The Runway Group, led by Walmart heirs Tom and Steuart Walton, has announced plans for a new mountain bike park in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The OZ Trails Bike Park will be the first in Northwest Arkansas to feature a chairlift, providing access to over 20 miles of gravity trails.
Located along Highway 71 at the junction of Bentonville and Bella Vista, the park will integrate a high-speed Poma-Leitner chairlift system. This facility aims to offer year-round access for riders of all skill levels and will connect seamlessly with the existing OZ Trails network, which highlights the unique Ozark terrain.
Construction is set to begin in spring 2025. Tom Walton, CEO of the Runway Group, noted that the bike park will enhance the connection between Bella Vista and Bentonville, establishing both areas as premier cycling destinations. He emphasized that the park will cater to both beginners and experienced riders while serving as a social hub.
The park’s amenities will include a hiking trail, an art walk, dining options, a bike shop and rental center, and a community plaza. Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn expressed that this development marks a significant advancement for outdoor recreation in the city. He highlighted the park’s strategic location near existing trail networks, which would further solidify Bella Vista’s status as a key destination for cycling.
The project team includes Hufft for architecture, Gravity Logic and Rock Solid for trail design and construction, and Crafton Tull for engineering. Plans for the bike park were submitted on January 27 and are expected to be reviewed by the Bella Vista Planning Commission in March.
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