urban Forestry team hosted daily featured the work of 32 artists with events to highlight the environmental and social ties to Arkansas, creating a new space benefits of trees, encouraging residents to plant to showcase local talent and connect and care for trees in their communities. residents with the arts. Mayor Rawn has challenged Fayetteville to try new things, support fresh ideas, and create new ways for the community to connect with parks and public spaces. The success of 2025 reflects that approach, building on what works while making space for innovation.  07 PLANNING & PARK DEVELOPMENT In 2025, Fayetteville continued to invest in both new park spaces and improvements to existing facilities, expanding access and enhancing the overall park system. The expansion of the Yvonne Richardson Community Center added new community gathering spaces, including a teaching kitchen, classrooms, and updated amenities to better serve residents. Construction moved forward on several new community parks, including Walker, Underwood, and Bryce Davis Parks. Bryce Davis is nearing completion, with the remaining parks expected to open in 2026. South Yard Park, a new pocket park along the Razorback Regional Greenway, opened through a partnership with Specialized Real Estate Group, demonstrating how collaboration can expand park access in growing areas of the city. Improvements at Buddy Hayes Park are also nearing completion, with stream restoration and new gathering spaces that enhance both environmental function and visitor experience. Planning efforts this year focused on preparing for future growth. Design work advanced for additional park improvements, including an accessible nature trail and bridge at Veterans Park. Master planning began for a new neighborhood park at Owl Creek. The City also completed an aquatic feasibility study and advanced a park developer-impact fee study, helping guide long-term investment decisions and ensure the park system continues to meet community needs. 3,853 square feet More room for learning, playing, and building community. Based on the latest population count, Fayetteville has one park for every 2,194 residents! parks in 47 Fayetteville  08 RUN. RIDE. RACE. REPEAT. Fayetteville’s race series continued to grow in 2025, reflecting strong community interest in running, cycling, and outdoor fitness. From trail runs to downtown races and regional rides, events brought participants of all experience levels together throughout the year. Frozen Toes set a new The Dickson Street Mile The White Elephant 5K The Square to Square ride attendance record grew to 526 participants and 1-mile fun run also celebrated its 10th year as with 554 runners as in its second year, adding reached a record high of the official ride of the trail running new race categories like 470 participants in its Razorback Greenway, continues to gain the Heroes Mile alongside fourth year, continuing drawing 3,479 riders popularity across returning favorites like to build on its reputation across two events and Northwest Arkansas. the Open Mile, Bartender as a family-friendly connecting communities Dash, and Dog Mile. holiday tradition. across the region. 5,540 Estimated # of toes at Frozen Toes 3,479 Square to Square riders 526 Dickson Street Mile runners 10 Years of Square to Square ride  09 RECREATION PROGRAMS & PARTICIPATION Across all programs, the continued growth in participation reflects the important role recreation plays in supporting health, connection, and quality of life in Fayetteville. Youth Programs Youth programming continued to grow in 2025, with 2,133 athletes 21,000+ Visits to Wilson participating in soccer, supported by approximately 180 volunteer Park Pool coaches. The Kessler Cup Tournament capped the spring season, while the “Kicks for Kids” cleat exchange expanded access, circulating nearly 400 pairs of cleats each season. Youth softball served 240 athletes, including record participation in 3,000+ the 10U division. The YRCC X-Factor program engaged more than Adult softball players 800 participants ages 5–14 through homeschool physical on 194 teams education classes held across Fayetteville parks, offering activities ranging from archery and rock climbing to team sports and fitness. Aquatics 180 Volunteer coaches Aquatics programs saw strong demand throughout the season. throughout the year. Wilson Park Pool recorded more than 21,000 visits, while the Wilson Park Wahoos Swim Team increased to 70 swimmers, its largest team in more than five years. Adjustments to class scheduling expanded access for young 99 Picklers participated swimmers, and swim lessons reached an 88% fill rate, significantly Fayetteville’s first ever reducing waitlists. pickle ball tournament Adult & All-Ages Programs Adult and all-ages programs continued to draw strong participation across Fayetteville in 2025. Three seasons