Creel Survey Beginning in early April, the POA Lakes Ecology staff will be conducting a creel survey. You may be asking yourself, โWhat is that?โ. A creel was traditionally a basket used to hold fish while angling. A creel survey is a set of questions that allows the angler to relay his feelings and attitude towards a fishery. We ask anglers to report their catch, whether they harvest or release, and certain demographic and associated use information that helps us put a value on the fishery. We will be asking questions in person and allow anglers to self-report via a QR code. This survey will be available through at least the end of October 2025. Please take this opportunity to make your thoughts known.
Additional information on boating laws and responsibilities can be found on the website for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (agfc.com).
a). Personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, Sea-Doos, and other similar types of personal watercraft are prohibited on all POA lakes.
b). Personal watercraft such as motorized surfboards, e-foils, hydrofoils, and other similar types of personal watercraft are prohibited on all POA lakes.
c). The watersports industry continues to invent new and different types of personal watercraft and it is challenging to list every type of personal watercraft that is prohibited. Therefore, unless a personal watercraft is expressly stated as being allowed in these regulations, then the personal watercraft is prohibited.
d). Exception. Motorized personal watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards are allowed on all POA lakes, provided they travel no faster than 5 miles per hour. The 5 miles per hour restriction includes areas of Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Loch Lomond where a wake is otherwise allowed.
a). Seaplanes are prohibited on all POA lakes.
b). Watercraft which provides permanent sleeping facilities, are constructed with a permanently enclosed kitchen for food preparation or are constructed with a bath or toilet facilities, are prohibited on all POA lakes.
c). Motorized watercraft measuring 26 feet in length or longer (Class II boats), are prohibited on all POA Lakes. Any motorized watercraft registered with the POA as of December 31, 2020, that is 26 feet in length or longer will be allowed to continue to renew their annual registration until the watercraft is sold, provided the POA annual registration never lapses.
a) The operation of a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake is prohibited and the use of which will not be allowed on any Bella Vista POA lake, with the exception of Loch Lomond, Lake Windsor, and Lake Ann.
b) Operation of a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake is prohibited within 200 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, kayak, boat, shoreline, dam intake structure or other obstruction.
c) Provided the watercraft complies with the above two regulations, when operating a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake, if the watercraft is using a wedge or other similar device to create an enlarged wake, the wedge (or other similar device) must be positioned to direct the enlarged wake toward the center of the lake.
d) Those operating a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake are required to operate their watercraft in a counterclockwise rotation within the zones designated for this type of activity.
e) The definition of wake boating includes, but is not limited to, the following: the use of devices, equipment or placement of passengers onboard for the purpose of creating an enlarged wake; devices and equipment used to create an enlarged wake include, but are not limited to: exterior panels, wings, or wedges deployed underwater; rubberized, plastic or metal tanks, chests or bags filled with any material; crowding of passengers to the rear; inside-the-hull water tanks; or boat hulls designed specifically to enhance the wake.
a) All watercrafts must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
b) In addition to the above requirement, one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable PFD must be on board watercraft that are 16 feet or longer.
c) Children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while on any watercraft.
d) Each person being towed or surfing behind a watercraft on water skis, an aquaplane, wakeboard, or other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.
e) Besides being U.S. Coast Guard approved, all PFDs must be:
a ) To report violations or request a POA Lakes & Parks Ranger, call (479) 876-9581. POA Lakes & Parks Rangers are vested with final authority for the interpretation and enforcement of these water crafting regulations.
b ) After hours, contact the Bella Vista Police Department at (479) 855-3771 or (479) 855-8030.
c) To report any Arkansas Game and Fish Commission violations, call (800) 482-9262 or the Bella Vista Police Department at (479) 855-3771 or (479) 855-8030.
d) For information on lakes and parks, contact the Lakes and Parks Department at (479) 855-5068.
PERTINENT INFORMATION FOR EACH LAKE
ANN – All-sport Lake. Boat launching ramp located off of Windemere Lane.
LOCH LOMOND-All-sport Lake. Launching ramps located off of Stoneykirk Drive, at
Tiree Park, and at Granton Park. Marina (479-855-8182), bait & tackle shop and boat & kayak rentals located off of Marina Drive, near Lakepoint Restaurant. Fishing is allowed at the fishing dock at the Marina. Shoreline fishing is not allowed at Lakepoint Restaurant.
