FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The first 58 acres of a new city park is now open in west Fayetteville.
The Underwood Park land is located on the site of the former Razorback Golf Course property on Dean Solomon Road. A portion of the land was donated to the city by locals Craig and Laura Underwood as part of a larger plan to develop portions of the property.
It includes 38 acres donated by the Underwood family, and another 20 acres that are available through a recent lease agreement that provides for public use at no cost. As city development progresses to the south, additional land will be dedicated in order to meet the city’s park land dedication requirement. Once complete, the park will include just over 65 acres.
No master plan has been developed for the land yet, but city officials do plan to host public meetings in the future to determine what amenities should be included at the park. Park planners have said that a playground, areas for picnicking, and a pavilion to enjoy music and other performances are probably a good fit for the property.
For now, the land only includes a series of leftover golf cart paths that can be used as walking trails. There are also two small ponds on the city property.
There is no access to the park from the south, as the southern portion of the former golf course remains private property. There are currently no parking areas, and parking is not allowed within the park, so visitors are encouraged to walk or bike to the park, or to park on the surrounding streets near the entrance.
The Clabber Creek bike trail is currently under construction and soon will provide greater access to the park.
The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Overnight camping, smoking, alcohol use, and firearms are not permitted inside the park.
Visitors are asked to stay on the trails, but should be aware that some trails could be under water after heavy rainfall. Officials said the area has historically been known for having water snakes, so visitors should be watchful near the water.
