Railyard Park

With a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, the City of Rogers, Arkansas built a new downtown park that enhances economic development, spurs placemaking, and improves community and regional connectivity. Situated in Rogers' historic district, the new park capitalizes on recent space investments and has made downtown Rogers a regional destination. The project utilized an intense community outreach effort, fostering a sense of ownership and pride from city staff and residents. Through a digital survey that collected over 1,000 responses and in person charrettes, the design team defined the park's desired objectives through the voice of the community. Embracing a rail line that runs through downtown, the new park is a series of plazas that is host to a regional farmers market, a children’s play-yard and water feature and a stage with a repurposed support building, providing flexibility for concerts, performances and festivals. This new civic asset serves the entire community throughout the day, week, month, and year.