A second phase of construction is underway at Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville. These changes will include four new ballfields, additional parking, concession restroom building and other related improvements. The city estimates the project will take around 15 months to complete and is funded through the 2019 park bond approved by Fayetteville voters. -City of Fayetteville

• Did you know? Kessler Mountain is also a nature preserve. In 2014 an additional 387 acres of pristine Ozark forest adjoining the Regional Park on Kessler Mountain was acquired by the City as a nature preserve and outdoor recreation area. -City of Fayetteville

• Kessler Mountain was a hot-bed for mountain bikers for 15 years prior to its acquisition by the City. The mountain's natural-surface trails span around 13 miles and are great for hikes, biking, or trail running. The new trails incorporate portions of these original trails, but also include beginner and intermediate-level loops for less-experienced mountain bikers.

• If you plan on visiting Kessler beware that the popular trailhead in the baseball field parking lot is closed. Visitors can access the trail using the Fayetteville Traverse Trail (located by the playground) which will provide access to several areas of the mountain. An alternative access point can be found near the southeast corner of the soccer fields across the park road. -Fayetteville Flyer

Kessler Mountain Park is located at 2600 W. Judge Cummings Road.

A commercial multifamily development in Springdale is currently underway and continues to make headway. "Pure Springdale" the 234 unit, 13.7-acre project is situated at the northwest corner of the roundabout at Don Tyson Parkway and Gene George Boulevard, south of Arvest Ballpark.

• ERC Construction Group in Rogers and Missouri-based real estate development firm Mia Rose Holdings are working to build a 16-building multifamily project called Pure Springdale. “Pure Springdale" is about creating the feeling of home within the business mecca," said Rob Coleman, president of ERC Construction.

• Everything you need: The new development will feature walking trails, three ponds, a resort-style swimming pool, a 1,300-square-foot fitness center with club-quality equipment, a technology lounge/business center, gated dog park, numerous greenspace gathering areas featuring grills and seating for gatherings, and professional landscaping. -Talk Business & Politics

• “With the shift toward working at home during the pandemic, Pure Springdale is designed to provide residents with not only a home but also a home office,” said Tom Kaiman, founding principal of Mia Rose Holdings.

• A growing area: Pure Springdale is the second large-scale multifamily development to pop up in the area around Arvest Ballpark - The Trails at the Crossings is set to be completed at the end of this year.

Still no plans for the weekend? Downtown Bentonville Inc. has announced a second "Shop the Block" event to promote shopping and dining at locally-owned shops and restaurants. The event will be held March 12-14 and encourages the community to “Spend Free Money at Downtown Businesses.”

• On Friday, March 12, Downtown Bentonville Inc. will distribute $30 in Downtown Dollars to registered individuals or families, which can be spent like cash at participating businesses and restaurants through the close of business on Sunday, March 14th.

• The first "Shop the Block" was held in November 2020 and poured over $9,000 into the local economy.

• “It’s been exactly one year since our downtown began to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it crept across our community... Downtown Bentonville Inc. and our partners (The Walmart Museum and First Security Bank) want to encourage the community to continue to safely shop, dine, and support our downtown retail shops and restaurants." said DBI Executive Director Andrew Heath.-Downtown Bentonville Inc.

The Rules:

• All participants must register online by TONIGHT at 10:00 pm.
• Each family is eligible for one set $30 Downtown Dollars.
• Registered participants must pick up Downtown Dollars on Friday, March 12th, between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm.

Breaking News: Currently "Shop the Block" has hit its maximum registration limit; however, we've received word that registration will reopen today at Noon CT.

Registration, a list of participating business, and other fine print can be found HERE.

The City of Rogers held its first virtual State of the City address on Tuesday, March 9, where Mayor Greg Hines made an optimistic announcement that nearly all jobs lost due to the pandemic have been recovered. The meeting also began with a moment of silence for the 128 Rogers residents who have died due to COVID-19

• Hines also mentioned the city’s sales tax collection increased by 1.6% last year, and the city has recovered 99% of jobs lost in relation to the pandemic.

• “I have maintained steadfast in the strategy of keeping our foot on the accelerator as I believe once we get past the pandemic there will be unforeseen opportunities and we want to be in a position of strength,” he said. -KNWA/Fox24

• Mayor Hines closed out the meeting by making it clear that he encourages people to continue wearing masks and social distancing until the pandemic is over.

Anyone else in need of fresh mountain air? Arkansas is home to one of the greatest long trails in our country - the Ozarks Highlands Trail.

• On March 20-21, 37 North Expeditions will be exploring a section of the famed trail with a beginner friendly backpacking adventure that is near the Mulberry River. Whether this is your first time backpacking or you are a seasoned vet, this 9 mile experience is a perfect weekend excursion for you.

• The best part? - 37 North master guides will handle everything for you, from carrying extra supplies, to setting up camp for those needing assistance, to preparing amazing campfire meals for the entire group. 37 North provides all camping gear (tents and bags) along with water and all meals. Your job is to have an amazing time in nature.

• For more information about the trip or other outdoor adventures, visit 37 North's site HERE.