WINDSOR – All-sport Lake. Launching ramps located off of London Drive and at the dam off of Cannock Lane. Kayaks/canoes can be launched at Pontoon Park off of Chelsea.
AVALON – Covered picnic area, beach, and launching ramp off Camden Road. Enclosed and heated fishing dock on the dam located off of Tamworth Circle. Seasonal rental of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
BRITTANY – Launching ramp at the dam off of Ashwell Lane.
NORWOOD – Launching ramp located at the dam off of Memorial Drive, behind Harps Food Store.
RAYBURN – Launching ramp located on the dam at Lakeside Drive.
Permit for Common Property โ Contact POA
Required to: Make alterations to POA-owned/common property. Access or pass through common property to perform work.
Misc / Accessory Improvements โ Contact the City of Bella Vista
Required to: Build, modify, or repair docks and seawalls.
Misc Improvements โ Contact ACC (Architectural Control Committee)
Required for: Any miscellaneous structural or aesthetic improvements on private property.
Short-Term Activity Authorization โ Contact ADEQ (Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality)
Required to: Dredge or remove material below the waterline of the lake.
Click Here to Download Regulations Brochure
๐ Bella Vista POA Lakes & Parks โ Rules at a Glance
Members must carry a POA Activity or Member Card.
Childrenย 6 and older must have their card or be accompanied byย a parent who does.
Guests (age 6+) not accompanied by a member must have a Guest Pass and pay a daily use fee in advance.
Guest Passes: Click Here.
No overnight camping or sleeping (except by reservation at Blowing Springs: (479) 855-8075).
No open fires, except in POA cookers, grills, or fire rings.
Dogs must be leashed; clean up after pets.
No fireworks without POA permission.
All trash must be disposed of in the provided containers.
All watercraft (boats, kayaks, SUPs, etc.) must be registered annually with the POA by March 31.
Requires state boat registration and POA Activity Card.
Stickers must be placed on both sides or on a placard for inflatables.
Trailers must display the current POA sticker on both sides of the frame neck.
No personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, motorized surfboards).
Exception: Motorized kayaks, canoes, or SUPs are allowed if under five mph.
No seaplanes or boats over 26 ft (unless grandfathered in before 12/31/2020).
Swim at your own risk. Use the buddy system.
Swimmers >100 feet from shore must have a flag float.
Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Tow sports (skiing, tubing, wakeboarding) only on Lake Windsor, Lake Ann, and Loch Lomond, and only in designated areas.
Tow boats must display a red/orange ski flag and turn left when retrieving a fallen skier.
Wake boats are allowed only on Windsor, Ann, and Loch Lomond, with restrictions:
No closer than 200 ft to docks/shores.
Wedge devices must aim wake toward the center of the lake.
Arkansas fishing license required (age 16+).
POA Card or Guest Pass is required.
Catch Limits (per person/day):
Largemouth Bass: 10 (C&R only on Lake Brittany)
Crappie: 10 (min. 10โ)
Catfish: 6
Trout: 5 (only 1 >14โ)
Hybrid Striped Bass & Walleye: 2 & 4 (18โ min)
Grass Carp: Please harvest
Life jackets are required for all children 12 & under and anyone being towed.
Zero tolerance for alcohol on lakes.
Report violations to POA Rangers: (479) 876-9581
After hours: Bella Vista Police: (479) 855-3771
Member Resources: (479) 855-8000, opt. 2
Lakes & Parks Info: (479) 855-5068
Boating Safety Courses: agfc.com
Fishing & Wildlife Violations: (800) 482-9262
UPDATE ON TEMPORARY PISTOL AND RIFLE RANGE CLOSURES
Highlands rifle and pistol ranges remain temporarily closed. Trap and Skeet remains open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am โ 5 pm.
The Bella Vista POA has partnered withย Ozark Sportsmanย indoor shooting range to provide range access for POA Members during the temporary closure of Highlands rifle and pistol ranges.
POA Members withย Activity Cardsย will be able to access Ozark Sportsmanโs range during their hours of operation at no charge. POA Membership Card holders will be granted entry at a discounted rate of $4 โ the same as the current POA range fees. Please note, that guests of POA Members will be required to pay the full $20.99 per visit, rather than Highlandsโ $8 guest fee. POA Members will need to present their POA Activity Card or POA Member Card every time they wish to access the Ozark Sportsman range.
