<p>This project redeveloped an older park to include eight youth softball / baseball artificial turf fields. The new park will have updated concessions and restrooms. Parking is realigned to share with the nearby middle school. The park is designed to improve vehicle and pedestrian circulation and to optimize the use of the field area.</p>
<p>Crafton Tull partnered with the city, who provided the master plan for the park, and Hight Jackson Architects.</p>

Learn more about Crafton Tull's work on Northwest Park Renovation.

Crafton Tull | Northwest Park Renovation

[X] Northwest Park Renovation

Education

PLA, ASLA

<p>Barry R. Williams is originally from Jackson, MS and graduated from the Mississippi State University Department of Landscape Architecture in 1992 where he earned his Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. He has been a registered landscape architect for the past 20 years in the state of Arkansas, and 15 of those 20 years he has been employed by civil engineering firms with a focus on land development.</p>
<p>Over his career Barry has served on the Arkansas State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. He is a past president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute, a past the chairman of the Conway Tree Board, and was elected to two terms as Justice of the Peace for Faulkner County serving on the Quorum Court. During his public service on the Faulkner County Quorum Court, he was a member of the Roads and Infrastructure Committee where he began leading the charge for the development of new roadway standards for development in the County.</p>
<p>He has been a member of Conway&rsquo;s First Baptist for the past 17 years serving on the Building Committee and as a vocalist with the Praise and Worship Team.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>FUN FACT</strong></h3>
<p>At his first job out of school, Barry helped train attack dogs that guarded a nursery and garden center in Little Rock.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awards-section">
<h6>Alabama Society of Professional Engineers</h6>
<p>2009 Young Engineer of Year</p>
<h6>American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas</h6>
<p>2016 Grand Conceptor Award</p>
<h6>Alabama Society of Professional Engineers</h6>
<p>2012-2013 State Director</p>
<h6>National Society of Professional Engineers</h6>
<p>2015-2016 Chapter President</p>
</div>

Learn more about Barry Williams and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Barry Williams

<p>Barry R. Williams is originally from Jackson, MS, and he is a registered landscape architect in the state of Arkansas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Throughout his career, Barry has served on the Arkansas State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects. He is a past president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute, a past chairman of the Conway Tree Board, and he was elected to two terms as Justice of the Peace for Faulkner County serving on the Quorum Court. During his public service on the Faulkner County Quorum Court, he was a member of the Roads and Infrastructure Committee, where he began leading the charge for the development of new roadway standards in the county.</p>
<p>Barry now lives in Rogers with his wife after relocating from Conway and is active in the local community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parks and recreation departments provide <a href="https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Resources/Parks-Recreation-Essential-Public-Services-January-2010.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">essential public services</a>, but funding constraints prevent many from adding more beneficial programs. Most local departments rely on tax-based revenue from general funds. Non-tax revenue generated from fees, permits, sponsorships, and donations is often a smaller but vital funding source. Amenities that incorporate cost-recovery features, such as user fees, can help parks and recreation departments enrich and sustain recreational offerings without creating a budget shortfall.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="ArrowButton_blueArrow__UtOI3 ">
<p>It is essential to recognize that each local government is different, and therefore cost-recovery policies should incorporate a community's unique values. For example, if there is consensus that a program substantially benefits the community as a whole, a department may be less inclined to collect fees. On the other hand, a department may collect fees for an amenity that primarily benefits individuals, such as campsite rentals or classes. Some departments formally adopt <a href="https://slocountyparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/County-of-SLO-Cost-Recovery-Methodology-Final-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cost recovery policies</a> to address these issues transparently. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Most departments generate non-tax revenue from facility rentals and concessions. However, some cities are seeing success with creative, less common amenities.</p>
<p><strong>The following is a list of out-of-the-box ideas that your department might consider implementing.</strong></p>
<h2>Dog park lectures from local experts</h2>
<p>It's no secret that the number of dog parks is rising across the country. While most cities with dog parks do not collect user fees, some departments provide special on-site programming and charge a sign-up fee. Cities can invite local canine experts to host sessions on topics including behavior training, dog park etiquette, skills course activities, and hiking. This programming can help both dogs and dog owners feel more comfortable at the park, while enhancing safety, and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.&nbsp;</p>
</div>

