Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — Fayetteville, AR
Date: 2026-01-05
Time: 17:30

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

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

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