Ozark Sportsman and their team of experts kindly requestย allย visitors involved in any activity at the Ozark Sportsmanโs range complete their Waiver / Rules / Release agreement foundย here.
For more information, please visit the Ozark Sportsman website and contact information found below or emailย moc.aopvvb@ofni.
Pleaseย sign up for the POA e-newsletter to stay informedย of the most up-to-date information. Thank you for your continued patience.
750 E Henri De Tonti Blvd
Tontitown, AR 72762
(479) 309-0961
Ozark Sportsman Hours of Operation
Mon โ Sat: 9 am โ 7 pm
Sunday: 1 pm โ 7 pm
We want to ensure that you and everyone around you are safe.ย To use the range, you must register and complete a certification before utilizing the complex.
Step One: Click here to Register.
Step Two: Click here Certification Quiz
Stay in a unique and cozy tiny cabin called โThe Downshiftโ inside beautiful Blowing Springs Park and campground. The Downshift Tiny Cabin has a double bed, a small bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
The Brake Inn is a fully furnished Tiny Cabin in Blowing Springs Park and campground in Bella Vista, AR. It sleeps two with a double bed and comes with an additional cot for a small child. Your stay includes a bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette, and a fire pit.
The Nod Pod is a fully furnished Tiny Cabin in Blowing Springs Park and campground in Bella Vista, AR. It sleeps two with a double bed and comes with an additional cot for a small child. Like the Brake Inn, a bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette, and a fire pit are included with your stay.
Smokeyโs Hideaway (Bunkhouse) is a Tiny Cabin in a park campground. It sleeps four in two twin beds and one queen bed.
This scenic park features 64 RV spaces, primitive camping, picnic areas, restrooms, a shower facility with a laundry area, wireless internet service, and access to the Blowing Springs Trails, Gear Garden, and The Back 40 Trail.
Trail Length: Over 6 miles
Highlights:
A 30-foot bridge and scenic rock shelf
A natural air-conditioned cavern that emits 60-degree air
Trail Surface: Mixed, ideal for hiking and mountain biking
Trail Length: 3 miles (paved)
Connects: Metfield Park to the northern end of the Razorback Regional Greenway
Suitable For: Walking, running, and biking
Trail Length: ~40 miles
Type: Soft-surface trails through backwoods terrain
Use: Primarily designed for mountain biking, but also open to hikers
Location: East side of Bella Vista
Access: Multiple trailheads and parking areas are available
Trail Length: 1.75 miles (paved loop)
Features:
Family-friendly, flat terrain
Playground and ample parking
Connects to the Razorback Regional Greenway
Ideal For: Walking, running, and casual biking
Futures Golf Academy:
Growing the Game, One Swing at a Time
Futures Golf Academy introduces boys and girls of all skill levels to the game of golf in a fun, inclusive, and team-oriented environment. Under the guidance of PGA and LPGA Professionals, players build a strong foundation in golf fundamentals while learning valuable life skills, including confidence, mentorship, and sportsmanship.
The leagueโs two-person scramble format is designed to make the game accessible and exciting for beginners while still being rewarding for more experienced players. Kids compete alongside teammates in a supportive atmosphere that fosters camaraderie and brings families and communities together.
Programs tailored for youth aged 3 to 18, accommodatingย players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Career pathway modules in:
Golf Coaching
Sports Management
Sports Psychology
Hire certified instructors with junior coaching expertise.
Fitness Trainers, Sports Psychologists, Nutritionists for holistic athlete development.
Staff to handle registrations, scheduling, and communication with families.
Secure partnerships with local courses or invest in a dedicated academy facility.
Driving ranges, short game areas, and putting greens with elite-level conditioning.
Include modern technology:
Launch Monitors (e.g., TrackMan)
Swing Analyzers
High-speed Video Analysis Tools
Professional logo, academy website, and branded materials.
Active presence on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to promote success stories and events.
Collaborate with schools, golf clubs, and youth programs.
Outline goals, revenue models, and financial projections.
Allocate funds for:
Staff compensation
Facility maintenance
Equipment upgrades
Marketing
Competitive fee structure for:
Classes and Camps
Memberships
Tournaments and Events
One-on-one coaching sessions and custom development plans.
Goal setting, skill assessments, and video analysis feedback loops.
