Benton County Plans

Benton County officials have discussed the need for a civic center for years. Around 1990 or ’91, it was suggested that a convention-conference center was appropriate.

“The problem was there was no operating money they could identify. They could not come up with a way to operate and maintain it,” says Bob Burns, president of NorthWest Arkansas Community College, which sits on the city limits between Bentonville and Rogers.

Burns says there was also some concern that such a facility might duplicate what was already available at the Walton Arts Center.

Further study, however, has indicated that’s probably not the case. The proposed facility would be conducive to different activities than the arts center.

The chambers from both cities have repeatedly discussed the need for such a center, and both local school districts would like a graduation hall. Rogers and Bentonville high schools currently rent Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville for their commencement ceremonies.

The junior college also would like a place for its graduation ceremonies, and that means at least a 5,000-seat auditorium. Some people have even discussed a 10,000-seat auditorium, Burns says.

The topic is still open for discussion. Burns and Dick Trammell, president of NWACC’s board, have been authorized by the board to continue dialogue about the proposal with community leaders. At this point, there’s no definitely date for their report and recommendation to the board, nor has a site or funding been identified.

Burns says a center would probably be adjacent to the college, either on land the institution already owns – but for which it has other expansion plans – or on other property, although it’s not known if the owners are willing to sell the land.

As for funding, Burns says donations, state or federal grants are all possibilities as is issuing bonds that would be retired through use fees.

No cost estimates have been floated yet either.