Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain

Project Construction Photo Gallery

Updated 1-17-2023

What is this Project?

Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain is a cycling-activated park with state-of-the-art cyclo-cross and mountain biking facilities. Residents are be able to access trail infrastructure unlike any other in the region within an area of preserved greenspace connected to neighborhoods and Fayetteville’s existing 53 miles of shared-used paved trails and 56 miles of natural-surface trails.

Why is it important?

This park was developed for activities that attract visitors to the region and create an economic impact. The park’s world-class cyclo-cross, mountain bike, and running courses include trails with multiple surfaces and features that build users’ skills. 

In February, 2019, the City received notification that Fayetteville was selected to host the prestigious 2022 Cyclo-Cross World Championships. The event brought over 17,000 visitors to Fayetteville, including an estimated 6,000 visitors from Europe, and 219 world class athletes representing 21 different nations. The park continues to be one of the 14 global qualifying sites for the annual Cyclo-cross World Championship.

While courses at the park are designed to provide unique biking experiences, training opportunities, and to host cyclo-cross and mountain bike championships, the park is also designed to provide many different activities for all residents to enjoy during non-cycling events.

How is it funded?

Funds for purchase and construction have come from the City of Fayetteville and the Walton Family Foundation. The master plan for this project was supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation to the NWA Trailblazers, a non-profit partner in the project. The construction of the trails is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and the basic park infrastructure and entry road is supported by the City of Fayetteville mainly through the 2019 bond funds.

What is the current status?

Centennial Park is complete and fully operational as a cycling destination in Northwest Arkansas.

History of this Project

November 21, 2017

City makes offer to Centennial Bank to purchase Mountain Ranch at Millsap Mountain: Tracts 4, 5, 6, 7 (Subject to approval of City Council and contingent upon funding).

December 7, 2017

Centennial Bank agrees to sell Mountain Ranch at Millsap Mountain: Tracts 4, 5, 6, 7 to City for the construction of a future bike park, contingent on city Council approval. 

February 20, 2018

Resolution authorizing 50/50 matching grant from Walton Family Foundation and purchase contract with Centennial Bank to acquire 228 acres of “Centennial Open Space.”

“With the grant agreement, the city will support and allow for at least 8-10 miles of natural surface trails for use by hikers, bikers, and runners to be constructed on the acquired property in the future in accordance with a WFF prepared trail master plan, submitted for review and approval under separate cover.”

April 2, 2018

The City announced acquisition of the land and naming it Centennial Park.

May 9, 2018

Active Transportation Advisory Committee gives unanimous approval of the Trail Master Plan Update for Millsap Mountain.

June 4, 2018

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 8-0 to amend the Active Transportation Plan to incorporate better trail and on-street bicycle connectivity to the recently purchased Centennial Park.

June 19, 2018

City Council approves a resolution to approve amendments to the Fayetteville Active Transportation Plan Map to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity near the newly acquired Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain.

February 1, 2019

UCI Announces Cyclo-Cross World Championships to be held in Fayetteville.

April 17, 2019

Public Input Session and online survey for feedback on design concepts for Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain.

August 2019

Phase 1 construction for Centennial Park begins.

July 2021

Construction on restroom and pavilion facility begins.

October 13, 2021

Phase 1 construction to Centennial Park is substantially complete. 

City hosted the 2021 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup.

December 2021

Construction on restroom and pavilion is complete.

January 28-30, 2022

Centennial Park hosted the 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships.

October 14-16, 2022

Centennial Park hosted the OZCX and UCI World Cup.