Cromwell is honored to receive the Trailblazer Award at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Construction/Developers Awards for our work on the Northwest Arkansas Community College Cycling and Trail Education Center in Bentonville, AR.
The awards celebrate the visionaries behind Northwest Arkansas’ rapid growth by highlighting outstanding commercial and infrastructure projects across the region.
The Northwest Arkansas Community College Cycling and Trail Education Center in Bentonville, Arkansas stands proudly as a testament to innovation and collaboration. Once an empty space within the prior Physical Plant, this facility has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the diligent efforts of Cromwell Architects Engineers and Milestone Construction Company.
The project encompassed a comprehensive renovation, breathing new life into the existing structure and aligning it with the existing integrated design lab (IDL). The renovation involved meticulous planning and execution, including revamping the West office area to create a modern entry and lounge, along with a classroom for students and faculty. A significant portion of the space was renovated into a shop classroom, fostering a conducive environment for learning.
Additionally, the large bays area were converted into state-of-the-art shop classrooms, inspired by the layout of the existing bike repair lab. This lab boasts ample natural light, alongside LED lighting, and advanced welding fume extraction systems. Combined these features create an ideal setting for hands-on learning and experimentation. To enhance outdoor learning experiences, an outdoor fenced area for trail planning and construction was established; complete with a canopy for student interactions. The facility is also equipped with a mezzanine and fenced storage space for trail construction equipment, ensuring that resources are readily available for practical training.
These cumulative features create a home to the NWACC Trail Technician Program, a program that teaches future trail designers and builders how to properly construct and maintain mountain bike trails, operate the necessary equipment, and repair existing infrastructure. The program fills the needs experienced by a growing cycling community in the Northwest Arkansas area.
Being in a region that is known as the mountain biking capital of the US, the project has had immense community impact since its completion. Since the grand opening of the project in September 2024, the program has already produced 24 individuals certified with Sawyer A and B, 45 individuals NOCTI Trail Technician Level 1 Certified, as well as over 350 enrollments in the program. The building has also hosted several trail building activities for the community as well as multiple sold out summer camps for kids in Northwest Arkansas.
Beyond its incredible functionality in the community, the project also had a House Resolution at the Arkansas State Capital “To Celebrate and Commend NWACC’s Nationally Leading and Industry Transforming Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician and Training Programs.”
Cromwell is proud to have designed a space that has become such an important part of the community and region that it serves. Thank you to Dr. Megan Bolinder, Executive Director of Trails and Trades at NWACC, for her continued development of this project, and to our partners at NWA Trailblazers, RockSolid, Milestone Construction Company, and many more that made this vision a reality.