Lake Francis Trail

Connecting Community Through Thoughtful Infrastructure

Siloam Springs, AR

When the city of Siloam Springs envisioned connecting downtown to the popular Woka Whitewater Park, they needed more than just another sidewalk – they needed a durable, accessible greenway that could handle years of foot and bike traffic while navigating challenging terrain.

The Lake Francis Trail project transformed a 14-acre corridor into a vital community connection. This wasn’t simply about pouring concrete; it required careful coordination to build a 10-foot-wide trail through narrow access points while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape.

Our team tackled the logistics head-on. Getting concrete trucks through tight corridors and positioning materials ahead of our crews demanded precise planning. We deployed our specialized curb machine with a wide mold, allowing our concrete crews to pour massive sections efficiently. In just 6-8 hours, they completed roughly 3 miles of trail – a remarkable pace that kept the project moving forward.

The trail features more than basic concrete work. Cedar post fencing lines sections of the route, while modular retaining walls handle grade changes and erosion control. The most striking feature is a large switchback section that navigates the terrain’s natural contours, creating both functional access and visual appeal.

Beyond the technical execution, this project brought the community together. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning, and completion was celebrated with a ribbon cutting followed by a community bike ride from the trail’s start all the way down to the whitewater park.

The project finished on time and under the original budget. This southern portion of the greenway now provides safe, accessible recreation space while strengthening the connection between Siloam Springs and one of the region’s premier outdoor attractions.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Civil – Roads & Infrastructure
Cost: $5,978,074
Size: 14 Acres
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build / Hard Bid
Self-Perform: Earthwork, Concrete, Site Concrete
Owner: Bentonville/Bella Vista Trailblazers Association, Inc.
Engineer: CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.