Earth-Friendly Living

Chaffee Crossing embraces a land use plan that allows flexibility for the ever changing market. Protecting green spaces and ensuring earth-friendly construction are a priority for all phases of development. Collaboration of city governments, county and state officials and developers has produced an adaptable blueprint for Arkansas’ premier 7,000-acre community. The vision encompasses a traditional neighborhood development which allows residential, retail and commercial areas to merge with green space, trees and natural landscaping that dissolves borders. Walking trails connect residential areas to mixed-use and industrial districts. A museum district, the Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Wells Lake and neighborhood parks invite the young and the forever young at heart to explore the world right outside their front door.

Current projects involve a wetland mitigation bank to protect such areas as Vache Grasse Creek and Wells Lake.

Deer Trails Golf Course
Originally created as a place for military personnel to spend their leisure time, Deer Trails Golf Course is now open to the public. The nine-hole course features 3,063 yards of golf from the longest tees for a 36 par. Golfers will enjoy a close-up view of Chaffee Crossing’s beautiful environment. Call (479) 478-6971 for tee times and course information. Visit site here.

Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center sits on 170 acres of land in Fort Smith that were previously part of Fort Chaffee. The building overlooks Wells Lake, a popular local fishing and picnicking destination.

Built in the fertile Arkansas River Valley, the center focuses on the wide variety of animals and birds that call the area home. In addition to resident Canada geese and small mammals and turtles calling the center home, many colorful songbirds stop by on their journeys to and from wintering grounds farther south. While many visitors come to the center for the interesting exhibits inside, just as many find the trails, native plants on the grounds and canoeing or fishing in the lake just as enjoyable.

The Arkansas River Valley Nature Center has an Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program. For more information, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 800-364-4263 and ask for the AYSSP coordinator who will then provide contact information for a local team coach. Visit site here.

River Valley Botanical Gardens
Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker has approved a recommendation from the River Valley Botanical Gardens Task Force to locate the River Valley Botanical Gardens at Chaffee Crossing. The proposed location is a 50-acre parcel at the intersection of Chad Colley Blvd. and Custer Blvd., one quarter mile from the Janet Huckabee Nature Center. The Maness School House which is on the National Historic Register is located on the property. The Task Force is committed to preserving the landmark building and exploring possible uses for it.

Trails
Trails abound at Chaffee Crossing. Walking trails connect residential areas to parks and museums.
Click here to see the new land-use map which includes 10-minute walking trails that connect each district. Nearby Ben Geren Park also has walking trails, playgrounds, disc golf, mini-golf, soccer and softball fields.

Hiking through nature not only provides an opportunity to get some exercise but also an up close experience with nature and wildlife. Deer, ducks, geese, indigenous birds, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, frogs and insects are just a few members of the animal kingdom who call Chaffee Crossing their home.

Cycling clubs, individuals and families often ride the relatively quiet roads throughout the property.

Wells Lake
Well-known by the locals for family-friendly fishing and canoeing, Wells Lake is located adjacent to the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center which offers canoe rentals. Wildlife abounds in the water and the surrounding woods. A walking trail circles the lake, providing plenty of opportunities to spend a full day enjoying nature.

Arkansas is "The Natural State"