The Lower Ramble is the first significant milestone in the completion of The Ramble’s overall design and the first SITES certified project in the state of Arkansas. Situated between the University of Arkansas campus and College Avenue, and between Dickson Street Entertainment District and the Square, the Lower Ramble sits at the center of its community and, thus, its community was paramount within the design process. The design and visioning process involved the engagement of stakeholders and community representatives to ensure the expectations and needs of the public were integrated in the Lower Ramble design.

The newly completed project offers opportunities for visual and performing art throughout and serves as a hub for activity, gathering, recreation, and community. The design for the Lower Ramble hinges on the restoration of the existing woodland landscape. NBW and the design team undertook extensive invasive removals and conducted an in-depth survey of over 1,400 trees within the Fay Jones Woods to identify location, health, and species. The design incorporates accessible trails and boardwalks that weave through this restored woodland, minimizing the impact on the environment, reducing the need for tree removal, and providing immersive woodland experiences for the community.

As part of this, NBW worked with the City and community on identifying and removing invasive plants and to restore the native understory vegetation. As one of the most urbanized watersheds in the city, the acreage of the Lower Ramble takes on water from much of Downtown Fayetteville’s paved spaces. The Lower Ramble design features bioswales along West Avenue and restored forest wetlands and natural stream channels process and slow stormwater runoff and improve overall water quality. The restoration of the Tanglewood Branch — a stream that runs the length of The Ramble — improves the efficiency of stormwater processing and overall resiliency of the site and offers visitors direct access to the water.

The Lower Ramble has already become part of the vital fabric of Fayetteville. The landscape has quickly become home to numerous festivals, art installations, and live performances, illustrating its capacity to facilitate the ebb and flow of everyday life from individual, contemplative moments in nature to large, vibrant Friday night events. The fact that the design process involved robust engagement coupled with the Lower Ramble’s manifest success in the experiences and events that it supports has helped to raise awareness of the ways NBW addresses the most profound civic challenges and aspirations.