Peel Compton Maintenance Team Named Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association Maintenance Team of the Year
The Peel Compton Maintenance Team at Osage Park recently earned a well-deserved honor — the Maintenance Team of the Year Award from the Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA)!
We want to extend a huge thank you to the Ecological Design Group (EDG) of Rogers, AR, for nominating our team. EDG was instrumental in the design and development of Osage Park, providing landscape architecture, civil engineering, and master planning services.
Recognizing Excellence in Park Management
Each year, ARPA recognizes outstanding individuals and teams across Arkansas who contribute to the success and upkeep of parks and recreation facilities. This year introduced a new award category: Maintenance Team or Professional of the Year, honoring teams whose daily work significantly impacts the operation and visitor experience of their facilities.
Osage Park: A Natural Gem in Bentonville
Opening in 2021, Osage Park spans over 70 acres of natural beauty nestled in Bentonville, Arkansas. At its heart lies a 12-acre wetland alive with diverse wildlife, surrounded by floating boardwalks that immerse visitors in the ecosystem. The park features an award-winning pavilion for community events, fishing docks on tranquil Lake Bentonville, walking trails, pickleball courts, an archery field, and a playground — all carefully maintained to provide a welcoming outdoor experience.
“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,” said the Ecological Design Group in their award nomination.
Small but Mighty: The Peel Compton Maintenance Team
Though Osage Park is expansive, the Peel Compton Maintenance Team is a tight-knit group of just five full-time employees. Led by Angie Chavez, Site Manager, the team balances daily upkeep — ensuring cleanliness and safety — with ambitious goals like habitat restoration, wetland management, and invasive species control.
Each year, they collaborate with approximately 150 community volunteers and local sponsors to keep the park thriving. Operating on a modest annual budget of $108,000, their educational outreach efforts have already benefited over 1,700 students from surrounding school districts.
Environmental Stewardship in Action
The team’s dedication goes beyond routine maintenance. They cultivate native plants to beautify the landscape and foster local biodiversity, carefully manage wetlands, and maintain the balance between conservation and recreation.
Their work ensures amenities such as fishing areas, trails, and sports courts coexist harmoniously with the natural environment, enriching the community’s connection to nature.
“The Peel Compton Maintenance Team exemplifies how conscientious park management can transform a recreational space into a sanctuary for both nature and visitors,” Angie Chavez said.
Visit Osage Park
Come experience Osage Park’s beautiful wetlands, trails, and community spaces — all lovingly cared for by the award-winning Peel Compton Maintenance Team.
Osage Park Pavilion: The Gateway to Nature in Bentonville
The Osage Park Pavilion in Bentonville is more than a structure. Designed by modus studio, it serves as a gateway from the city into restored wetlands, blending architecture, nature, and community into one unforgettable experience.
Beaver Deceivers: Working With Nature Instead of Against It
Beavers are powerful ecosystem engineers, but their dams can sometimes flood roads and culverts. The Beaver Deceiver offers a smart solution that protects infrastructure while preserving the wetlands beavers create. Learn how this innovative device works and why it’s used at Osage Park.
Peel Compton Foundation’s Spring Break Guide
Spring Break is the perfect time to get outside and explore Bentonville. From historic homes and blooming gardens to trails, wetlands, and archery, here’s your guide to Spring Break at Peel Compton Foundation properties.