BENTONVILLE -- Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food construction phase is nearing the final stages, and the center will be ready for students come Jan. 17, Glenn Mack, executive director, told community members Friday morning.
Mack was one of three speakers at the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce's Business Matters Breakfast at Avondale Chapel.
Business Matters Breakfast
The Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce holds Business Matters Breakfast once a quarter.
Source: Staff report
The fire inspection is scheduled Monday and officials expect a temporary certificate of occupancy next week, he said.
Brightwater, Northwest Arkansas Community College's culinary program, will be an anchor to The 8th Street Market at 801 S.E. Eighth St. in the city's Market District. The building was formerly a Tyson Foods plant.
The power of food and its ability to be a main pillar and driving agent of economic development in Northwest Arkansas is the philosophy and genesis behind the program, Mack said, explaining its curriculum will span the entire food system -- from how animals are raised and produce grown to what happens with leftovers after a meal and everything in between.
Brightwater will offer classes for students as well as programming for the public, Mack said. Vendors in and around the market will provide opportunities for students as well as products and services for the public. It will be a place where public events can be held. Classrooms will have large windows as walls so those in the common area can see what is happening.
"We're really, really looking forward to this place being the literal and figurative heart of the food movement in Northwest Arkansas," Mack said.
Dana Davis, chamber president and CEO, said he was excited about Brightwater and the rejuvenation that's happening in that area of the city.
"It's going to be another added jewel to our community," he said.
David Wright, parks and recreation director, also spoke and gave audience members a glimpse into his department's priorities for next year.
The main focus is to build out Citizens Park, which is the land around the Community Center at 1101 S.W. Citizens Circle, Wright said. Next year residents can expect to see a 1-mile hard surface trail circle the building's grounds, a pavilion on the northwest corner and another parking lot.
Officials also will work to raise money for an all inclusive playground, which children with special needs as well as abled-bodied children will be able to use. The exact price isn't known yet, but Wright said it will be more than $500,000.
Bella Vista Mayor Peter Christie also gave an update on the town's recent activities and growth.
He reported the new 40 miles of trails has made the city's trail system a new economic driver.
Christie also said there's not only been a growth in housing but also a growth in younger families moving in, which reinforces the need for another school in or near Bella Vista.
NW News on 12/03/2016