The Bentonville City Council unanimously approved the donation of the historic Morning Star Schoolhouse and over 18 acres of surrounding land to the Parks and Recreation Department on Tuesday. The property, located at the intersection of Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard and Morningstar Road in the southwestern part of the city, will become part of Bentonville’s expanding park system.
The Morning Star Schoolhouse, constructed in the late 1800s, served as both a school and a social gathering place for the Morning Star community, a once-thriving neighborhood that has since faded from existence. The donation comes from the Walton Family Foundation, which has owned the roughly 7-acre parcel that includes the schoolhouse.
Josh Stacey, deputy director of Bentonville Parks and Recreation, explained that the department aims to preserve the building’s historical significance while integrating the land into the city’s recreational offerings. This vision fits with Bentonville’s ongoing efforts to balance growth with cultural stewardship, especially in areas beyond the city’s more trafficked downtown core.
The additional acreage will provide new green space in an area of Bentonville that has seen rapid development in recent years. By transforming the Morning Star property into parkland, the city looks to create a community destination that honors local history and meets present-day needs for open space and outdoor activity.
Renovations have already begun to stabilize the schoolhouse structure. The building’s weathered wood and classic design recall a simpler era, lending the site a quiet gravitas that contrasts with the surrounding suburban expansion. Preserving that character will require careful restoration work, which the Parks and Recreation Department plans to undertake with input from local historians and preservation specialists.
While the Morning Star Schoolhouse’s future use is still being shaped, the city envisions a space that encourages community gatherings, education, and recreation. The hope is that revitalizing the site will reconnect current residents with a piece of Bentonville’s past that has long been overlooked.
This step comes as part of a broader effort by Bentonville to increase park access across neighborhoods and protect parcels that strengthen the city’s quality of life. The Parks and Recreation Department has been active in identifying opportunities to expand public green spaces, including trails and facilities close to residential areas.
City Council members praised the donation for its potential to enrich Bentonville’s outdoor offerings while fostering a deeper sense of local heritage. The unanimous approval reflects a shared commitment to nurturing both the cultural roots and natural environment of the community.
The council’s consent agenda on Tuesday included several other items, but the Morning Star property donation stands out as a landmark addition to the city’s parks portfolio. As Bentonville continues to grow, initiatives like this will likely be key in maintaining balance between progress and preservation.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
