Wilson Park Hub

Wilson Park is one of Fayetteville's oldest and most popular parks. A new pavilion will be built in place of the existing restroom building. The new structure will include restrooms, a community information board, spaces for patrons to socialize and a changeable mural. The improvement projects will create additional usage space for residents and support programming such as summer camps while also protecting the natural environment. Work on the project will begin in January 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2023.

Gulley Park Master Plan

The plan calls for removing the existing playground equipment along with several benches and asphalt sidewalks. The conceptual drawings also show a bag toss area, chess tables and ping pong tables. Playground equipment includes possible slides, merry-go-rounds, see-saws, spinners and more. The splash pad would sit just north of the new playground. Funding for the work will come in part from the bond issue that voters approved in 2019. The $226 million program included over $26 million for park improvements. Officials also plan to use another $220,000 awarded to the city from the state department’s Outdoor Recreation Grants Program.

Open Registration

Spring program registration is in full swing with options for everyone to choose from! Register online or find more info by contacting [email protected].

Youth Softball: Spring youth softball registration for girls 12 and under is now open. Games and practices will be held at Gary Hampton Softball complex on Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from March 27 through the end of May. Sign up by the end of the month to save $10.

Tennis: Our spring tennis drills are now open for registration. Drills are 1-hour, weekly, group lessons for 10 weeks beginning on March 27. Three different age groups are available to all skill levels with Wednesday and Thursday options.

Pickleball: Our pickleball play and learn program is available on Tuesday evenings with beginner and advanced classes. Every week for 10 weeks players will play matches under the guidance of our great coaches providing instruction.

Adult Soccer: Online registration is open for the 2023 spring season of adult soccer! Leagues will be offered at Kessler Mountain Regional Park on Monday evenings.

Adult Softball: Online registration is now open for the 2023 spring season of adult softball! Leagues will be offered at both Lake Fayetteville and Gary Hampton softball complexes.

Be Active! Summer Camp: Before summer sneaks up on us, get ready to register for the Be Active! Summer Camps on March 1st! Spots will fill up fast so plan your camps early and do not hesitate to secure your spot! We offer a variety of half-day camps for children ages 6-15 with all of the outdoor activities Fayetteville has to offer.

YRCC Summer Fun4Kids Camp Pre-Registration: Pre-registration for the Yvonne Richardson Community Center weekly day camps running June 5th-July 28th opens on Feb 13th. For students who have completed Kindergarten through 8th grade, our themed one-week camps consist of field trips, games, swimming, art, and exploring the world around us. Fayetteville Public Schools Child Nutrition Department Summer Lunch & Snack Program provides daily lunch and snacks. Note- Pre-Registration does not guarantee a spot in the YRCC Summer Camp.

Spring Break Camp

We are offering two week long Spring Break Camp options for kids who need a good Staycation! Register online or find more info by contacting [email protected].

Tennis Camp: The best coaches in Northwest Arkansas are offering Spring Break Tennis Camp at Wilson Park. The camp is open to players of all levels age 5-13. Camp will take place Monday - Thursday from 8a-12p.

YRCC Camp: Superheroes in Training: From March 20th through 24th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm this YRCC camp features an exciting week of activities and field trips designed to challenge and stimulate. For future superheroes in Kindergarten through 6th grade this camp is an opportunity for kids to have fun and learn through imaginative play, arts & crafts, STEM activities, music, improv, and more. Join us on this Spring Break adventure and reach for the stars!

Job Opportunities

There is no more fun place to work than Fayetteville Parks and Recreation! We have several positions available across multiple programs that all have one thing in common; they are active, team-oriented and outside! Apply online at or find more info by contacting [email protected].

Temporary Event Coordinator: This temporary assignment includes oversight of the Square 2 Square Bike Ride (May 6) and the Ladies Du Fayetteville (June 10). Parks is looking for a qualified individual available March 1 - July 1. Hours per week vary over the 18 week assignment based on the event dates, but would average out to 15 hours per week. Pay rate is $17-19 / hour.

Wilson Park Pool: Wilson Park Pool is now looking for enthusiastic, community orientated people who love to be outside to work as lifeguards, cashiers and pool managers for the Summer 2023 season. All lifeguards and pool managers are eligible to be reimbursed for the full cost of their lifeguard certification or recertification if obtained in 2023!

Be Active! Summer Camp: As one of our Camp Counselors or Jr. Camp Counselors you can work with a team to lead 8 weeks of camp activities ranging from archery to soccer to swimming at the Wilson Park Pool. Contact us for more information about our Jr. Counselor program. These half-day camps will provide the experience and joy of working hands-on with the kids of our community.

YRCC Summer Fun4Kids Camp: Field trips, camp games, STEM, and friendly competition: as a camp counselor with the YRCC you are not just leading activities, you are part of the fun too! Our full-day camp offers the chance for counselors to play and enjoy the rewarding experience of giving the kids the best summer of their lives!

Frozen Toes Recap

The eighth annual Frozen Toes Trail Race went off without a hitch on Saturday, January 21. Parks is grateful for the 330 registered runners (295 of which made it out that morning) to run either 5K or 15K on the Kessler Mountain Trails. Shout outs to our sponsors and volunteers also. Results and photos available for viewing on the Frozen Toes webpage. Save the date for next year, January 20, 2024!