June 16, 2021
Contact: Peter Nierengarten, PE
Environmental Director
(479) 575-8272
pnierengarten@fayetteville-ar.gov
Names Chosen for 50-Acre Public Outdoor Space in Downtown Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— In February 2021, the City of Fayetteville and Experience Fayetteville launched a campaign inviting the public to submit ideas for naming the Cultural Arts Corridor. Passed by Fayetteville voters as part of a 2019 Infrastructure Improvements bond package, this 50-acre public space is being transformed into an outdoor destination featuring parks, forest, trails, boardwalks, tree-lined sidewalks, terraced creeks and gathering spaces. It will offer year-round opportunities for community engagement, entertainment and civic activity.
Approximately 250 naming ideas were submitted. Submissions were reviewed in March by The People’s Panel, a collection of nearly 50 members of the public who signed up to provide feedback on naming ideas and help narrow down the list of prospective names. A final shortlist of names received feedback from approximately 660 public participants.
Through this process, two potential names received the strongest positive reactions from participants in The People’s Panel: “The Ramble” and “Tanglewood.” These names were submitted in many different variations by multiple participants. The City of Fayetteville is pleased to incorporate both name ideas within the 50-acre space while maintaining several existing names for already-established landmarks.
The Ramble:
The entire project area previously known as the Cultural Arts Corridor will be renamed The Ramble. From the naming campaign website, The Ramble is characterized as: a full embrace of the journey…not in a hurry to get from point A to point B, but rather, open to possibility…the concept falls nicely in sync with the cadence of a walk or a bike ride, spontaneous conversation, outdoor installations and gathering spaces.
Additionally, The Ramble is a nod to Arkansas-born musician and actor Levon Helm. A former member of The Band, Helm hosted Midnight Ramble sessions in a barn on his property in Woodstock, New York, until his death in 2012.
Within The Ramble, areas north of Center Street will be referenced as “Upper Ramble” and areas south of Center Street will be referenced as “Lower Ramble.” Corresponding on-site wayfinding signage will be added to help guide the public through the space.
Tanglewood Park:
The Gregg Avenue natural area just west of Tanglewood Branch Creek has been named Tanglewood Park. This name references a natural landmark – Tanglewood Branch Creek – which is located immediately to the east of the space. It pays tribute to the restored waterway that naturally connects all areas of The Ramble, and it reinforces the City’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Fay Jones Woods:
A distinct and historic space, Fay Jones Woods has retained its existing reference within The Ramble. An homage to well-known architect and Fayetteville native Fay Jones, the elevated trails and green gathering spaces currently under construction will meld into the landscape for a meaningful connection to nature.
Razorback Greenway and West Avenue:
Sections of Razorback Greenway and West Avenue slated for improvements through the 2019 Bond project will retain their existing names.
“Cultural Arts Corridor” will continue to be used as a reference to the overall Infrastructure Improvements Bond project. However, the new names and signage will be applied as individual aspects of the project are completed and opened to the public. Eventually, once the entire bond project is complete, the City will transition all references to the new naming approach that was guided by public input and participation.
Phase one of this bond project is underway. This phase includes improvements to Fay Jones Woods, Razorback Greenway and replacement parking at the corner of Dickson Street and West Avenue. For updates on current status for this bond project, please go to https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/3456.
More information about the history of this project, including public engagement opportunities and City Council actions, is available at https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4041.
To learn more about 2019 bond projects, please visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/2019bond.
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