The city of Benton has been steadily reshaping itself, investing in parks, trails and recreation projects that match its growth from a small town into one of Arkansas’ largest cities. Among the most visible results of that growth is the Benton Bike Park, a project that has quickly become a regional draw for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Two years after its ribbon cutting, the Benton Bike Park is as busy as ever. This year, nearly 12,000 visitors from 21 states have visited the park. For Mayor Tom Farmer, the need for the park was there—the only other ingredients needed were investment and a dream. “It came about as a vision,” he said. “We were working with the Waltons at the time, and we’d had this piece of property that we were not using.”
With a $2 million initial investment, additional grant funding and some design work from Progressive Trail Design, Benton now has a place that everyone can enjoy. “When we opened this, and I saw all the kids waiting in line to get on it, it just brought a smile to everyone’s face,” Farmer said. “It’s just an amazing feeling to know that there was a need there, and we were able to meet that need through our park system.” Enthusiasts were driving hours to find a park of this caliber before it was built, he said. “We had people in Benton that would go to northwest Arkansas to ride their trails. Now they’re able to do it right here at home.”
The park isn’t just for residents. Statistics show that of the parks’ nearly 12,000 visitors, only 38% were from Benton ZIP codes. Those out-of-town visitors boost the downtown economy, Farmer said. “When you bring people to your town that are not from your town and they stop and buy that drink or buy that burger or buy a garment, it’s helping your economy.”
The park provides jumps, a pump track, berms and more, with runs for all skill levels. Farmer, a former football coach, said the park allows for a more active citizenry. “You know, one of the things that Americans have realized over the years is that we need to do a level of exercise that challenges our body not once a week, but several times a week. And this provides that opportunity. Obviously when you’re riding up the hill, your heart rate is being challenged. But when you come down the heart rate now adrenaline starts flowing and that experience comes over you. The accomplishment is as much fun as the heart rate racing. And so it does challenge everyone. It does promote physical fitness. It’s about an overall health advantage.”
Farmer added that the park is giving something more than just physical activity—it’s providing connection too. “I’ve got a next door neighbor that loves to ride a bicycle, and he told me that the mountain bike park gave him a time to spend with his son that he wouldn’t otherwise have. When you think about it, that’s what a park is all about. It’s bringing family together and offering an opportunity for them to do things they wouldn’t normally do.”
That kind of connection is what Farmer hopes will continue as the city continues its impressive growth in the future.
“I’ve lived in Benton for 40-plus years, and I’ve watched as Benton has grown. We’ve gone from a small town to the 12th largest city in the state of Arkansas. But we still have that hometown feeling. Our future is about our neighbors. It’s about working with them to build good, positive growth in a way that everyone can buy in. Whether you live here or visit here, we want you to feel at home in Benton, Arkansas.”
About this Series
State of Play is a new series that explores how Arkansas cities and towns are investing in active, healthy lifestyles for their residents. From trail systems and bike infrastructure to parks, wellness programs and community design, each installment highlights local leaders and bold ideas reshaping what it means to live well in Arkansas. Sponsored by Municipal Health, State of Play celebrates the places where movement meets momentum.
