Razorback Regional Greenway
Northwest Arkansas now has a new tourist attraction – one that will attract area bicyclists, joggers, walkers and everyone that just enjoys spending time outdoors.
The Razorback Regional Greenway is a multi-use trail spanning two counties and linking six towns along the Interstate 49 corridor including Fayetteville, Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers, and Bentonville.
The trail itself is 10 to 12 feet wide with a surface made of concrete in some places and asphalt in others. It’s built for connectivity, a way to get people from Point A to Point B in a healthy, enjoyable way. Along its way, the trail links together dozens of popular community destinations, including six downtown areas, arts & entertainment venues, historic sites, parks, playgrounds, shopping areas, hospitals, schools, the University of Arkansas campus, several corporate headquarters, and residential communities. Spur trails lead to other areas of interest. One can head to school, work or to an entertainment event without ever getting in the car.
The concept of a regional greenway project has been a goal of regional planners, area cities and residents of northwest Arkansas for decades. The vision was multi-fold – create a safe place for recreation, alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles, and more, all while helping area communities grow and prosper.
In 2010, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission received a $15 million federal transportation grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant (TIGER II) was used to support design, acquisition of right-of-way and construction of the greenway. “It’s a dream come true,” stated John McLarty of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. “It’s exciting to see it become a reality.”
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