Big Plans for 'Razorback Greenway' in Springdale, Arkansas

Like a lot of other cites Springfield has grown outwards, according to an article by Matt Cook, but hopes for economic development in its downtown hinge on a 36-mile multiuse trail connecting Fayetteville and Bella Vista, which passes through town alongside Spring Creek.

Here's how Cook describes the difference the Razorback Greenway makes: "The opening later this year of a Walmart Supercenter on the west end of town by Interstate 49 has stirred economic development interest there. Downtown Springdale is also seeing activity, not because of a Walmart but because of the Razorback Greenway."

Planning efforts are already anticipating the trail's opening: "The city’s master plan calls for about $20.5 million in improvements to coincide with the opening of the trail later this year."

Moreover, "Springdale also has Spring Creek running through downtown, and the city has made plans to 'uncap' the stream. The creek was channeled through an underground culvert to control flooding and now travels under downtown, but the city envisions free-flowing water with a park setting alongside the greenway trailhead."