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Parks

Show All Answers

1. Can I register for a program or reserve a facility online?

Yes! All reservations and registrations are available online here.

2. What volunteer opportunities does Fayetteville Parks and Recreation offer?

The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for volunteers to staff events and help with different programs, special events and projects. We also have Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail programs for helping with maintenance tasks, however, it is not necessary to adopt.

We work with groups and individuals on a one time basis also. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 479-444-3467 or download the Volunteer Handbook.

Volunteer Handbook (PDF)

3. What facilities are accessible?

Residents of all abilities are invited to participate and utilize any Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department program or facility. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the needs of each individual.

4. Why does my dog have to be on a leash?

The City of Fayetteville has an ordinance requiring that all dogs be leashed and that citizens clean up after their pets. There are three parks that do not require a leash - Lake Wilson, the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, and IAMS Park at Bryce Davis Park.

5. Does Fayetteville have a dog park?

Lake Wilson is a 320 acre off-leash dog park located in southeast Fayetteville.  Procter and Gamble donated $30,000 to help build our newest dog park IAMS Park at Bryce Davis Park, located at 1595 N. Dartmouth Avenue. The Dog Park rules are as follows:

• Dogs must be on a leash upon entering and exiting the dog park.
• Dogs must be supervised by the owner, have current vaccinations and City licenses.
• The owners must pick up dog waste and dispose of it in designated trash receptacles.
• A person may bring in only two dogs.
• Children eight years and younger are not allowed in the off-leash dog area. Children ages nine through 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Dog owners must be in the park and within view of their dogs at all times.
• Food is not allowed inside the dog park, with the exception of training treats.
• Aggressive dogs are not allowed.
• Users of the facility do so at their own risk.
• Dogs in heat or under the age of four months are not allowed.
• Spiked collars are not allowed in the dog park.

6. Do I need a license to fish at city lakes?

Yes. State fishing licenses can be obtained throughout the state of Arkansas at various sporting goods outlets. City boating and fishing permits can be purchased at Lake Fayetteville or Lake Sequoyah and are usable at all city lakes.

Lake Fayetteville, Lake Sequoyah, and Lake Wilson are open to the public throughout the year from sunrise to sunset, using the times given on The Weather Channel.

The lakes are closed Thanksgiving Day and from December 24 through January 14. For information on required permits and general lake regulations, contact Lake Sequoyah at 479-444-3475 or Lake Fayetteville at 479-444-3476.

7. Which parks have a walking trail?

Hard surface trails are featured at Gulley Park (1.15 miles), Gordon Long Park (0.60 miles), Walker Park (1.38 miles), Bryce Davis Park (0.19 miles), Red Oak Park (0.20 miles), Dale Clark Park (0.60 miles) and Wilson Park (0.90 miles).

Visit the Trails page for more information including directions to each trail.

8. What are the rules for the locations where trails cross a street? Who has the right-of-way?

Arkansas state law considers bicycles to be vehicles, so the same laws apply to bicycles as to vehicles. Bicycles must yield to vehicles at all crosswalks, just as if you are a vehicle crossing traffic. Bicycles must stop and look for traffic before proceeding.

Pedestrians have the right of way at the crosswalks, and vehicles should stop for pedestrians by law. To have the right of way, a cyclist should dismount and walk their bicycle through the crosswalk. A short crosswalk safety video is available on our Trails and Greenways webpage.

9. What are some Trail Safety and Etiquette rules?

There are several ways you can be safe on the trails. Some ideas are:

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Use bicycle lights and reflectors after dusk and before dawn.
• Cyclists should use hand signals to alert others when they intend to turn.
• Trail speed limit is 15 m.p.h.
• Stay in the right lane.
• Ring a bell or five a clear, verbal warning by saying "passing" to nearby trail users before passing.
• "Leave No Trace." Keep trails litter-free by carrying out anything you carry in.
• Gas powered motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Motorized wheelchairs and electric powered bicycles are permitted.
• Keep all pets on a leash within four feet.
• Pick up after pet waste.
• Do not disturb wildlife.

10. What does is cost to boat and/or fish on City lakes?

Fishing and boating permits are required for Lake Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah and should be purchased at the Boat House/Lake Office prior to accessing the lake. There is no permit requirement for Lake Wilson or other Park areas containing fishable waters. All City lakes are No Wake.

