Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks at the 51st annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Feb. 25, 2025 in Bentonville. (Screenshot from livestream)
Arkansas’ governor signed into law Tuesday a bill that lays the groundwork for developing lift-access downhill mountain bike parks, supporting her initiative to grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy.
Senate Bill 203 defines “recreational tramways” for state parks and outlines liabilities and responsibilities of bike lift operators and mountain bikers who use the systems. Such systems are expected to be used in bike parks planned in Bella Vista and Mena.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed SB 203 after making remarks Tuesday morning at the 51st annual Arkansas Governor’s Tourism Conference in Bentonville. The legislation supports the governor’s Natural State Initiative, which has an advisory council chaired by her husband, and aims to advance outdoor recreation and its economy in Arkansas.
Arkansas panel OKs bill easing the way for mountain bike chair lifts
An “enhanced lodge” at Petit Jean State Park and the completion of the Delta Heritage Trail are other projects planned in addition to the bike parks, according to Sanders, who said her administration “will not take our foot off the gas.”
“Arkansas’ tourism is booming,” she said. “We are uniquely situated in the Heartland to offer world-class hiking, biking, climbing, floating, boating, hunting and fishing to millions of Americans. And because of our weather, we can offer access to epic outdoor adventures, 365 days a year.”
Tuesday’s bill signing comes a day after the release of a new Heartland Forward report that found outdoor recreation is a $7.3 billion industry for Arkansas that supports more than 68,000 jobs and generates nearly $2 billion in tax revenue.
Heartland Forward is a “policy think-and-do-tank” that serves as a resource for states and communities in the middle of the U.S., according to a press release.
“Arkansas is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural landmarks, making the state a rich place to live and creating a thriving outdoor recreation industry that is key to economic success,” Heartland Forward Chairman and CEO Ross DeVol said in a statement. “To maintain this momentum, we need strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and policy.”
The Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report found that outdoor amenity construction’s contribution to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 52.7% over the last four years, driven in part by the state’s major expansion of bike trails.
The growth of mountain biking, particularly in Northwest Arkansas, has been driven by projects backed by the Walton family. Walmart heirs Tom and Steuart Walton and their company, Runway Group, are developing the Bella Vista bike lift park. Tom is a member of the governor’s Natural State Initiative Advisory Council.
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