Apex Engineers Featured in STRUCTURE Magazine for Bentonville 8th Street Gateway Park
- Apex Engineers
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Apex Engineers is proud to share that our work on the Bentonville 8th Street Gateway Park has been featured in STRUCTURE Magazine, a national publication highlighting innovation in structural engineering.
The article, "Bridging Nature & Structure: Creating a Gateway to Bentonville's Trail System," dives into the design approach behind the city's largest public space investment to date - and the role thoughtful structural engineering plays in shaping the built environment.
A Park Designed for Connection
Spanning 110 acres, the 8th Street Gateway Park is designed to serve as the centerpiece of Bentonville's parks system and the western anchor of a 25-mile regional trail network. As the city continues to grow as a hub for outdoor recreation, the park will create a destination for both residents and visitors - bringing together trails, gathering spaces, and immersive natural experiences.
A defining feature of the park is the Gateway Ring, a nearly tow-thirds-mile pedestrian loop that connects key areas of the site. With elevated trails, long-span bridges, and scenic overlooks, the design creates new ways for people to experience the landscape while maintaining a strong connection to it.
Renderings courtesy PORT Urbanism
Blending Structure with Nature
As the structural engineer of record, Apex Engineers collaborated closely with the project team, including PORT Urbanism and Polk Stanley Wilcox, to develop solutions that support the architectural vision while respecting the natural environment. Rather than competing with the landscape, the structures are designed to feel integrated with it.
The park is organized into three distinct zones - East Park, West Park, and the Park Core - each with its own character and structural challenges. From boardwalk systems that allow water to flow naturally through the site to elevated trail structures that provide sweeping views, every element required a thoughtful balance of performance, cost, and aesthetics.
One of the most complex and rewarding aspects of the project was the elevated trail system. Early design concepts explored more visually dynamic structural approaches, but through close collaboration and value engineering, the team developed a solution that maintained the design intent while improving efficiency and constructability.
Material selection also played a key role. Weathering steel was ultimately chosen to provide long-term durability while aligning with the project's natural aesthetic, demonstrating how engineering decisions can support both performance and experience.
Engineering for Experience
While the project includes a wide range of structural systems - from long-span truss bridges to open-air pavilion structures - the true measure of its success lies in the experience it creates for the community.
Design considerations like vibration control, thermal movement, and constructability were critical to ensure the park performs as intended over time. At the same time, these technical solutions were always in service of a larger goal: creating a comfortable, safe, and memorable experience for the people who will use the space.
Just as important was the role of the community in shaping the project. Throughout the planning process, public input helped inform the vision for the park, reinforcing that projects like this are not just designed for the community, but with it.
Why This Project Matters
The 8th Street Gateway Park reflects a broader shift in how cities are investing in public space - prioritizing connectivity, outdoor recreation, and quality of life.
For Bentonville, the park will serve as both a physical and cultural connector, supporting continued growth while enhancing the everyday experience of residents and visitors alike.
For our team, it represents the kind of work we're most passionate about: projects that bring people together and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.
For a deeper dive into the technical design and engineering behind the project, you can read the full article in STRUCTURE Magazine.
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