Outdoor Fayetteville

Outdoor Fayetteville is an experiential based program designed to offer introductory outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals and families who may not have the equipment or experience needed to enjoy the outdoors.

Outdoor Recreation provides numerous benefits to physical, mental and emotional health. This program will provide an outlet for individuals and families to build stronger relationships and connect with the outdoors while also building new skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Here are the program offerings for Outdoor Fayetteville:

• Archery Basics
• Backcountry Cooking
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Fishing Basics
• Mountain Biking
• Kayak Polo

Outdoor Fayetteville provides the equipment, instruction and opportunity to learn a new hobby and explore some of Fayetteville’s most beautiful natural scenery. Participants need only bring clothing, food and water. Lifejackets are required while on the water and will be provided.

Please contact Mark May at mmay@fayetteville-ar.gov or 479-718-7681 for any questions. 

Evening Paddle (Kayak or Canoe)

Outdoor Fayetteville will teach adults and youth basic kayak and canoeing skills needed to safely and confidently paddle in flat water as well as the many creeks and rivers around Northwest Arkansas. No experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. Lifejackets are required at all times while on the water and will be provided. 

Fee

$10 Individual 

Beginner Mountain Biking

Fayetteville hosts numerous trail systems for beginners and experienced bikers alike. Outdoor Fayetteville offers quality bikes and instruction to get everyone on the trail! The program focuses on the basics of biking to provide participants with the knowledge and experience to begin their own mountain biking adventures. 

Fee

$20 Individual

Backcountry Cooking

Everyone loves to eat! Come join the fun and learn how to prepare and eat good food in the backcountry. From smoked summer sausage and jambalaya to pesto pizzas, there are no shortage of options to prepare and enjoy! Check out the Backcountry Cookbook for more ideas to try on the next great adventure! All cooking and food preparation equipment is provided. 

Fee

$10 Individual 

Archery Basics

Archery is something the whole family can enjoy. Whether competing for points or practicing for hunting season, come and enjoy the fun. Outdoor Fayetteville provides the equipment and targets needed. 

Fee

$10 Individual 

Fishing Basics

Fishing is one of the most accessible forms of recreation for individuals and families in Arkansas. In this session, we provide all equipment needed to get you started. We'll start off with some "Backyard Bass Fishing" to teach the basics before gearing you up to cast into Lake Fayetteville. 

Fee

$10 Individual

Kayak Polo

Kayak Polo is a great way to practice paddling skills while having fun playing a family-friendly game. Participants divide into teams and play kayak polo while working on paddling skills and beating the summer heat. All equipment is provided. Grab a suit, towel and water bottle and come join in on the fun! Have your own kayak? Bring it and meet a new kayaking partner. 

Fee

$10 Individual 

Field Navigation/Orienteering

Intro to Map and Compass Navigation: This class is great for beginners, or anyone that needs a refresher on navigation fundamentals. The class will be approximately 2 hours and includes both classroom and field exercises for developing reliable navigation skills. No experience or equipment is needed, though, if you own a compass, bring it with you. We will meet at the Pavilion at Centennial Park in Fayetteville. 5:30-7:30pm Spots are limited to 16 people.

Field Navigation Course: This course will build off of the skills from the Intro to map & compass course. We'll introduce coordinate systems and learn how to plot UTM as well as advanced terrain association techniques without GPS assistance. Be prepared for light off trail hiking. You'll need a compass, headlamp, and water bottle and please check the weather and be prepared for it. Some basic experience is recommended, attending the intro class is a great way to prepare. Spots are limited to 16 people so don't delay. 

Fee

$10 Individual 

In the case of inclement weather, Outdoor Fayetteville sessions may be rescheduled or moved to another location. Details of these changes will be communicated via email to all participants. Recreation program registrations are non-refundable. Requests for refunds in exceptional cases may be considered on a case by case basis in the circumstance of: relocation, medical condition, or injury, or as stated in the specific program refund policy. 

Approved refunds are subject to a 10% administrative fee. All requests for refunds must be made within 60 days of the original transaction and must be within the same calendar year. Fees may be transferred and applied to another session, if space permits. All transfers must fall within the same year.