FARMINGTON, Ark. — Burns & McDonnell partnered with the City of Farmington to add pickleball courts to an already robust variety of activities within Creekside Park, located between North Hunter Street and Broyles Street. The development was part of a series of park improvements underway.

The 67-acre park includes disc golf, walking trails, tennis and basketball courts, and two playgrounds. The park is also used for the citywide farmer’s market and events that utilize the large, covered gazebo. 

The Burns & McDonnell design team developed a comprehensive five-phase park improvement plan incorporating regional trail connections, a bike training park, an amphitheater, additional parking and a pedestrian bridge over Farmington Branch Creek. These improvements required phasing to make funding accessible to the client, and the plan was designed to align with state and private funding opportunities. This preliminary work paved the way for the construction of four pickleball courts.

The project entailed building four regulation-sized courts on a post-tensioned slab complete with an underdrain system, four tables, fencing and a concrete trail linking existing infrastructure to future park phases. The entire project was surveyed, designed and approved by the city council within 15 weeks, with construction completed in just 10 weeks.

“Leveraging our experience in trails and pathways work, we were able to successfully construct the pickleball courts as well,” says Aaron Boehmler, project manager at Burns & McDonnell. “We are excited to enhance this park, making it an even more welcoming space for everyone.”

Currently, another phase of the park plan is being pursued with Burns & McDonnell. This phase includes a 0.7-mile connecting trail from Creekside Park to the Fayetteville Trail System, which would connect the residents to Fayetteville and other Northwest Arkansas cities.

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.