The City of Maumelle turned to Dave Roberts, Crafton Tull planner, for the planning and design of a splash pad and an inclusive playground. Dave, who not only lives in Maumelle but also has a special needs daughter, worked with the Inclusive Play Committee to locate the best site, select the playground company, and master plan the new park. Crafton Tull produced the color rendering and CAD file the playground representative needed to prepare cost estimates. Dave assisted in education and fundraising presentations for the city council and a chamber of commerce event. Following the initial fundraising phase, the splash pad was completed and opened to the public in July 2021. &nbsp;
Crafton Tull worked alongside the City of Maumelle while fundraising for the second phase of the park continued. The inclusive playground opened in June 2024 and features an &ldquo;Arkansas Fishing Hole&rdquo; design concept for the park, which is located next to Lake Valencia. The rubber surface is blue and green to represent water and lily pad areas. The playground ramp that leads to platforms while shade canopies over the platforms to protect the kids and caregivers. Details on the play equipment are stylized with fish and aquatic motifs. The splash pad elements are similarly customized to fit the fishing/lake theme with cattails, reed sprays, and water cannons on the edges. As a part of Phase II of the project, Crafton Tull produced construction documents for the playground.
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Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Lake Valencia Park Play and Splash.

Crafton Tull | Lake Valencia Park Play and Splash

[X] Lake Valencia Park Play and Splash

Education

Awards

PLA, ASLA

Learn more about Dave Roberts and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Dave Roberts

Dave is responsible for overseeing and contributing to site planning and urban design projects that include community redevelopment plans, corridor plans, campus master plans, parks &amp; recreation system plans, as well as bicycle &amp; pedestrian network plans. Dave often presents sessions at conferences in the Mid-South region on planning healthy communities, urban planning strategies, and the benefits of placemaking. His daily responsibilities also include administration of the marketing department and business development for the firm.

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential for financial return on investment. Investments in walkability, which measures an area&rsquo;s ease of connectivity via non-vehicular transportation, can include sidewalks, multi-use paths, streetscape enhancements, and traffic-calming measures. While these projects might be more often categorized as infrastructure, they do much more than provide a mode of transportation. They have the power to transform local economies.
Places where people feel safe and comfortable walking are places where businesses can thrive. Bustling downtown districts offer a variety of things to do - restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and breweries - all within walking distance of one another. Increased foot traffic creates higher property values in these areas and the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Over time, the tax value per acre in these dense, walkable areas will outpace areas that are more dependent on vehicular traffic. This has been confirmed in multiple studies by <a href="https://www.urbanthree.com/">Urban3</a>, a company specializing in revenue modeling and cost of service analysis for cities.
Not only do these compact, walkable places generate more tax revenue per acre, they require less extensive infrastructure networks compared to sprawling, car-dependent developments. For cities, this results in lower costs for road maintenance, utilities, and public services. It&rsquo;s a win-win.

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Any city, big or small, with goals to invest in walkability should consider these steps:
<ol>
<li>Conduct a Walk Audit: Begin by assessing the current state of pedestrian infrastructure. At Crafton Tull, I work with cities across the state hosting walk audits that bring together city and business leaders. We identify areas lacking sidewalks, dangerous intersections, and discuss best practice site planning methods. The walk audit and final report helps prioritize improvements and allocate resources effectively.I recently hosted a walk audit in Prairie Grove with Mayor David Faulk and 20 members of the community. Mayor Faulk believes the walk audit identified changes that could create a more prosperous downtown. &ldquo;The walk audit has been a great asset to us, and I would highly recommend this activity to all municipalities,&rdquo; the mayor said.</li>
<li>Engage the Community: Involve residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the planning process. Their input can help ensure that improvements meet local needs and build support for larger initiatives.</li>
<li>Develop a Pedestrian Master Plan: Create a comprehensive strategy that outlines short-term and long-term goals for improving walkability. This plan should integrate with existing transportation and land-use policies to ensure a cohesive approach. The planning team at Crafton Tull is well-versed in creating <a href="https://www.craftontull.com/expertise/industries/active-transportation">bicycle and pedestrian master plans</a> that prioritize investments and unite communities in a shared vision.</li>
<li>Implement Quick Wins: Start with low-cost, high-impact improvements such as repainting crosswalks, installing pedestrian signals, or creating pocket parks. These visible changes can build public support and demonstrate immediate benefits.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Establish an Overlay District: Update land-use regulations to encourage mixed-use development, higher densities in appropriate areas, and pedestrian-oriented design standards. Over time, this can help create the type of built environment that supports walkability.</li>
<li>Invest in Key Corridors: Identify main streets or commercial districts that could benefit from significant pedestrian improvements. Concentrate initial investments in these areas to create showcase projects that can catalyze further development.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;

While the initial costs of improving walkability can be substantial, the long-term economic benefits far outweigh the investment. Cities that prioritize walkable infrastructure often see returns in the form of increased tax revenues, reduced infrastructure maintenance costs, and a better sense of community character.
The benefits of walkability investments can compound over time. As initial improvements attract more pedestrians and businesses, they create a cycle of increased activity, further investment, and economic growth. This snowball effect can transform struggling urban areas into vibrant, prosperous districts that contribute significantly to the city's overall economic health. Connecting these walkable districts to the surrounding neighborhoods will increase visibility and activity for the businesses who will benefit from the foot traffic.
Investing in infrastructure that promotes walkability represents a strategic economic development opportunity for cities. As cities compete for talent, businesses, and investment, those that prioritize walkability will be well-positioned to thrive economically while offering a higher quality of life for their residents. The journey towards enhanced walkability may begin with small steps, but it leads to transformative economic outcomes that can reshape the urban landscape for generations to come.
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Related Projects

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential fo

Walkable Downtowns Drive Economic Development

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential for financial return on investment.

PROJECTS

Lake Valencia Park Play and Splash