test

<div class="row customLists">
<h2>Food truck courts</h2>
</div>
<p>Because of the rising popularity of food trucks, food truck courts are <a href="https://blog.cheapism.com/food-truck-parks/">becoming more common</a>. Food truck courts allow parks departments to provide park visitors with locally sourced refreshment options without the high operating cost of a concession stand. Cities can rent food truck bays to private operators on an annual or a short-term basis. The bays typically include electricity, water, seating, and trash receptacles at a minimum. Offering rental space for food trucks can be an excellent option for cities with a strong food truck presence. Some ideal locations for food truck courts include splash pads, playgrounds, ball fields, and trailheads. Food trucks can even operate alongside traditional concession stands during popular events.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Ecological tours</h2>
<p>Many parks departments own vacant land containing wetlands and ecologically sensitive areas. While it is likely not appropriate to charge a use fee to access these valuable assets, there may be community interest in paid ecological tours hosted by local experts. Guided tours can teach participants about migrating waterfowl, native plants, fish, insects, amphibians, and other local wildlife. Wetland boardwalks provide an elevated walkway through these otherwise inaccessible areas with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, connecting these boardwalks to local trail systems can increase access and feasibility of such programming.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Pavilions and shade structures</h2>
<p>While pavilions and shade structures are not a new concept in parks, there are now sophisticated <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/parks-and-recreation">online reservation systems</a> that simplify the process for both users and local governments. Some of these systems allow owners to adjust rental rates based on demand. A modern reservation system paired with shade structures placed in desirable locations can increase revenue for parks departments and provide a versatile amenity for the community.</p>

<h2>Amphitheaters</h2>
<p>A well-designed amphitheater can host concerts, plays, and other community events planned by parks and recreation departments. To help offset the cost of the facility, there may be opportunities for private rentals. Location is key to the viability of a city-owned amphitheater, and a smartly designed venue can pay for itself over time both directly through rental fees and indirectly through economic boosts to surrounding businesses. Architectural character, access, seating, and audio and visual technology are vital considerations for a venue capable of generating revenue.</p>
<p><img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/creative_park_amenities/building-park.webp" alt="" width="1000" height="595" /></p>
<p>Aside from these revenue-generating options for municipalities, public grants can offer funding sources as well. These grants are often a viable funding source for local park improvement projects, especially those that involve trail and accessibility improvements. Many local governments rely on state-administered, federal-aid programs, such as the <a href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/">Recreational Trails Program</a>, to bolster available funding for expansions and improvements to parks systems. Combining grants with any of these cost-recovery ideas can allow budget-constrained parks departments to better serve their communities through expanded and enriched offerings.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Creative Park Amenities with Cost Recovery Potential

Barry's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Runway Bike Park Pump Track.

Crafton Tull | Runway Bike Park Pump Track

Awards

P.E., LEED AP

Learn more about Daniel Ellis and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Daniel Ellis

<p>Daniel is <strong>Senior Vice President of the Development Division</strong> at Crafton Tull. He is a member of the National Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Professional Engineers, and he holds professional engineering licenses in three states and carries a LEED AP<sup>&reg;</sup> certification.</p>
<p>Daniel has managed civil engineering projects from retail developments to apartments, schools, roads, sports facilities, parks, and medical facilities. His broad scope of knowledge in drainage projects gives clients confidence that the job will be done right. He works in quality control and constructability for the development team.</p>

Daniel's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Mercy Hospital Expansion.

Crafton Tull | Mercy Hospital Expansion

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on The Railyard Bike Park Renovations.

Crafton Tull | The Railyard Bike Park Renovations

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Pinnacle Heights.

Crafton Tull | Pinnacle Heights

Learn more about Fallon Henry and her role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Fallon Henry

<p>Fallon Henry recently re-envisioned a campus master plan utilizing an all-native plant palette. Some of her current projects include resort-style amenities, mixed-use developments with neighborhood pocket parks, and high-end private residential gardens. She is a mom of two and loves to design children&rsquo;s playgrounds. She loves driving by and seeing her landscape projects come to life.</p>
<p>Fallon became interested in landscape design through Garden Guru Chris Olsen of Little Rock&rsquo;s THV-11 and working with him at Botanical Gardens.</p>
<p>Her long-term position as vice chair on both the Cave Springs Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustments has given her insight into local development requirements and guidelines. Fallon has served as a United States Air Force Key Spouse for more than seven years. She is the current President of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.</p>

Fallon has served as United States Air Force Key Spouse for more than seven years.

