Fayetteville’s newest public space, the Upper Ramble, is officially open, transforming what was once a parking lot into a vibrant downtown gathering space.
The City of Fayetteville celebrated the milestone with an opening ceremony on Dec. 30, 2024, where residents explored the newly completed plaza and enjoyed its green spaces, seating areas, and a granite water feature that pumps natural spring water from beneath the ground.
Located just west of the Walton Arts Center, the new three-acre space is a key component of the city’s arts corridor, and the final piece of The Ramble, a series of outdoor public spaces along the Razorback Greenway designed to connect key cultural institutions in the city’s core.
Divided into lower and upper sections, stretching between Prairie and Dickson streets, The Ramble links together destinations such as the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared, Nadine Baum Studios, the Fayetteville Public Library, and the University of Arkansas Windgate Art and Design District. These spaces highlight Fayetteville’s commitment to ecology, community, art, and culture, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
The overall project was developed in phases, beginning with the Lower Ramble, which opened in September 2022 between Prairie and Center streets. With the completion of the Upper Ramble between Center and Dickson streets, the entire vision is now a
reality. Originally known as the Cultural Arts Corridor, but later changed after a public renaming campaign, The Ramble was made possible by a voter-approved bond issue in 2019, with design work supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation’s Design Excellence Program.
While the new space is already providing a scenic and inviting place for people to gather, future programming is expected to bring even more activity to the area. As a city park property, the Fayetteville Parks Department will coordinate events and performances, as well as oversee maintenance, ensuring that The Ramble remains a well-kept and accessible space for all to enjoy. The city’s resident-led Arts Council will also play a role in selecting public art installations.
In addition to its public features, new private development is also taking shape around the Upper Ramble. A seven-story hotel is being developed for the southern end, a food hall is planned for the northern end, and a Hilton Motto & Tempo hotel is coming to the northwest corner of Dickson Street and West Avenue. These projects reflect the ongoing evolution of downtown Fayetteville as an increasingly walkable and dynamic destination.
With its thoughtful design, prime location, and future programming, the Upper Ramble is set to become a defining feature of downtown Fayetteville, offering a seamless blend of nature, culture, and community.
