Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Regular Meeting

Fayetteville, AR · December 1, 2025

Minutes

Meeting Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 1 of 5 100 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 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 2 of 5 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 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 3 of 5 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 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 4 of 5 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 N/A Requirement: Fee-In-Lieu Requirement: $9,602 Nearby Existing Parks: Gulley Park, Braden Park, Madison Natural Area Developer’S Request: Fee-In-Lieu 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes December 1, 2025 Page 5 of 5 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 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov

Agenda

Packet

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, 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 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board December 1, 2025 Zoom Information Webinar ID: 851 9055 3617 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2dpsrj2eRlSqerc05KNTPQ Call to Order Roll Call Minutes November 2025 PNRCAAB Minutes Reports and Presentations Fayetteville Disc Association Report: Josh McGee Botanical Garden Annual Report: Ashley Wardlow Parks Operations Report: Byron Humphry Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Doug Walsh Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham Art Council Report: Sarah Downing Partnership Committee Report: Sarah Downing Park System Master Plan Project Progress: Alison Jumper City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 2 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board December 1, 2025 HMR and Construction Report: Ted Jack 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 N/A Requirement: Fee-in-Lieu Requirement: $9,602 Nearby Existing Parks: Gulley park, Braden Park, Madison Natural Area Developer’s Request: Fee-in-Lieu Staff Recommendation: Fee-in-Lieu Justification: Proximity to existing parks PNRCAAB Recommendation: 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 City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 3 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board December 1, 2025 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 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. City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 4 Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 1 of 5 100 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 November 3, 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 November 3, 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 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 2 of 5 Webinar ID: 873 2100 9556 Registration Link: https://fayetteville-ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9k-- SZmFT4i1vBvixaNRwA Call to Order Chair Steve Sheely called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call Present: Sheely, Cunningham, Downing, Davis, Hall, Kincaid, Walsh Virtual: Zabecki Absent: Caldwell Minutes October PNRCAAB Minutes 2025 Approval of October 2025 PNRCAAB Minutes motion made by Walsh, Kincaid to second. PNRCAAB Motion:8-0-0 Link to video archive for further reference: https://reflect-fayetteville- ar.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/show/9213?channel=1 Reports and Presentations Apple Seeds Report: Brooke LeMasters Brooke LeMasters gave an update on the AppleSeeds teaching farm located in Gulley Park since 2014. In 2024, AppleSeeds reached 14,000 kids, and has matched that number in October 2025 and therefore expects to surpass last year's reach, igniting a love of fresh food in local youth. Field trips to the farm teach them how to harvest, make healthy food choices, learn about nutrition, learn a recipe in the teaching kitchen, and also pick up culinary skills. AppleSeeds partners with schools to donate access to fresh food back to the schools in bags with fresh produce accompanied by a recipe to try at home. Their goal is to get kids excited about food, educate them, and increase access to fresh food for children across NWA. Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Doug Walsh Walsh to give an update on brand of bicycle lock system to discuss future potential of installing some in parks for added security. Trail counters around Walker Park were suggested by Active Transportation Committee for before-and-after 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 3 of 5 construction of Greenway usage data collection. Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham Cunningham to report that the Gala went well, a large donation was received, and a greenhouse ribbon cutting was set for Nov. 11. A partial endowment was also received and BGO is at break-even, which is an excellent position, and update. Still working toward bringing in as much donation money as possible by the end of 2025. Arts Council Report: Sarah Downing Downing to report that three new utility box artists have been chosen and an ArtSpace report has been completed. Future collaborations for art in public spaces in the works. Partnership Committee Report: Sarah Downing Downing and Cunningham met with Staff to determine partnership needs. HMR and Construction Report: Ted Jack Staff to present construction updates. Demolition is underway at Walker Park, with pipes being laid in the ground soon. Construction at Underwood Park has begun, although it's been delayed by rain. Bryce Davis wetland pavilion is near completion and playground equipment is to begin. The old COOP site is 80% complete. Enhanced YRCC received a new mural, and stream restoration Buddy Hays is ongoing. Combs Park has been talking with Staff and Planning to discuss road placement. Lake Fayetteville received permission to bid a playground and bridge connection to the nature trail. HMR report was delivered higher than in previous months. Park Land Dedication Lierly Lane Subdivision Development Name: Lierly Lane Subdivision Engineer: Crafton Tull (B. Murray) Owner: Timothy Moore Location: E Of Berseis Dr And N Of Mahogany Dr Parcel ID Number: 001-16788-000, 001-16811-001 Park Quadrant: NW Development Size: 20.0 Ac Units: 81 Single-Family Land Dedication Requirement: N/A Fee-In-Lieu Requirement: $88,209 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Nearby Existing Parks: Lierly Lane Park, Salem Park, Gary Hampton Softball Complex, Underwood Park, Clabber Creek Trail Corridor Developer's Request: Fee-In-Lieu Staff Recommendation: Fee-In-Lieu Justification Proximity To Existing Parks Lierly Lane Subdivision is a proposed 20-acre site in the NW Quadrant with developers requesting fees in lieu of land dedication as recommended by Staff. Davis to motion for approval, Cunningham to second. PNRCAAB Motion to accept fees in lieu: 8-0-0 New Business Board Responsibilities: Alison Jumper Gathering and clarifying of Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Board responsibilities to be updated and compiled for 2026 Board. Tsa La Gi Trail Tunnel Mural: Joanna Bell Arts & Culture Director Joanna Bell to present a partnership with the University of Arkansas Art Department's Mural Painting class to paint a mural on the Tsa La Gi Trail. PNRCAAB motion to accept was made by Davis, seconded by Downing. PNRCAAB Motion: 8-0-0. Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events November 4 DJ SQS: Upper Ramble November 5 YRCC X-Factor End Of Semester Celebration: YRCC November 8 Latin Dance: Upper Ramble November 8-9 NICA Regional Championships: Centennial Park November 11 City Offices Closed November 11 Tree Pest And Diseases Class: Parks, Natural Resources And Cultural Affairs Office November 15 Tree Pest And Diseases Class: Parks, Natural Resources And Cultural Affairs Office November 20 YRCC Friendsgiving: YRCC November 22 Latin Dance: Upper Ramble November 27-28 City Offices Closed 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 5 of 5 Next Meeting Date: December 1, 2025 Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Kincaid, Davis to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 8-0-0. Minutes Submitted by: Elizabeth Milton 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov