By: Carsyn Cann
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- A restoration at Wilson Park will include a number of updates within the upcoming years.
The biggest of the renovations will replace an old restroom with a new central hub for the park.
Ted Jack, the city’s park planning superintendent, said that the new building will now provide more for visitors than just restrooms. “It will also provide a place for people to meet, watch tennis and volleyball, and relax in the park,” said Jack.
Within the central hub, there will be a covered patio with picnic tables and seating areas that overlook the park.
More renovations include updating the trail system, rebuilding two existing creek bridges, and adding a new stream that runs through the park.
The need for these projects comes from high traffic to the park. “Wilson Park is one of the most popular parks in the city,” said Jack. “Some of its infrastructure is so old so continuous work to keep the park up is needed.”
Fayetteville’s City Council approved a proposal in 2019 to apply for an 80/20 grant through the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program. The award for this grant is up to $216,000 with the money being applied toward the construction of the trails and bridges. This grant will help start the project, but more funding will be required to continue work.
While there is no exact timeline for the project, Jack said the city plans to bid the construction out this summer hoping to start work in the fall.