What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1267901
38 WHAT'S UP! JULY 12-18, 2020 FYI Coler Mountain Adds Amenities T he final construction on a variety of new amenities visitors can enjoy at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is nearing completion, accord- ing to a recent news release. The development of the 300-acre park was supported by the Walton Family Foun- dation. The Peel Comp- ton Foundation manages Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. By taking on the operation of the Preserve, the Peel Compton Foundation furthers efforts to engage nature-lovers who value the "green" message of the late environmentalist Dr. Neil Compton, the news release states. "The recently added features at Coler build upon the hiking and biking opportunities of the adjacent 18 miles of soft-surface trails, and access to the Razorback Greenway," Peel Compton Foundation Exec- utive Director Debra Layton says in the news release. "Weaving the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve into our operations fits perfectly within our mission of connecting the community through nature, education, recreation, and preservation. And we can't wait for everyone to come experience it." With trailhead access just off Northwest Third Street or Peach Orchard, visitors can look forward to a new open-air café called Airship at the Homestead, two renovated open-air barns for small group events, yoga platforms, multi-use pavilions, overnight tent and van camping. "One of the features we think people are really going to love is the Coler Grove," Layton shared. "We're very proud of what's designed for everyone to come out and enjoy." INFO — peelcompton.org BENTONVILLE "We were able to take advantage of being closed and have a major renewal program under way at the Peel Gardens," McIntire says. "Laura Brewer, our site manager, and her team have been planting new varieties, improving our irrigation systems and removing diseased vegetation during this time. Unfortunately, our heritage roses were impacted by a blight and needed to be removed. "Late last year, we installed new walkways around the entire two- acre garden, and we cannot wait for guests to come back and experience the renewal of our Peel Gardens," McIntire goes on. "The Peel Gardens will reopen at the same time as the Peel Museum. While the renewal is a two-year project, we will be adding new water features, benches and artwork during this time, and we invite everyone to come and see the progress as it happens." Compton Gardens, on the other side of Bentonville at 312 N. Main St., has remained open. "Guests have been able to enjoy [witnessing] the gardens progress from early spring to summer," McIntire says. "With the plentiful rainfall, Compton Gardens has never been so green and lush. However, "we have missed sharing Dr. Neil Compton's story in person as our Compton Conference Center and Exhibit Room have been closed." Compton was, of course, a noted Bentonville physician, writer, photographer, founder of the Ozark Society and is credited with turning the Buffalo River into a national park. The gardens have more recently become a gateway to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton. "Our offices are located at Compton Gardens, and those of us that remained working at Compton Gardens saw many familiar faces walking daily in the gardens," McIntire says. While educational programming will continue at both locations, McIntire expects it to look different based on pandemic concerns. "With the expected continuation of covid-19 for the near term, we have leveraged technology and will offer our School Days program virtually," she explains. "With a generous donation from Avery, we are working very hard right now creating the content and filming 15 separate mini 'workshops' about early Bentonville history, Col. Samuel Peel and his family, and life during the 1870s. "We are very excited about this new School Days program, and we will be able to share it with a much broader audience than we have previously," she adds. "We believe this program will become an integral part of teachers' educational offerings." Since Compton Gardens has remained open in spite of covid-19 concerns, "guests have been able to enjoy the garden's progress from early spring to summer," spokeswoman Jeannie McIntire says. "With the plentiful rainfall, Compton Gardens has never been so green and lush." (Courtesy Photo) New amenities at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve include Airship at the Homestead, two renovated open-air barns for small group events, yoga platforms, multi-use pavilions, overnight tent and van camping. (Courtesy Photos) Peel Continued From Page 7