Consistency, tidying up are Greenway Alliance goals

SPRINGDALE -- The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway is starting to show its age in places with cracks in the pavement, slick bridges, objects and vegetation intruding into the pathway and a number of vertical drop-offs, several with rocks or steep inclines at the bottom.

All those issues need to be addressed, according to a recent report presented to the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Alliance. The alliance formed last year to make sure the trail is safe and consistent along its entire 40-mile length. Members come from each of the cities the trail passes through.

Northwest Arkansas Trailblazers, a nonprofit organization that has developed multiuse trails in the region for almost two decades, was asked to assess the conditions and needs along the greenway between Bentonville and Fayetteville. The findings from their initial assessment were presented Thursday.

"I think the uniformity of everything on this, be it the lighting, the crosswalks, the benches, the amenities, the restrooms, the signage -- uniformity is very important to make this a world-class facility," said Erin Rushing, landscape architect and director of the Trailblazers.

Alliance chairwoman Patsy Christie said she welcomes input from another set of eyes on the greenway.

"I think we're getting a lot of good information," Christie said. "I know in my case, it's nice to have somebody else repeating the same thing I've been saying. It never hurts to have more than one opinion on the same thing, but I think that will help us move forward with some of that, too."

Rushing's presentation noted several safety concerns in addition to the pavement cracks and drop-offs. There are several intrusions, including power poles, fences, walls, exercise equipment and utility boxes that could grab an unsuspecting cyclist's handlebars or send them flying off the trail.

Maintenance issues include vegetation that needs to be cut back, moldy signs, fences that need painting, striping and crosswalks that need to be redone.

Several portions of the trail, and some adjacent streets, should be realigned because of sharp curves or line-of-sight issues, according to Rushing. Some signs need to be replaced or relocated, the report says.

Beavers have caused significant damage by chewing up a wooden fence in Springdale.

Benches along the greenway aren't consistent. A drinking fountain that is compliant with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act was inaccessible in Lowell. More frequent restrooms and drinking stations are needed, and the names of streets should be put on bridges, according to the report.

The Trailblazers also saw opportunities for more art installations, green space and screening along the route.

The group is recommending uniform standards for crosswalks and lighting and more neighborhood connectors.

The Trailblazers will do cost estimates for the needed work and are expected to report back in about two months.

The assessment itself was paid for by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission using money left over from a previous Walton Family Foundation grant. Alliance members will have to find a way to pay for the repair work.

Cities that touch the greenway -- Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, Lowell and Johnson -- formed the nonprofit alliance in March to guide the greenway as it matures. The greenway opened May 2, 2015.

"We knew we were going to tie the whole thing together," Jeff Hawkins, executive director at Regional Planning, said when the group was forming. "We knew it was going to be one facility, and it needed to be uniform and consistent through all the cities -- the same standards, the same signage."

Cities along the greenway have built spur lines connecting city parks and other amenities. Long-range plans include the greenway stretching to the Missouri border and south along U.S. 71.