Mayor Stephanie Orman at the groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning.
Shovels were in the ground Monday morning (Sept. 22) as community members gathered for a ceremony marking the start of construction on Dave Peel Park.
The park, located at 206 E. Central Avenue, is currently a typical neighborhood park with a playground, a restroom building, and some picnic tables.
However, it’s getting a major makeover that will transform it into an “event park” that includes a stage and an amphitheater lawn. There will also be gardens with native plants and public art installations, as well as a “flex plaza” that can host food trucks, vendor tents, and other programming.
Construction is expected to last until next summer and cost $12.2 million, paid for by a combination of bond funds, A&P tax, and contributions from the Walton Family Foundation. During construction, the park will be closed.
There are also plans to bring a playground back to the area. To the immediate southwest, catty-corner to the existing park, a new “destination playground” is planned for what is currently a public parking lot. The timeline for that project is still to be determined.
The changes are connected to the larger Quilt of Parks project, which will connect Lawrence Plaza, the Bentonville Square, Dave Peel Park, and Town Branch Park.
Quilt of Parks Map
