NWACC moves forward on recreation as part of campus expansion
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Burns Hall at NWACC. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is making headway on the recreational amenities in its master plan that was approved last year, with some of the first projects coming to campus.
Why it matters: The long-term plan stands to significantly increase offerings and amenities at the region's growing flagship community college, which also offers non-degree programs geared toward filling needed jobs in the area.
The latest: The school completed a fitness center in fall 2025 and plans to open outdoor lighted pickleball courts and multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis in June, president Dennis Rittle told Axios.
- The $800,000 project, which includes trails, is funded by a $680,000 state grant and $120,000 from NWACC.
- The college is also pursuing a roughly $10 million walking and cycling trail project, including a tunnel underneath 14th Street. U.S. Rep. Steve Womack has requested $4.5 million in federal funding for construction.
Yes, but: Progress hit a snag in June when the Board of Trustees didn't approve issuing a request required to move forward with construction on a $35 million residence hall to house 300–400 students.
- The board previously approved the housing concept, location and funding model.
What they're saying: NWACC plans to be debt-free by 2035. Rittle hopes the board will be more willing to approve housing construction next year as the school is paying down debt faster than required.
- It would be the first campus housing.
Zoom out: NWACC is ramping up its athletic offerings. The men's and women's intercollegiate soccer teams are in their first season, and NWACC plans to start intercollegiate baseball in spring 2028 and intercollegiate softball in 2029, athletic director Brooke Brewer told Axios.
- The college launched intercollegiate athletics just a few years ago with men's and women's cross-country and track and field and co-ed esports.
- The master plan does not include fields for baseball and softball. The school plans to work out an agreement with an off-campus facility, Brewer said.
Reality check: The master plan includes lofty projects like an estimated $80 million complex with a ballroom and student center. A day care, theater and academic space are also in the plan. The college is still working to get funding and update infrastructure, including a roundabout off Water Tower Road, for that construction.
- NWACC also wants to avoid raising tuition and fees to cover the costs of the expansion and is seeking philanthropic opportunities. It is seeing more tuition money as a result of higher enrollment, though.
What's next: A recently formed nonprofit booster club will begin raising money to develop a field and stadium for soccer, track and field and cross-country, Rittle said.