Springdale Is On The Rise With New Parks And Improvements Nearing Completion
SPRINGDALE — Outdoor recreation is on the rise here with a new park opening soon and major improvements at longstanding parks close to completion. This is thanks to a $10 million investment residents made in 2012 with the passage of a bond issue.
AQ Chicken House is famous for its traditional pan-fried chicken offering but also serves hickory-smoked ribs and southern catfish. It’s located on North Crossover Road.
1. Baseball/Softball Fields
Located in the northeast part of Springdale, this park features sports fields and playground equipment. Also included is a modern pavilion and facilities.
Grass ball fields may take half a day or more to dry after a rainout, but turf fields drain quickly and can be ready for play within an hour.
The more than $10 million park, which opened this month, was paid for with a 2012 bond issue that the city’s residents overwhelmingly approved and a gift from the George family. It includes the region’s first youth baseball and softball fields with artificial turf infields, ensuring rainout-proof games.
Two specially-designed baseball fields provide barrier-free access to our national pastime for youth with disabilities. Other park amenities include lighted tennis courts, a skate park, Rotary Adventure Park, and trails.
2. Soccer Fields
Located on Don Tyson Parkway, this new park offers a number of sports fields for players and spectators. It has six soccer fields with artificial turf infields and four baseball fields. The park also has a lighted football field and tennis courts. It is also home to the Rotary Adventure Park, which provides accessible playground fun for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. It has two Miracle League baseball fields, too, giving barrier-free access to our national pastime for people with disabilities.
A bond passed by voters in 2012 gave the city money to build new parks and improve existing ones. Improvements are underway at the old Murphy Park and at Bobby Hopper and J.B. Hunt parks. Among those improvements at Murphy is the renovation of its pond area, with a dredged middle and cement paving added around the pond’s bank.
3. Tennis Courts
When you’re looking for a place to enjoy a round of golf or a game of tennis, Springdale Parks have it all. The city recently made a major investment in new and improved outdoor recreation facilities when it passed a park bond in 2012.
C.L. Charlie and Willie George Park is currently under construction but is set to open before the end of June. It will include a youth football field with artificial turf infields, six soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, and two Miracle League baseball fields for children with mental or physical disabilities.
Improvements are also underway at the Randall Tyson Recreational Complex, at 4303 Watkins Ave. The city is repairing and replacing baseball/softball infield surfaces and upgrading scoreboards, Mock said. Also, a disc golf course at J.B. Hunt Park, at 1955 Flemming Ave, is being retooled to provide more options for those who enjoy playing the sport.
4. Dog Park
There’s an impressive dog park here, which is great if you’re looking for some sociability with your pet. It’s separated into areas for large dogs and small dogs, so it’s safe for both to play together.
The park is located on Hylton Road and is expected to open next spring. Construction continues despite multiple rain delays. Dirt and rocks are strewn across sidewalks and asphalt as crews work to finish the park.
Homes in Hylton Place are within walking distance to the C.L. Charlie and Willie George Park, which consists of walking trails, a dog park, a splash pad, and baseball fields. It also offers easy access to Don Tyson Pkwy. The homes in the neighborhood range from 1600 – 2,200 square feet.
5. Playground
Springdale’s parks are getting some attention with a major new park soon to open and plenty of improvements coming for longtime favorites. “We’re on a good roll right now,” said Zach Walls, assistant operations manager for the city’s parks department.
The park on Hylton Road includes a large splash pad adorable for kids and a playground with several zones, including a rope climbing cube, swing areas, and slides. It’s rated for children 5 to 12, but older kids will enjoy it as well.
Another popular attraction in the area is the Springdale Farmers Market on Emma Avenue, a year-round venue for local food vendors selling produce from Benton, Washington, and Madison counties. It also features live music and a small kids’ playground. The event is free to attend.
Driving directions from Hi-Tech Enterprises to C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park
Driving directions from C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park to Botanical Garden of the Ozarks