Regular updates, progress reports, and parent-coach conferences.
Host or participate in junior events to build competitive experience.
Guest speakers such as:
Touring professionals
College coaches
Mental performance experts
Coverage for property, staff liability, and student protection.
Clear liability releases and participation agreements must be obtained for all students.
Adherence to local health, safety, and employment laws.
Regular surveys from students, parents, and staff.
Encourage ongoing education through clinics, certifications, and conferences.
Collaborate with:
PGA Sections
Golf Equipment Companies
Local Sponsors
Establish a community of graduates for mentorship and support.
Upload fish photos to share in the gallery.
"*" indicates required fields
Maintenance & Construction Water Utility Division – Lakes and Parks Dept.ย Lake Ann Drawdown โ November 2, 2026 through March 1, 2027
Lake Ann is scheduled for a drawdown beginning November 2, 2026, and continuing through March 1, 2027. The lake will be lowered approximately 3 inches per day until it reaches a total drawdown of 6 feet. Refilling the lake will depend on rainfall and prevailing weather conditions.
During the drawdown, improvements will be made at the boat ramp, including resurfacing the courtesy dock and cutting deeper grooves into the boat ramp to improve traction.
Lakefront residents are encouraged to take advantage of the lower water level to build, maintain, or repair seawalls and docks.
The purpose of lowering the lake is to allow homeowners a chance to build/repair docks and seawalls.ย It also allows homeowners to dredge and remove debris from the lake in front of their property.ย The POA will also address some maintenance issues at the boat ramps. ย Fish habitat improvement projects will also be conducted at that time. For a list of permits that may be necessary to do work and for updates to the drawdown plan.
The lake will be drawn down slowly as recommended by the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission. Although rain may slow efforts to lower the lake, we will monitor progress daily and adjust as needed. Normal spring rainfall and underground springs should refill the lake in a timely manner, but we cannot predict a specific date.
Rick Echols – Lakes and Parks Superintendent at 479-855-5068
Mike Taggart – Director of Maintenance & Construction at 479-855-5064.
Water Utility Division at 855-5060.
Permit Requirements
Common Property and Lake Activities
*Common Property (POA-Controlled)
Permit for Common Property โ Contact POA
Required to: Make alterations to POA-owned/common property. Access or pass through common property to perform work.
Docks & Seawalls
Misc / Accessory Improvements โ Contact the City of Bella Vista
Required to: Build, modify, or repair docks and seawalls.
General Improvements
Misc Improvements โ Contact ACC (Architectural Control Committee)
Required for: Any miscellaneous structural or aesthetic improvements on private property.
Lake Activities
Short-Term Activity Authorization โ Contact ADEQ (Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality)
Required to: Dredge or remove material below the waterlineย of the lake.
| Closures | enddate | startdate | location | date | starttime | etime | timetable | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 1900 | Jan 01, 1900 | Bella Vista POA | Jan 16, 1900 | 12:00 AM | 12:00 AM | N/A | No Closures at this time |
To request program information and registration, contact the tennis pro shop.ย
479-855-8174
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City of Bella Vista NEWS
City to Celebrate 10 yrs of Back 40 Trails (More Info)
BVFD Kids Day Set for Oct. 10 (More Info)
Adult Speaker Series Continues (More Info)
Fall Appliance Pick-Up Set For October (More Info)
Curbside Recycling Option Coming In 2027 (More Info)
Vintage Market Days of NW Arkansas
Oct. 9โ11 โ Shop upscale vintage goods, original art, home dรฉcor, clothing, and unique finds at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville.
Pumpkin Patch Arts & Crafts Festival
Oct. 15 โ Browse handcrafted items from more than 45 vendors at United Lutheran Church in Bella Vista.
War Eagle Fair
Oct. 15โ18 โ Celebrate Ozark craftsmanship with handmade arts, crafts, and unique creations at the historic War Eagle Fair near Hindsville.
Big Diamond Comedy Festival
Oct. 22โ24 โ Enjoy multiple days of comedy performances and special events in downtown Bentonville.
Momentous Music and Arts Festival
Nov. 6โ7 โ Experience electronic music, art, and dancing as Momentous returns to The Momentary in Bentonville.
NWA Holiday Market
Nov. 6โ7 โ Kick off the holiday season at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale, featuring more than 160 booths, seasonal shopping, and photos with Santa.
