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Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Regular Meeting

Fayetteville, AR · January 5, 2026

AgendaPacketMinutes

Minutes

Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026 Page 1 of 4 100 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 January 5, 2026 5:30 PM Members Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27) Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26) Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27) Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28) David McNiel (Exp: 12/28) Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26) 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, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board was held on January 5, 2026 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 January 5, 2026 Page 2 of 4 Webinar ID: 836 7513 5276 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3MwrBUN6RsaM_VeLhp6R-w Call to Order Director Alison Jumper called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll Call Present: Yarri Davis, Sky Caldwell, Elizabeth Cunningham, Josh McGee, David McNiel, Dell Hall, Doug Walsh, Coleman Warren, Melissa Zabecki Minutes Approval of the December Parks, Natural Resources & Cultural Affairs Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. December 2025 PNRCAAB Minutes Approval of the December 2025 Minutes motion made by Davis, Cunningham to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0. Link to video archive for further reference: https://reflect-fayetteville- ar.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/show/9305?channel=1 New Business Welcome New Members Director Jumper to welcome three new board members. Officer Elections Sky Caldwell nominated Yarri Davis to Chair the board, Zabecki to second. Davis accepted the nomination to Chair. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0. Davis to nominate Sky Caldwell for Vice Chair, Cunningham to second. Caldwell to accept. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0. Committee Member Assignments: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Arts Council and Active Transportation Committee 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026 Page 3 of 4 Cunningham to give an update on BGSO that they are looking to bring more members to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Board, which is fiduciary in nature. Davis motioned to keep Cunningham serving on PNRCAAB until she moves out of state later this year. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0 Walsh to give a basic rundown of the duties of serving on the Active Transportation Committee as a current advisory member. Davis to motion for Walsh to continue serving on this subcommittee as a Parks Board member, Cunningham to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0 The Arts Council subcommittee seat is vacant. Davis to call for a volunteer from PNRCAAB to serve in that capacity; Coleman Warren to volunteer. Zabecki to second. PNRCAAB Motion: 9-0-0 Future Orientation Date The orientation date for PNRCAAB set for Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. Reports and Presentations Active Transportation Advisory Committee Report: Doug Walsh Walsh to report that the Active Transportation Committee is looking at sidewalks and trail plans for the coming year. Gordon Long Bridge is still waiting for the green light but is currently still held up by FEMA. Walsh discussed sidewalks and trails, both being designed and worked on currently. Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham An experienced horticulturist has been hired at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, per Cunningham. The director is working on proposals for corporate memberships. Winter Glow, a December event, was condensed into one evening instead of one weekend like in previous years. A bridal shower open house is to be hosted in January to learn about BGSO as a wedding venue. The Arkansas Gardening school event is also being held in January. Arts Council Report N/A Partnership Committee Report Partnership Committee duties were outlined by Cunningham and Davis. This 113 West Mountain Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479)575-8323 www.fayetteville-ar.gov Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026 Page 4 of 4 Committee exists to assist Parks & Rec by reaching out to area schools and other local partners to build relationships. HMR and Construction Report: Zach Foster Staff to present an overview of our Mission, Vision and Values for the department. Construction Report: Walker Park grading, retaining walls, and storm drains were recently installed. Underwood has continued work on the structural base and drainage for the parking lot. Bryce Davis dog park will be open soon. Playground installation is ongoing. Y.R.C.C. and Buddy Hayes Park sidewalks are lain, the amphitheater and creek restoration are ongoing. HMR reports numbers are down for November. Park Land Dedication N/A Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events January 6 YRCC Spring Afterschool Starts- YRCC January 7 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 10 Fayetteville Community Forester, Dendrochronology Class- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 24 Frozen Toes Trail Race- Mt. Kessler Regional Park January 31 Youth Soccer Registration Closes Next Meeting Date: February 2, 2026 Adjournment Davis made a motion to adjourn, Cunningham to second at 6:07 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

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, January 5, 2026 5:30 PM Members Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27) Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26) Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27) Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28) David McNiel (Exp: 12/28) Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26) 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 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026 Zoom Information Webinar ID: 836 7513 5276 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3MwrBUN6RsaM_VeLhp6R-w Call to Order Roll Call Minutes Approval of the December Parks, Natural Resources & Cultural Affairs Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. New Business Welcome New Members Officer Elections Committee Member Assignments: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Arts Council and Active Transportation Committee Future Orientation Date Reports and Presentations Active Transportation Advisory Committee Report: Doug Walsh Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham Arts Council Report City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 2 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026 Partnership Committee Report HMR and Construction Report: Zach Foster Park Land Dedication Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events January 6 YRCC Spring Afterschool Starts- YRCC January 7 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 10 Fayetteville Community Forester, Dendrochronology Class- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 24 Frozen Toes Trail Race- Mt. Kessler Regional Park January 31 Youth Soccer Registration Closes Next Meeting Date: February 2, 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 3

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, January 5, 2026 5:30 PM Members Sky Caldwell (Exp: 12/27) Elizabeth Cunningham (Exp: 12/26) Yarri Davis (Exp: 12/27) Josh McGee (Exp: 12/28) David McNiel (Exp: 12/28) Dell Hall (Exp: 12/26) 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 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026 Zoom Information Webinar ID: 836 7513 5276 Registration Link: https://fayetteville- ar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3MwrBUN6RsaM_VeLhp6R-w Call to Order Roll Call Minutes Approval of the December Parks, Natural Resources & Cultural Affairs Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. New Business Welcome New Members Officer Elections Committee Member Assignments: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Arts Council and Active Transportation Committee Future Orientation Date Reports and Presentations Active Transportation Advisory Committee Report: Doug Walsh Botanical Gardens Report: Elizabeth Cunningham Arts Council Report City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 2 Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board January 5, 2026 Partnership Committee Report HMR and Construction Report: Zach Foster Park Land Dedication Announcements Upcoming Programs and Events January 6 YRCC Spring Afterschool Starts- YRCC January 7 Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 10 Fayetteville Community Forester, Dendrochronology Class- Rock St Public Meeting Room January 24 Frozen Toes Trail Race- Mt. Kessler Regional Park January 31 Youth Soccer Registration Closes Next Meeting Date: February 2, 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 3 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 Year to Date Total Comparison $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $0 $263,665 2021 $353,407 JANUARY $381,681 $382,586 $ 3,621,420 $405,262 $225,766 $225,420 FEBRUARY $356,842 2022 $349,739 $ 4,268,759 $369,258 $291,852 $396,004 MARCH $414,154 $401,088 2023 $387,971 $350,555 $ 4,563,511 $378,289 APRIL $435,355 $294,466 $448,150 Fayetteville Parks and Recreation HMR Comparison 2024 $343,289 $428,867 $ 4,793,978 MAY $436,973 2021 $532,459 $465,579 $359,813 2025 2022 $409,478 JUNE $440,113 $507,169 $ 4,859,922 $487,346 2023 $347,235 $385,513 JULY $411,199 2024 $454,990 2021 - 2025 $449,440 2025 $316,338 $363,072 AUGUST $379,564 $394,928 1.4% $389,269 $337,169 YTD 2024-2025 $407,731 SEPTEMBER $405,720 $453,844 $478,192 $397,590 $471,436 OCTOBER $461,660 $476,619 $457,956 $388,148 $449,542 $65,944 NOVEMBER $440,250 YTD 2024-2025 $546,090 $521,500 $467,225 $419,040 DECEMBER $432,391 $496,396 $0