06/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Goshen Expands Mill Branch Park with Permanently Protected 50-Acre Addition
Goshen, Ark. - The City of Goshen is expanding Mill Branch Park by approximately 50 percent with the addition of 50 acres of newly protected open space, made possible through a partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) and a generous land donation from Dick Bennett.
The City of Goshen will celebrate the park expansion and other major milestones with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 20, at 9:00 a.m. at Mill Branch Park, 409 E. Bowen Blvd. The celebration will mark the completion of Phase One of the ADA-compliant trail, Phase Two on the horizon, the recent land donation, the park’s land purchase, and the groundbreaking for a new pavilion currently under construction on the south side of the park.
This collaborative effort highlights how cities and conservation organizations can work together to create lasting public benefits. Bennett first donated the property to NWALT, which then placed a permanent conservation easement on the land, ensuring it will never be developed, before transferring ownership to the City of Goshen for park expansion.
“This project is a great example of multiple partners coming together to bring nature and outdoor recreation to the people of Goshen and the surrounding communities. As a local land trust, we are thankful for the opportunity to work with landowners, like Mr. Bennett, to help them realize their conservation goals while bettering our environment and community,” said Ben Speight, Director of Land Protection at NWALT.
The newly added acreage is immediately adjacent to Mill Branch Park, creating a larger, contiguous green space that enhances both recreation and conservation. The property is fully forested with mature oak-hickory habitat, includes a small pond, and features a stream that feeds directly into Mill Branch, a tributary of Beaver Lake.
For the City of Goshen, the project represents a major investment in quality of life. The expanded park will provide more room for outdoor recreation, scenic enjoyment, and future trail opportunities, while maintaining the rural character that residents value. The protected land is visible from both Fire Tower Road and within the park itself, preserving the area’s natural beauty for all who live in or visit the community.
Just as importantly, the permanent protection of this property delivers significant regional benefits. By conserving forestland and riparian habitat within the Beaver Lake watershed, the project helps protect water quality for thousands of Northwest Arkansas residents who rely on the lake for their drinking water.
“What a pleasure it was to work with Ben, Evan and Grady at NWALT in accepting the land donation so graciously provided by Dick Bennett. We are so fortunate to receive such a meaningful contribution to Mill Branch Park and the conservation of this property for all to enjoy. The City of Goshen, Arkansas fully supports the mission, vision and values of NWALT and is thankful for the conservation efforts they lead,” said Mayor Stroud of the City of Goshen.
The Bennett Property also strengthens a growing network of protected lands in the region, connecting to existing parkland and contributing to a broader green space corridor. This kind of connectivity is critical for both wildlife movement and for providing residents with meaningful access to nature close to home.
With the addition of these 50 acres, Mill Branch Park becomes an even more valuable community asset, one that balances recreation, conservation, and a shared commitment to protecting the places that define Northwest Arkansas.
About Northwest Arkansas Land Trust:
Northwest Arkansas Land Trust works to permanently protect land with ecological, agricultural, scenic, and recreational value across the region. By partnering with landowners and communities like the City of Goshen, NWALT helps ensure that Northwest Arkansas’s natural landscapes remain a lasting benefit for everyone.
