Gulley Park

Park Overview

Nestled between Township Street and Old Wire Road in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Gulley Park spans a generous 27 acres of green space that has become one of the city's most cherished recreational spots.

The park blends natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, featuring mature trees, the meandering Niokaska Creek, expansive open fields, and a tranquil pond. It's the kind of place where you can breathe a little deeper and slow down for a while. The creek is especially magical for kids, who love splashing around under the bridges and exploring the gentle flow of water.

History

The City of Fayetteville purchased the land from the Fred Gulley family in 1988, establishing what would become a community cornerstone.

In late 2014, the park grew even more welcoming when the city added an extra ten acres to its northern edge.

Trails and Amenities

One of the park's standout features is its paved and lighted 1.5-mile trail that loops around the grounds. The path is great for morning jogs, evening strolls, or biking with friends. If you're looking to extend your journey, the trail connects seamlessly to the Razorback Greenway for longer adventures.

Around the park, you'll come across plenty of open grassy areas well-suited for impromptu frisbee games, kite flying, or spreading out a picnic blanket. When you need some shade, several covered pavilions with picnic tables offer comfortable spots to gather and refuel.

The park doesn't skimp on practical amenities either, with clean restrooms, a ping pong table for friendly competitions, and a charming community book nook where you can swap your finished reads for something new.

Playground and Recreation

Families will appreciate the new playground area that opened in 2024. It features modern play equipment set on safety-focused rubber surfaces, with thoughtful shade structures, a pavilion, restrooms, and picnic spaces nearby. The playground caters to everyone with swings for babies, children, and even adults, plus exciting climbing structures and an inclusive wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.

On hot Arkansas days, the interactive fountain with its 40 jets represents a popular splash pad where kids (and the young at heart) can cool off and play.

If you're feeling more active, check out the volleyball court or challenge a friend to a game on the oversized chess board. And don't miss the opportunity to explore Niokaska Creek, where wading and natural play create some of the park's most memorable experiences.

Community Events

The heart of Gulley Park truly shines during the Gulley Park Summer Concerts. These free outdoor performances showcase family-friendly local and regional talent every Thursday throughout summer. Hundreds of people spread blankets and set up lawn chairs across the grass, creating a patchwork of community connection. With food trucks and vendor booths adding to the festivities, these concerts have become a summer tradition for many Fayetteville families.

Beyond the concert series, the park hosts various festivals, 5K races, and community gatherings year-round.

Environmental Features

With its diverse habitats, Gulley Park attracts a variety of birds, making it a peaceful spot for casual birdwatching. The wetlands area provides glimpses into local ecology, while the neighboring Apple Seeds farmstead offers educational insights about sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Gulley Park offers Fayetteville residents a green space where they can take a break from urban life and connect with nature and each other.