Cromwell Architects Engineers Partners with NWACC to Design the Cycling and Trail Education Center (CTEC)
By launching the world’s first higher education program with a certification in bicycle repair, trail building, and maintenance, NWACC is leading the way in a field that blends technical skill with passion for the outdoors. Cromwell Architects Engineers was proud to partner with NWACC to provide full design and create a space that would nurture this unique program: the Cycling and Trail Education Center (CTEC).
Cromwell’s Vision for the Cycling and Trail Education Center
For this project, Cromwell transformed NWACC’s former Physical Plant into a fully equipped educational trail design facility. The renovation was about more than just a physical transformation—it was about supporting NWACC’s vision for a learning environment that fosters both creativity and technical expertise. Cromwell designed a space that will inspire students while meeting all the necessary functional requirements, providing the foundation for a world-first trail design certification program that is already attracting attention from institutions globally.
A Space Designed for Skill Development and Learning
Cromwell prioritized creating a layout that supports a balance of textbook learning and hands-on implementation, aligning with the Trail Skills Project’s Trail Competency Framework. The design accommodates a wide range of activities, from classroom-style lessons on trail design to hands-on practice in skills such as small engine repair, woodworking, welding, motorized/non-motorized equipment operation, and heavy machine handling. This dynamic environment allows students to move effortlessly between classroom study and hands-on application, ensuring an all-encompassing learning experience.
To support these activities, Cromwell’s design includes spacious, well-organized workstations tailored to specific tasks, alongside a classroom area for in-depth study. The layout maximizes the building’s 10,184 square feet footprint, fostering collaboration and independent work while maintaining a clean and efficient flow. With the new functionality, all HVAC systems were redesigned from the ground up to provide state-of-the-art ventilation, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for activities like welding. Additionally, the design emphasized natural daylight, incorporating glass overhead doors that enhance visibility and create a welcoming, energy-efficient workspace.
Supporting a Global Biking Destination
Northwest Arkansas has rapidly become a top biking destination, drawing enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe to explore its thousands of miles of scenic trails. With this regional backdrop, NWACC’s certification program holds unique potential—not only to train the next generation of bike mechanics and trail technicians but also to play a pivotal role in maintaining and growing the area’s cycling infrastructure.
NWACC’s partnerships with organizations such as American Trails, the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA), and the Trail Skills Project have played a crucial role in gaining national recognition for this project. These collaborations have extended the program’s reach, positioning it as a model for similar initiatives across the country.
Beyond Northwest Arkansas, the program’s influence is already being felt in broader contexts. It has been highlighted as a valuable resource for bicycle police units and the forestry service, enhancing their understanding of bike repair and trail design. Additionally, organizations like the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have intensively studied the program to explore how it can serve as a nationwide model for growing cycling infrastructure and education initiatives.
As NWACC sets an international standard for trail design and repair education, Cromwell’s design for the facility reflects the college’s pioneering spirit. NWACC’s Cycling and Trail Education Center is being looked to as a model by other institutions, proving that Northwest Arkansas is leading not just in cycling but also in the infrastructure and education that sustains it. The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services has also examined the program’s potential impact on employment in the region, recognizing its capacity to drive workforce development and economic growth in this specialized field.
Looking Ahead: Cromwell’s Role in Supporting Emerging Programs
Cromwell is honored to be part of such a forward-thinking project that is shaping the future of trail design and repair education. As NWACC’s program evolves, Cromwell remains committed to supporting education through design, contributing to facilities that are more than just buildings—they’re spaces that empower, inspire, and foster innovative learning experiences.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, whose grant helped bring NWACC’s vision to life. We also want to acknowledge the invaluable programming perspectives provided by Rock Solid Trail Contracting and Trailblazers, whose expertise in trail design and construction helped ensure the program’s educational goals were met with precision. Additionally, we recognize the construction services provided by Milestone, whose efforts contributed to the successful realization of the project.
By partnering with NWACC, Cromwell is proud to play a role in shaping the future of trail design and repair education and contributing to the thriving biking culture that defines Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding regions. This project is a testament to what’s possible when visionary education meets expert design, and we look forward to seeing the Cycling and Trail Education Center continue to make a positive impact locally and globally.