of adult softball brought together 194 teams and more than 3,000 participants at Lake Fayetteville and Gary Hampton, while the Unified Softball League expanded to 12 teams and served over 200 participants. The Adult Soccer League remained steady with 36 teams competing across spring and fall seasons. Adult kickball also saw strong participation, with 44 teams and 770 players competing at Lake Fayetteville and Kessler Regional Park. Tennis and pickleball programming returned to the resurfaced courts at Wilson Park, engaging 243 players, with expanded pickleball offerings for youth and intermediate and advanced participants. Spring Break 2025 The Yvonne Richardson Community Center (YRCC) expanded seasonal camp opportunities, with 50 participants in Spring Break Camp and 600 campers attending the Summer Fun4Kids program. Campers engaged in games, arts and crafts, sports, and field trips across the city, including visits to Wilson Park Pool, the Fayetteville Public Library, Appleseeds Farm, and the University of Arkansas. Summer 2025 The Summer Fun4Kids Junior Counselor Program also provided leadership opportunities for teens, with six participants supporting camp activities and gaining hands-on experience. Partnerships helped support a well-rounded experience for campers, with meals provided through Hattie’s Heart, Second Helping NWA & Chef Nate Walls, and Fayetteville Public Schools. These programs continue to create accessible, enriching experiences for youth while supporting families throughout the year. YOUTH CAMPS Camp programs continued to provide opportunities for Fayetteville youth to stay active, learn new skills, and build connections in a supportive environment. 883 Record number of campers in 2025 Summer Camps Campers participate across a variety of 3,000+ offerings, including outdoor adventure, Adult softball players on 194 teams biking, tennis, soccer, and theatre. 180 10 Volunteer coaches throughout the year. Fayetteville’s events continue to bring people together in parks and public spaces throughout the year, creating opportunities for connection, celebration, and shared experiences. Signature events like the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series drew more than 16,500 attendees in its 29th year, marking its largest season to date. The series also introduced a sustainability initiative that diverted 73% of waste from landfills, while continuing to support local artists and vendors through the Mini Makers and Art Market and Kidz Night programming. 16,500+ Gulley Park Community-centered programming at concert attendees the Yvonne Richardson Community Seasonal and specialty events saw strong participation Center continued to support residents across the Upper and Lower Ramble. The Phantasma through events, youth activities, and Silent Disco and Glow Party attracted approximately partnerships, reaching hundreds of 3,500 attendees, while Trick-or-Treat on the Trail participants throughout the year. welcomed more than 3,000 participants as a growing fall tradition. 100 pairs of shoes given with Samaritan’s Feet 3,000+ 25 Trick-or-Treaters kids from YRCC on the trail participated in Burls Kids. Outdoor movie programming expanded, with Movies in the Parks at Walker and Bryce Davis Parks drawing over Friendsgiving more than 1,300 attendees. The Dive-In Movie series at Wilson Park Pool remained a popular summer activity, including one of its largest events to date. 300 served 300+ hot meals with Second Helping NWA. 25 YRCC kids Lights of the Ozarks remained a signature holiday tradition, with more than 500,000 LED lights installed across the Downtown Square, creating a destination 100 participated in Cookies with Santa at Mt. Sequoyah. for residents and visitors throughout the season. 500,000+ 100 175 participants at Holiday Bingo hosted by the YRCC. LED lights at Lights of the Ozarks Together, these events reflect the vital role parks play as gathering spaces that support connection, celebration, and community life across Fayetteville. COMMUNITY EVENTS 11  12 ARTS Gravity of Memory & Augmented reality installation exploring CULTURE childhood and perception Arts and culture continue to shape how the community experiences Fayetteville’s parks and public spaces, bringing creativity into everyday life through public art, programming, and long-term planning. Emoji Dispenser New additions to the City’s public art Interactive piece collection included two large-scale murals reflecting on by international artist Leon Keer, who also engaged with local artists, students, and the emotion and broader community during his time in consumer culture Fayetteville. Additional installations across the city featured work by regional and national artists, contributing to a growing and diverse public art presence. In 2025, Fayetteville adopted its first Arts & Culture Plan, establishing