Maintenance Team of the Year
The Peel Compton Maintenance Team at Osage Park recently won the Maintenance Team of the Year award through the Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA)!
Thank you to the Ecological Design Group (EDG) out of Rogers, AR for nominating us for the award! Osage Park was one of EDG’s projects, including landscape architecture, civil engineering, and master planning.
Each year, the ARPA recognizes outstanding individuals and programs throughout the state. Award winners are selected by committee and announced at the annual conference. New this year, is the Maintenance Team or Professional award. This award honors a maintenance or professional team whose efforts make a direct impact in the daily operation of their Parks and Recreation facilities.
EDG’s Award Nomination Submission:
“Opening in 2021, Osage Park is nestled in Bentonville, Arkansas, spanning over 70 acres of natural beauty and urban tranquility. At its centerpiece lies a 12-acre wetland, home to diverse wildlife and surrounded by floating boardwalks that offer visitors a unique perspective on the ecosystem. The park boasts an award-winning pavilion, where community events and gatherings often take place, enhancing the park’s role as a social hub. Fishing docks dot the landscape, inviting enthusiasts to cast a line into the serene waters of Lake Bentonville. Osage Park is not only a haven for outdoor recreation but also a testament to Bentonville’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its natural heritage.”
“With the creation of a diverse, multiuse park such as Osage, comes the need for a versatile maintenance team that possess dynamic skill sets. The Osage Park Maintenance team is funded and supported by the non-profit, Peel Compton Foundation, whose goal is cultivating spaces where community thrives. Prior to the expansion, development, and preservation of land now named Osage Park, it was home to an existing wetland created by beavers that were already providing habitat for many species on site, including several of conservation concern. There was a conscious effort to expand and integrate the park with the beaver wetlands and create a connection to Lake Bentonville, increasing these benefits. The preservation of the flooded beaver wetlands provides a firsthand look at a delicate wetland system and educates visitors on the importance of the wetlands in an urban watershed.”
“The Peel Compton Maintenance Team has not only maintained but significantly enhanced Osage Park, setting a benchmark for parks and recreation. Through their diligent efforts in cultivating native plants, they have not only beautified the landscape but also fostered a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity among park visitors. Their commitment to balancing conservation with recreation is evident in their meticulous upkeep of diverse amenities such as fishing spots, walking trails, pickleball courts, an archery field, and a playground. By seamlessly integrating these activities with sustainable landscaping practices, they have effectively broadened community engagement and interest in outdoor leisure activities. The Peel Compton Maintenance Team’s dedication exemplifies how conscientious park management can transform a recreational space into a harmonious sanctuary for both nature and visitors alike.”
“While Osage Park is grand and spans 70 acres, the Peel Compton Team Maintenance team is small but mighty, with only five full time employees. In addition to daily upkeep to ensure the park remains clean and safe, the team pursues ambitious goals such as habitat restoration, wetland management, and litter removal. Angie Chavez, the Site Manager of Osage Park, leads her team in achieving these objectives through partnerships with approximately 150 community volunteers annually, along with numerous local sponsors. Operating on a $108,000 annual budget, they also organize educational outreach events that, by 2024, have benefited 1,707 students from neighboring school districts.”
“The Peel Compton maintenance team at Osage Park demonstrates what it means to be deserving of the Maintenance Team of the Year award. Their unwavering dedication to restoring native habitats, managing wetlands, and effectively removing litter and invasive species showcases their exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship. Beyond their hands-on efforts, they play a crucial role in educating and inspiring park visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world and outdoor recreation. Their comprehensive approach enhances the park’s ecological health as well as enriches the community’s connection to nature, making them the ideal recipients of this esteemed recognition.”
