Over the past two decades, Bentonville evolved from corporate headquarters town into a destination community, building 200 miles of connected trails that generate $51 million in annual economic impact. The secret wasn't just the Walton family's initial investment—it was relentless collaboration, strategic storytelling, and an unwavering belief that quality of life infrastructure drives economic development.

"Things that are good for visitors are good for residents," explained the Bentonville team, describing how their downtown transformed when mountain bikers began parking in the city center instead of at trailheads. Those riders didn't just pump their legs—they pumped money into cash registers, buying burgers, beers, and pizzas after their rides. Hotels responded with bike lockers and maintenance rooms. Restaurants installed bike racks. The fire department acquired a specialized trail ambulance.

Most remarkably, 87% of Bentonville citizens now support bike infrastructure in every transportation project. Homes within a quarter-mile of trails sell for $20,000 more than comparable properties farther away. The investment hasn't just changed the landscape—it's changed the culture.

But Bentonville's most valuable lesson wasn't about trails—it was about collaboration. Their success emerged from weekly meetings between parks, tourism, economic development, schools, and business leaders. Fourteen stakeholders gathering every Monday at 11 a.m., supporting each other's challenges, building a unified vision. "It's not just about trails. It's not just about parks. It's about making our community the best place to live, work, and play."

As the Bentonville presentation concluded, forum attendees turned their attention to Jackson's own parks and trails initiatives—projects that prove the Capital City is already walking this transformative path.

Mississippi River Basin Model: Reclaiming History

The Mississippi River Basin Model at Buddy Butts Park represents both cautionary tale and opportunity. This 80-year-old engineering marvel—the world's largest physical model—once helped prevent catastrophic flooding across 40% of the United States. After closure in 1993, vegetation claimed 22 of its 50 remaining acres. Now volunteers are reclaiming this treasure, clearing pathways and planning a STEM education center to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Farish Street: Green Infrastructure Fights Urban Heat

On Farish Street, science and community engagement converge through an innovative greening project led by 2C Mississippi. Urban heat island measurements revealed what residents already knew—Farish Street gets dangerously hot. The solution? Community-designed green infrastructure replacing heat-absorbing concrete and brick with native trees and cooling vegetation. With planting beginning as early as next week, this project demonstrates how environmental challenges become opportunities for economic revitalization.

Museum Trail Expansion Connects Downtown

Meanwhile, the Museum Trail continues expanding Jackson's pedestrian infrastructure network. The new Capitol Green Connector, supported in part by federal Reconnecting Communities funding, will link downtown destinations including the Old Capitol Museum, Two Mississippi Museums, and the GM&O Depot. Future phases will extend to the Mississippi Museum of Art and Jackson State University's Margaret Walker Center.

A major milestone arrives in February 2026 when construction begins on a $7 million pedestrian bridge spanning Lakeland Drive at LeFleur's Bluff. By November 2026, walkers and cyclists will have safe, elevated passage across the state's busiest intersection, connecting both sides of the LeFleur Museum District. Designed by WBA Architecture and engineered by Neel-Schaffer, the bridge represents Jackson's commitment to a connected, accessible trail system.

New Parks Transform Neighborhoods

At the site of the former Eudora Welty Library, Crigler Park is rising with $4 million in funding from Noble T. Crigler's donation and the Mississippi Legislature. The planned band shell and treehouse-inspired play area will restore one of Jackson's original 1822 public green spaces, creating an artistic and cultural hub that will serve thousands of schoolchildren through museum education programs.

Beyond the forum's focus, other transformations are underway citywide. At Parham Bridges Park, the LeFleur East Foundation is leading a $6.5 million revitalization with new pickleball courts, resurfaced tennis courts, and Jackson's first free Park Golf course. Meanwhile, Livingston Park's new 18-hole disc golf course offers both amateur and advanced layouts for a growing recreational community.

Bentonville's twenty-year transformation offered valuable lessons: collaborate relentlessly, tell compelling stories, secure diverse funding, and design with communities. But Jackson isn't copying a playbook—it's writing its own.

The forum proved that inspiration works best as a mirror. Bentonville showed what's possible. Jackson's projects show what's already happening. And that may be the most important takeaway of all.