There’s something special about spring in Northwest Arkansas. The trails fill up again. Kids stay outside a little longer. Bikes come down from garage hooks. Picnic blankets reappear. And this year, as everything turns green, it feels like new parks and trail projects are popping up just as quickly.

I’ll be honest — even I found myself asking, Wait… which parks are brand new? Which ones are just improving? What’s open now, and what are we still waiting on? With so much growth happening across Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, and beyond, it can be hard to keep it all straight.

So I thought it might be helpful to create a simple guide for all of us — a snapshot of what’s happening, what’s under construction, and what exciting openings are on the horizon. From large-scale destination parks rising in Bentonville to cycling experiences in Bella Vista and thoughtful upgrades across Rogers and neighboring communities, Northwest Arkansas continues to invest in outdoor spaces designed to bring people together. Some are brand new. Others are beloved community favorites receiving strategic enhancements. All of them reflect our shared commitment to outdoor living and connection.

Here’s what’s new, what’s improving, and what’s opening soon.

One of the most anticipated additions to Bentonville’s park system is 8th Street Gateway Park, a 100-plus-acre recreational space designed to serve neighbors and visitors alike.

When fully complete, the park will feature miles of paved and natural surface trails, open lawns for gathering and events, a destination playground, picnic areas, a skate and pump track, and expanded greenway connections. Currently under construction, sections of the park are expected to open in phases, with a targeted full completion in late 2026.

Located near the new Walmart Home Office campus, the park is expected to become a central outdoor hub — perfect for morning walks, mountain biking, weekend meet-ups, and community events.

Downtown Bentonville continues to evolve through the Quilt of Parks initiative, a visionary effort to stitch together several public spaces into one cohesive, pedestrian-friendly experience.

The project links areas like Lawrence Plaza, Dave Peel Park, the Bentonville Square, and surrounding green spaces through improved walkways, landscaping, seating, and gathering areas. These spaces remain open and active while improvements enhance accessibility and flow, creating what feels like one seamless outdoor living room.

Phillips Park is fully open and enjoying its recent upgrades, including refreshed play areas, athletic fields, and flexible community gathering zones. It remains a favorite for youth sports and springtime family outings.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is expanding the definition of outdoor play with the groundbreaking of the Ozark Discovery Canopy, a trail-wide playscape woven into its forest trail system.

This brand-new immersive experience blends art, architecture, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Rather than a traditional playground, the canopy-inspired design integrates elevated play elements, interactive pathways, and exploration spaces directly into the landscape.

The project is currently under construction, with phased openings expected and full completion targeted in 2026. The museum’s existing trails remain open while designated construction areas progress. When complete, the Ozark Discovery Canopy will add a one-of-a-kind family adventure destination to the region’s outdoor offerings.

Railyard Park remains fully open and continues to serve as one of Rogers’ most vibrant downtown gathering spaces. With its interactive splash pad, open lawns, shaded seating, and event-ready plaza, it’s a natural springtime hub for concerts, markets, and family meet-ups.

The final phase of the Poplar Street Parkway project is nearing completion, strengthening connections between Downtown Rogers and Midtown with improved bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. While work continues in select areas, the surrounding trail network remains open and accessible.

Olive Street Park is temporarily closed during redevelopment and is expected to reopen in 2027 as an expanded neighborhood destination. Plans include updated playground equipment, shaded gathering spaces, basketball and pickleball courts, and improved connections to the Turtle Creek trail system.

Bella Vista’s outdoor scene is set to grow dramatically with the upcoming OZ Trails Bike Park, a nearly 200-acre lift-served mountain biking destination designed for riders of all skill levels.

Currently under construction, the park is targeting a summer 2026 opening. Plans include gravity-focused trails, a high-speed lift, gathering spaces, and additional hiking loops. When it opens, it will further cement Northwest Arkansas as a nationally recognized cycling destination.

Gravel riding terrain near Blowing Springs remains open and active, with ongoing improvements supported by local trail organizations. Blowing Springs Park itself continues to welcome families with camping, walking paths, playgrounds, and water access, making it a favorite weekend destination.

Razorback Regional Greenway

The Razorback Regional Greenway continues to connect Fayetteville, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers, Bentonville, and Bella Vista across more than 40 miles of paved multi-use trail. The Greenway remains fully open, with ongoing improvements strengthening regional connectivity.

Springdale is focusing on enhancements to existing trail systems, including segments of the Pride of Springdale Trail and updates at parks such as Thunderchicken Park. These projects center on upgrades and rehabilitation rather than closures.

In Lowell, new recreational development complements the region’s outdoor momentum, adding additional options for families while surrounding trail systems remain accessible.

So lace up your sneakers, pump up your tires, pack a picnic, and explore what’s new this season. I know I’ll be checking a few of these off my own spring list — and I hope this guide helps you do the same.

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Open and Enjoying Spring Now
 • Railyard Park in Rogers
 • Phillips Park in Bentonville
 • Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista
 • Razorback Regional Greenway
 • Most Springdale and Lowell trail systems

Under Construction – Coming Soon
 • 8th Street Gateway Park in Bentonville
 Phased openings as construction progresses
 Targeted full completion: Late 2026

• OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista
 Brand-new lift-served mountain bike park
 Targeted opening: Summer 2026

• Ozark Discovery Canopy at Crystal Bridges
 Trail-wide immersive playscape
 Phased openings beginning in 2026

Temporarily Closed for Redevelopment
 • Olive Street Park in Rogers
 Expanding with new courts, play areas, and trail connections
 Expected reopening: 2027