Fallon Henry › Team Member › Pull Quote

<p>Children love to explore. Whether that's at a park specifically designed for them or while they are tagging along to an outdoor space with parents, kids find features of play anywhere. Plantings within areas frequented by children can add an element of play, or they can create hazards cities would rather avoid. When designing outdoor spaces, one should always consider which guests are expected to visit there. When the target audience or even the occasional visitor includes children, landscape architects must factor this into their design criteria, specifically the plant material.</p>

<p>Children are incredibly imaginative; touching lamb&rsquo;s ear may remind them of their favorite stuffed animal, while investigating the hummingbirds or butterflies invited to the butterfly bush may pique their sense of wonder. A shady arch of trees could be a playhouse. Vines can be twirled into crowns. Flowers become a gift.</p>
<p><img src="https://api.crafton-tull.doc4.pro/media/uploads/insights/plants_for_play/lambs_ear_plant.jpg" alt="" width="668" height="501" /></p>
<h6>Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantine) is safe to use in areas frequented by children.</h6>
<p>As a mother, I can speak from personal experience. My children once found some amazing &ldquo;swords&rdquo; to play with while at a child-focused area and suffered intense skin irritation from a Lords and Ladies plant (these contain oxalate crystals prone to causing a burning sensation to skin). Did it look colorful, bright, and inviting? Yes. Should it have been in an area where kids play daily? No.</p>
<p>Hazards aren&rsquo;t always what adults think. Kids generally avoid thorny plants, but enticing flowers may not be safe for them. Hydrangeas are poisonous, and daffodils may tempt a child to pick them, but they can present a mild irritant. Foxtail grass isn&rsquo;t dangerous because of toxicity; rather, their barbed seed awns are dangerous if inhaled. Poppies and oleanders are toxic if ingested. Some berries are safely edible and may invite exploring, but unless you have ensured they are not toxic, avoid adding them to a space for children.</p>

<h2>Plants suitable for child play areas</h2>
<table class="tg" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #236fa1; border-style: solid; width: 100%; height: 425.421px;" border="2" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5"><colgroup><col style="width: 31.791%;" /><col style="width: 24.7761%;" /><col style="width: 23.8806%;" /><col style="width: 19.2537%;" /></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Common Name</th>
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Scientific Name</th>
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Sunlight Preference</th>
<th class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">Hardiness Zone</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Crepe Myrtle</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Lagerstroemia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">7-10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Japanese Snowball Viburnum</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Viburnum plicatum</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">5-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">English Lavender</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Lavandula angustifolia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">5-10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Lamb's Ear</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Stachys byzantina</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">4-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Zinnia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Zinnia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">3-10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Spiraea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Spiraea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">4-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Weigela</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Weigela</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">4-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Coral Bells</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Heuchera</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">4-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Astilbe</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Astilbe chinensis</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Part shade, full shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">3-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Purple Coneflower</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Echinacea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">4-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Butterfly Bush</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Buddleja</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">5-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Verbena</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Verbena</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">7-11</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Silver Sage</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Salvia argentea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">5-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Snapdragons</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Antirrhinum</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun, part shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">7-11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Plants to avoid in child play areas</h2>
<table class="tg" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 425.421px; border-color: #236fa1; border-style: solid;" border="2" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5"><colgroup><col style="width: 21.9512%;" /><col style="width: 28.7805%;" /><col style="width: 27.4797%;" /><col style="width: 21.626%;" /></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Common Name</th>
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Scientific Name</th>
<th class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Sunlight Preference</th>
<th class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">Hardiness Zone</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Begonia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Begonia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Shade, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">9 -10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Holly</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Ilex aquifolium</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">6-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Peonies</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Paeonia</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">3-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Azaleas</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Rhododendron</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">6-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Oleander</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Nerium oleander</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">8-10</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Lantana</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Lantana camara</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">7a-11a</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Daffodil</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Narcissus</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">3-8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Daphne</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Daphne odora</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">4-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Foxglove</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Digitalis</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun, partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">4-9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22.3906px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Hydrangea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Hydrangea</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 22.3906px;">Partial shade</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 22.3906px;">3-7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 44.7812px;">
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Golden Rain Tree</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Koelreuteria paniculata</td>
<td class="tg-0pky" style="height: 44.7812px;">Full sun</td>
<td class="tg-0lax" style="height: 44.7812px;">5-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please note that these lists are not exhaustive. It is always a good idea to check&nbsp;<a href="https://calpoison.org/topics/plant#toxic">poison control databases</a>&nbsp;before adding plants to spaces for kids to ensure that they are non-toxic.</p>
<p>While there are many toxic plants to avoid in spaces children frequent, effective plant selection can make for a safe, child-inclusive environment that is beautiful and sustainable. When landscape architects prioritize interesting, safe plants, public spaces are more conducive to kids' imagination and play. With proper planning and preparation, safe plant selection can easily be incorporated into site development, and your next outdoor space can be a magical playground for children.&nbsp;</p>

Careful plant selection helps ensure safe, imaginative fun in outdoor spaces frequented by children.

Plants for Play in Public Spaces

Fallon's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Phillips Park Master Plan Phasing + Design.

Crafton Tull | Phillips Park Master Plan Phasing + Design

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Shadow Valley Phase 10 + 11.

