Gulley Park: Fayetteville's Beloved Green Space

Gulley Park has become one of Fayetteville's most utilized parks since its purchase from the Fred Gulley Family in 1988. Nestled between Township Street and Old Wire Road, this 27-acre haven features a diverse landscape, including mature trees, the meandering Niokaska Creek, open fields, and a serene pond. A paved and lighted 1.5-mile multi-use trail encircles the park, inviting walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers to enjoy the outdoors. The park boasts a range of amenities for all ages and interests. Children can explore two playgrounds, including a recently added playground with towers, slides, and an interactive water fountain. A gazebo and pavilion offer shaded spaces for picnics and gatherings. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a sand volleyball court, and open green spaces are perfect for games and relaxation. Gulley Park is not only a recreational hub but also a community gathering place. The Gulley Park Summer Concert Series, a long-standing tradition, brings live music and food trucks to the park every summer. Other improvements include the expansion of existing trails, the construction of the Niokaska Trail, the expansion of the Township Street parking lot, the planting of a pecan orchard, and renovations to the restrooms. The park's design reflects Fayetteville's history, with artist Eugene Sargent creating a stagecoach and cows for the playground, referencing the area's past as farmland and a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route. Gulley Park continues to evolve with ongoing improvements guided by the Gulley Park Master Plan, ensuring it remains a vibrant and cherished space for the community.