Boating: A boating permit for each boat must be purchased before its use on Lake Fayetteville or Lake Sequoyah. All state laws governing boats apply.

Fishing. All fishing shall be done only from the bank or boat. No wading, swimming, or belly boats shall be permitted in all City Lakes. All AG&F regulations apply and licenses are required.

Permits:

Annual Boating and Fishing permit
• Over 65 and Veterans - $40.00
• Ages 16-64 - $50.00

Daily Boating and Fishing permit
• Over 65 and Veterans - $5.00
• Ages 16-64 - $6.00

Annual Fishing/Use permit
• Over 65 and Veterans - $20.00
• Ages 16-64 - $30.00

Daily Fishing/Use permit
• Over 65 and Veterans - $2.00
• Ages 16-64 - $3.00
• Under 16 (with permitted adult) - Free

Annual Non-motorized Boating permit (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, inflatables, sailboats)
• Per patron, nontransferable - $20.00

Daily Non-motorized Boating permit (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, inflatables, sailboats)
• Per patron, nontransferable - $ 3.00

Annual Boat Docking permit
• City of Fayetteville resident – $250.00
• Non City of Fayetteville resident - $325. 00

Hours:

Lake Fayetteville, Lake Sequoyah, and Lake Wilson shall be open to the public throughout the year from sunrise to sunset daily and shall be closed each day from sunset to sunrise. Exceptions include:

• Lake Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah shall be closed on Thanksgiving Day and from sunset on December 23rd through January 14th.
• The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department is authorized to extend the operating hours of a lake when reasonable and necessary to accommodate a tournament, special event, or seasonal weather conditions

11. Which parks have electricity available?

Electricity is available at all three pavilions at Walker Park, Gulley Park Gazebo, the Veterans Park Pavilion, the Lake Fayetteville Northshore Pavilion, and the Bryce Davis Dog Park Pavilion.

12. Which parks have volleyball courts?

Volleyball courts are available at Wilson Park, Walker Park, Gulley Park, and Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Fayetteville.

13. When does the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meet?

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m, unless it is a city holiday. If that is the case, it will meet the following Monday.

All board meetings are held in the City Administration Building, 113 West Mountain Street, in the suite indicated or as otherwise noted on the weekly public meetings list. Special meetings are held as needed and usually are conducted on-site.

14. Can we rent park sport facilities for a tournament?

Fayetteville sport facilities can be rented by completing a Special Event Form, which can be obtained by calling the Parks Office at 479-444-3471.

Fees vary according to the type of facility, number of fields used, maintenance needs, and light usage. Facilities that can be reserved include soccer fields, softball fields, baseball fields, the disc golf course, multipurpose fields, sand volleyball courts, and tennis courts.

15. What do I do if I see some vandalism in a park?

The Parks and Recreation Department tries to keep all of its parks and facilities in excellent condition, but occasionally vandalism, misuse, or wear can leave a facility in need of repair. If you witness or observe damage to a park facility, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 479-444-3471 to report the problem. You may also report non-emergency problems on this website.

16. What are the Park Rules and Regulations?

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the parks.
• Parks close at 11 p.m. (Lake Sequoyah, Lake Fayetteville, Charles J. Finger Park, and Veterans Memorial Park close at sunset.)
• No vending or peddling without prior permission from the Parks Director.
• Vehicles must observe all posted signs.
• Park only in designated parking areas. Do not park on the park grass.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed within the park.
• Place trash in trash receptacles.
• No fires except in fireplaces or grills.
• Leash and clean up after pets.
• Posting of streamers, signs, or posters is prohibited when adhered with tape or other sticky materials which remove paint from the pavilions, railings, and other structures.
• Inflatable jump toys and pony rides are prohibited.

17. What are the hours for the Yvonne Richardson Community Center (YRCC)?

The YRCC is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

18. What are the Wilson Park Swimming Pool hours and how much does it cost?

For information regarding the Wilson Park Swimming Pool, visit our Wilson Pool page.

19. Where are the closest campgrounds and cabins?

Currently the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department does not offer camping facilities. Contact the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism at 1-800-NATURAL or the Fayetteville Visitor's Center at 479-521-5776 for more information.