Save Lewis Park

Year: 2026

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April 2026

April 1, 2026 Joy Ramsey 0

The March 3 Bond package passed, however there was significant voter opposition to the specific Aquatic/Rec Center Question #8 for $61.9 Million dollars. That particular bond narrowly passed by a 218 vote difference out of 14,896 votes cast, 50.7% for and 49.3% against the measure. This razor thin margin shows many citizens are concerned with construction on the preferred location of Lewis Park and with the overall capital infrastructure and long-term operating costs.
We will remain engaged and involved moving forward in the planning of the proposed facility by contacting and attending meetings of our City Council, City Administration, Parks and Rec, Fayetteville Public School Board, Parks Advisory Board, Planning Commision, and with individuals who are interested in finding a solution and a location for the Aquatic and Recreation Center that facilitates the need for indoor swimming without sacrificing our beloved and needed greenspace and multiple-sport field complex at Lewis Park.

Below is the link to the #8 Vote Result Precinct Map, which illustrates where the for/against votes were. This map is important to see and share as the neighborhood around Lewis Park is definitively against losing this vital community park that functions not only as a sport fields and gathering space, but also as a floodplain and stormwater absorption systems working to capture, slow, and spread runoff into the ground, reducing flooding and improving water quality in the Hamestring Creek Headwaters.

https://imaginative-lily-ccc968.netlify.app/

VOTE No Bond Q#8 -March 3

VOTE No Bond Q#8 -March 3

February 12, 2026 , Joy Ramsey 0

We are asking for your support to Save Lewis Park by voting NO to the $61.9 Million Aquatic Center Bond Issue #8, March 3, 2026.

The current aquatic recreation center plan is incomplete, with references to amenities that “may be included.” What is certain is the preferred location of Lewis Park will destroy 4 full sized soccer fields that serve multiple sports. Lewis Park is more than fields, it is a needed vital green space in a residential neighborhood that mitigates stormwater and slows runoff to Hamestring Creek.

The feasibility study estimated operating cost of $2 Million annually, with estimated shortfall of $700,000 +every year, after fees and donations. Many other civic services and salaries could be funded with this amount of our taxpayer money.

The Study: The $151,591 June 2024 – September 2025 aquatic feasibility study selected Lewis Park, at Mount Comfort Road and Lewis Ave., as the preferred site, without recognizing the loss of essential and heavily used multi sport fields being sacrificed at this location. The costs of replacing these fields is not analyzed or included. Building at Lewis will trigger another another major project to purchase and build another field complex. Recommendations from the feasibility study are: Improvements to Wilson Park pool, Multiple outdoor pools, Partnerships with other organizations to manage aquatic facilities.
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38649


Bond Vote: October 21, 2025, the City Council voted 6-2 to approve the ballot language and set the date for a bond referendum with nine issues. Residents will vote on each issue individually, per state law.


Contracts: November 4, 2025, the City Council Council members voted 5-3 to approve two separate items related to work on a proposed aquatics center at Lewis Park. The two contracts combine for a total of $272,523. One of the items was a $232,524 architectural contract with local firm Crafton Tull. The other was a $39,999 construction manager contract with local firm CDI Contractors.
https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2025/11/05/fayetteville-council-approves-contracts-for-preliminary-work-on-proposed-aquatics-center/


Why Help Save Lewis Park

Why Help Save Lewis Park

February 10, 2026 Joy Ramsey 0

Vote No Bond Q#8 = $61.9 Million Aquatic Center
Preferred site from feasibility study is Lewis Park. We save the park by making the city rethink their plans to destroy 4/6 full sized fields. These fields are vital, central, and needed. Please ask the city to consider other options suggested in their study.