SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Jones Center in Springdale is a recreational hub for Northwest Arkansas. The center has a gym, pool, courts, and an ice rink. And now, the center is expanding.
The renovations will include all 54 acres that the center sits on. The area between the buildings will become green spaces meant for gathering.
"The campus plan includes essentially landscaping the entire campus into what might be considered a park-like experience, so you can walk seamlessly from downtown out to (Highway) 265," President and CEO of the Jones Center Terri Trotter said.
Trotter said right now most of the land the center sits on is grass and parking. The plan includes things like an outdoor fitness pad, courts, a plaza for community gatherings, and trails all tied to downtown. There will also be a recreational space, educational and healthcare facilities, a space for nonprofits, and a conference center.
Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse said the region is growing so The Jones Center should follow to bring people to the area.
"They're such an important part, not only of our downtown, which is true, but also of our community and really of Northwest Arkansas. They draw people from all over," Sprouse said. "We're in the midst of a really vibrant revitalization of our downtown, and it's very exciting."
Right now downtown Springdale is seeing major changes to areas including the Razorback Greenway and some new housing options. But Sprouse said the small-town charm is still there.
"The thing I hear most about downtown Springdale that really excites me is they use the word authentic or organic," Sprouse said. "We're excited because we're seeing downtown come back."
The center is in the early phases of its expansion plan and will take around 5 years to complete.
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