priorities to support creative spaces, public art, and cultural growth. As part of Nothing but Net this effort, a feasibility study explored opportunities Mural by Bryan Alexis for artist-focused housing and support for the local creative economy. Programming expanded throughout the year. Weekend Starts activated the Ramble with weekly events from March through October, engaging more Veritate Duce Progredi than 5,700 participants and showcasing over 130 Mural by NTEL artists. The Community Arts Program (CAP), launched this year, created new opportunities for local artists and organizers to lead free, community-based activations across Fayetteville. Play Your Way Together, these efforts reflect a continued Wayfinding mural commitment to integrating art into public spaces, at Parks office supporting local artists, and creating shared cultural experiences.  13 URBAN FORESTRY Urban Forestry efforts further focused on expanding Fayetteville’s tree canopy, engaging residents, and strengthening environmental stewardship across the community. Throughout the year, 606 trees were planted across the city, supported by strong community participation. More than 2,000 residents engaged in Urban Forestry programs and events, reflecting growing interest in caring for Fayetteville’s natural spaces. Together, these efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to maintaining healthy natural systems, increasing tree canopy, and supporting a more resilient Fayetteville. EDUCATION Education and outreach remained a key focus. The Fayetteville Community Forester Program launched this year, strengthening neighborhood partnerships and supporting tree planting and naturalization efforts in five areas of the city. Additional outreach reached more than 500 elementary students through school programs and community events. ENGAGEMENT Tree giveaways expanded access, with more than 2,383 trees and shrubs distributed through seasonal events and neighborhood partnerships. Volunteer efforts also supported cleanup and restoration across parks, trails, and waterways, with more than 80 volunteers contributing across multiple locations throughout Fayetteville.  14 PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT OUR PARKS AT HOME AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY Fayetteville’s commitment to community, sustainability, and stewardship was recognized through several key achievements in 2025. Tree City USA community for the 29th consecutive year Governor’s Volunteer Community of the Year award 2025 Trendsetter City Award for the Ramble 2025 Architizer A+Awards, Popular Choice Award Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Leadership Circle status achievement: completed 11 action items that led to more than 1,500 pollinator- supportive plants, seeds, and trees being distributed through public giveaways and events across the city. Braxton on the CAP Program “I'm a multimedia artist and educator with a focus in natural and fiber arts. My YRCC Holiday Bingo Participant activations with the City of Fayetteville “I thought it was wonderful. The included mini moss gardens workshops and YRCC have improved this event so block printing. All events brought in much from early years (it’s always maximum participants with a wide range of been great). I’m really impressed by ages and backgrounds represented. I will the YRCC team. Thankful for the definitely be applying for the next round!” work they put in.” “What a wonderful way to connect “Helping to clean up my community makes me with nature this winter! Love the idea feel connected to my neighbors and gives me a of learning to identify trees by bark, strong sense of purpose. It’s a rewarding, hands- buds, and form while enjoying the on way to take pride in where we live and ensure quiet beauty of the season.” our town stays beautiful. The city of Fayetteville makes it so easy to work with them, we are all Peak State Recovery on the blessed to have such a great city we can partner Community Forester Program with to make this a better place to live." Dennis  15 WHY WE CONTINUE DOING THIS WORK Fayetteville’s parks and recreation system continued to grow in ways that reflect the City’s guiding principles, connecting investments, programs, and community experiences across the parks system. Nature Connection Improvements to trails, wetlands, and park spaces expanded opportunities for residents to engage with the natural environment, from restored connections along the Fayetteville Traverse Trail to new and enhanced gathering spaces in neighborhood parks. Stewardship and Maintenance Ongoing investments in park infrastructure and environmental restoration ensured that existing spaces remain safe, functional, and sustainable, supporting both daily use and long-term system health. Active and Well Recreation programs, camps, and community events continued to see strong participation, reflecting the important role parks play in supporting physical activity, wellness, and social connection across all ages. Gathering and Placemaking Parks served as key gathering spaces for cultural events, performances, and community traditions, bringing residents together and reinforcing Fayetteville’s identity through shared experiences. Resilient Natural Systems Tree planting, environmental restoration, and volunteer efforts strengthened the city’s natural systems, supporting long-term ecological health and resilience. FIND A PARK IN FAYETTEVILLE Scan to open an interactive map of all our parks powered by the City of Fayetteville GIS Department. 