Mountain bike park aims to be cultural hub
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Operators of an upcoming bike park in Bella Vista expect the 200-acre site to attract cyclists from all over the country.
The big picture: After years of cycling and trail networks gaining popularity in Northwest Arkansas, the Oz Trails bike park promises to offer downhill mountain biking and rollercoaster-like jumps for advanced cyclists and also be a cultural center for anyone who wants to enjoy the area, manager Gary Vernon told Axios.
- It will serve as a physical location for Oz Trails, a cycling organization that operates under the holding company of Walmart heirs Steuart and Tom Walton, Runway Group, which owns the park.
Zoom in: The park will be the first in the state with a chairlift — similar to some ski resorts — that can carry cyclists up to the top of a hill so they can have the energy to keep riding downhill all day.
- The lift will easily slow down for people to get on and off, lift operator Scott Crowell explained. While some ski resorts allow for biking in the summer, it is rare for a year-round park built for biking to include a lift.
What they're saying: "This was the missing link for all of the mountain biking that's been built in Arkansas. We haven't had a gravity park with a lift," Vernon said.
The intrigue: The lift and the park are not just for cyclists.
- "We want everyone to come enjoy the lift," Vernon said. People could use the lift to move around the park to enjoy the scenery, hang out with their beverage at the top of the hill, or attend an event hosted on the property. The park might even have lights during the holidays.
- The bike park will include hiking trails and several other amenities like event space and a restaurant plus coffee and beer offerings. Exact plans are to be determined. Runway's Ropeswing Hospitality Group is on it.
- A bike shop will be on site, and visitors will find art across the property.
Zoom out: Campfire Ranch, a Colorado-based bike lodge geared toward outdoor adventure seekers, will open a Bella Vista lodge this October just north of the bike park. It will have seven rooms for guests to book.
- The lodge is renting property from Blue Crane, the Waltons' real estate company under Runway, spokesperson Jack Pate confirmed.
Threat level: The park is open to all levels, including kids, but trails intended for experts will be clearly marked, Vernon said. Safety professionals will be on staff, and the park is minutes from an emergency room.
- Coaches who can teach people how to ride the trails will be on staff.
What's next: The park is tentatively set to open in summer 2026.
Go deeper:
Bella Vista moves forward despite growing pains
Walton-backed company takes over Bella Vista design standards