Crafton Tull | Shadow Valley Phase 10 + 11

Learn more about Matt Crafton and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Matt Crafton

<p>Matt Crafton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Tull.&nbsp; After graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, Matt started his career as a civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force, where he managed the design and construction of many projects for Air Force missions around the world, serving in both Operation DESERT STORM and Operation RESTORE HOPE (Somalia).&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 1998, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and came to the company his father, Bob Crafton, co-founded. In his early years with Crafton Tull, Matt managed several large highway design projects and rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer before the Crafton Tull Board of Directors appointed him to the position of CEO in 2009. Today Matt oversees the operations of Crafton Tull&rsquo;s nine offices and provides quality control on a variety of engineering projects.</p>
<p>He holds Professional Engineer licenses in seven states, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, the past president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas, past chapter president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, and past chairman of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church of Rogers, serves on several local nonprofit boards, and retired from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He and his wife, Kristi, have four children.</p>

<p>One of my interests outside of work is coaching my son&rsquo;s travel baseball team. He and his teammates are passionate about the sport, so the other coaches and I really enjoy the time helping the boys improve their skills and learn the game. We try to keep the actual travel to a reasonable amount, but we do get to see different ballparks in our region.&nbsp; It has been interesting to see communities make investments that replace ordinary ballparks with attractions that draw visitors from outside of their town. From firsthand experience, the quality of the park itself is a leading factor when teams consider where to play tournaments.</p>

<p>In September of 2017, a Time Magazine cover article quoted statistics from WinterGreen Research, a private firm tracking the economics of youth sports over a ten-year period. The report showed a 15 billion dollar market with a rate of growth averaging 7 percent per year. A different report published in 2013 by the National Center for Charitable Statistics estimated out of town tournaments accounted for 27 percent of family travel.</p>
<p>Both studies found the industry to be remarkably resistant to recession. In fact, revenue from sports tourism is a proven boon to the economies that host athletes and their families.</p>
<p>Brad Lacy, president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas, has seen the positive impact youth sports can have on a city&rsquo;s economy. &ldquo;In trying to be realistic and deliberate about our opportunities for economic development, youth sports became the mechanism through which we built a destination spot,&rdquo; he said. The City of Conway constructed a five-field softball park called City of Colleges Park in 2009 and a nine-field baseball park called Conway Station Park in 2011. Both of these parks are among the best of their kind in the central United States. Both are exceptionally maintained and feature covered bleachers, air-conditioned restroom and concession facilities, and fields built to appropriate dimensions for youth sports.</p>
<p>Large-scale tournaments pump money into a city&rsquo;s local economy through the hotel and restaurant industries, but also in less apparent sectors. For example, anyone who has traveled to an out of town tournament can attest to the amount of downtime involved. During their free time, families go to the movies, shop, or attend a local event. It is not uncommon to see groups decked out in uniforms and team colors around town throughout the year.</p>
<p><img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/sports_parks_as_economic_drivers/sports_parks_economic_drivers_crafton_tull_arkansas.webp" alt="Tourism dollars" width="800" height="551" /></p>

<h2><strong>Factors to consider before a community should invest in a major sports park project</strong></h2>
<div class="row customLists">
<ol>
<li>Before investing in a major park project, consider conducting an economic feasibility study to include conservative estimates for expected revenue and realistic cost estimates for construction and maintenance.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Next, be sure to hire qualified, experienced, licensed professionals to design and construct the park. Brad Lacy addressed the importance of this, saying &ldquo;We build for quality. From the facility&rsquo;s architecture, lighting, seating, etc. This leads to positive experiences and helps us stand out as a destination.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Once your park is constructed, dedicate a qualified staff and a sufficient budget to adequately maintain the park. Immaculately maintained parks improve the experience for the user and leave a lasting impression on visitors, which may lead to repeat tournaments.</li>
<li>Repeat bookings are essential to maximizing the return on your investment. Before allowing a third party to run tournaments at your park, be sure to have a written agreement with them that outlines all the terms of use and ensures they are a good representative of your city. When people feel welcome, safe, and fairly treated, they remember it.</li>
<li>Youth sports have become not only a source of enjoyment for families, but a significant economic benefit for some cities. If your city is considering such an investment, the steps outlined above provide a good starting point in the planning process. The next step is to evaluate the non-sports activities your community offers that cater to families.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Youth sports have become not only a source of enjoyment for families, but a significant economic benefit for some cities.

Matt's Work

P.E.

Learn more about Taylor Lindley and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Taylor Lindley

<p>Taylor is a Vice President in the Rogers office and leads site development teams delivering residential and commercial projects throughout Northwest Arkansas. He specializes in fast-paced projects and has a thorough understanding of local development requirements and guidelines. Taylor is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Urban Land Institute.</p>

Taylor's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Topgolf.

PROJECTS

Northwest Park Renovation