16  17 YVONNE RICHARDSON COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION The expansion of the Yvonne Richardson Community Center (YRCC) marked a significant investment in community space and access. The 3,853-square-foot addition includes a teaching kitchen, community rooms, a multipurpose classroom, and upgraded amenities, including a new gymnasium floor, restrooms, and renovated office space. YRCC HAS COME A These improvements allow the YRCC to expand programming, LONG WAY! increase capacity, and better serve residents of all ages. The updated spaces support a wide range of activities, from youth programs and camps to community events and educational opportunities. As a central hub for connection and support, the YRCC continues to play a vital role in strengthening community, providing access to resources, and creating welcoming spaces for Fayetteville residents  18 SERVICE IN ACTION Fayetteville’s parks are shaped by people who care for them. In 2025, volunteers contributed 20,967 hours supporting parks, trails, waterways, and public spaces across the City, setting a new annual record. This work represents an estimated $729,000 in community value. It also reflects the impact of residents, partners, and organizations who work together to continuously improve quality of life in Fayetteville. Groups like Ozark Off Road Cyclists and the Arkansas Conservation Corps played a key role in trail building, maintenance, and restoration efforts across the City. Residents can support Fayetteville’s parks in a variety of ways, from volunteering at events and cleanups to participating in programs or contributing to park initiatives. Every effort helps strengthen the spaces that connect our community. 20,967 Volunteer hours contributed $729,000 Estimated community value of volunteers 9,300+ Hours contributed by Ozark Off Road Cyclists 4,000+ Hours contributed by Arkansas Conservation Corps  VOLUNTEER Volunteers help make Fayetteville’s parks possible. https://givepul.se/kypjtm Fayetteville’s parks and programs are strengthened by the support of residents, partners, and community organizations. Donations help expand access, enhance spaces, and support programs that serve the community year-round. FRIENDS OF FAYETTEVILLE PARKS Friends of Fayetteville Parks is a nonprofit partner that supports park improvements, special projects, and community initiatives. Donations help fund enhancements and opportunities beyond what public funding alone can provide. www.fofpar.org PARKS AND RECREATION Contributions to the department support programs, public Contributions spaces,toand theinitiatives department support parks, that enhance programs, publicarts, recreation, spaces, and initiatives and that enhance parks, environmental recreation, stewardship arts, across the city.and environmental stewardship across the city. https://secure.rec1.com/AR/fayetteville-ar/catalog FRIENDS OF YVONNE RICHARDSON COMMUNITY Donations to the Yvonne Richardson Community support youth programs, camps, meals, and community-based services that provide access and opportunity for Fayetteville residents. www.friendsofyrcc.org SUPPORT YOUR 18 LOCAL PARKS Follow the City of Fayetteville, AR, Parks and Recreation Department on Instagram and Facebook @FayettevilleParksAndRec 100 W. ROCK ST. SUITE 250 FAYETTEVILLE, AR GOPLAYFAY.COM Year to Date Total Comparison $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $ $0 $353,407 2022 $381,681 JANUARY $382,586 974,831 $405,262 $398,610 $225,420 $356,842 FEBRUARY $349,739 2023 $369,258 $ 1,152,678 $408,446 $396,004 $414,154 MARCH $401,088 $387,971 2024 $436,250 $378,289 $ 1,133,413 $435,355 APRIL $294,466 $448,150 $0 Fayetteville Parks and Recreation HMR Comparison 2025 $428,867 $ 1,162,491 $436,973 MAY $532,459 2022 $465,579 $0 $409,478 2026 2023 $440,113 JUNE $507,169 $487,346 $ 1,243,305 $0 2024 $385,513 $411,199 JULY $454,990 2025 $449,440 2022 - 2026 $0 2026 $363,072 $379,564 AUGUST $394,928 $389,269 $0 7.0% $407,731 YTD 2025-2026 $405,720 SEPTEMBER $453,844 $478,192 $0 $471,436 $461,660 OCTOBER $476,619 $457,956 $0 $449,542 $440,250 $80,814 NOVEMBER $546,090 $521,500 $0 YTD 2025-2026 $419,040 $432,391 DECEMBER $496,396 $464,789 $0