49,000
teens ages 12–17
An estimated 49,000 teens live in Benton and Washington counties, with another 47,000 children ages 6–11 coming behind them. Fayetteville alone has an estimated 6,200 teens ages 12–17.
See the evidence →A community idea in the making
A place to go.
A place to be.
Not school. Not home. Not somewhere you have to buy something just to belong. The Next Place is a proposed space where Northwest Arkansas teens can build independence, relationships and life skills.
We are in the research stage. Your perspective will help determine what comes next.
Belong • Connect • Create • Play • Learn • Be yourself • Belong • Connect • Create • Play • Learn • Be yourself
The gap
Growing independence needs somewhere to go.
Teens have few safe, affordable and appealing places where they are welcome to spend unstructured time. Existing options often require a team, a formal program, repeated spending or transportation organized around adult schedules.
The case for a teen third place
A growing need, backed by the numbers.
Nearly ½
of income goes to two essentials
The Northwest Arkansas Council reports that the typical resident spends nearly half of their income on housing and transportation, leaving less room for recreation and other choices.
See the evidence →Critical window
for identity, judgment and independence
Adolescence is a formative period when meaningful choices, supportive relationships and a genuine sense of belonging can help young people build the skills they need for adulthood.
See the evidence →Youth figures are rounded estimates derived from 2024 American Community Survey age groups. Development findings summarize research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Academies and CDC.
Every teen recognizes their worth and develops the confidence and life skills to thrive in adulthood.
Our mission
A third place with a deeper purpose.
The Next Place offers a safe, welcoming, affordable space where teens build independence, relationships and life skills with guidance from trusted adults.
What it could be
More than one reason to show up.
Belong
A comfortable social lounge, reliable Wi-Fi and affordable vending without pressure to join a class or keep spending.
Choose and explore
Games, technology, flexible activities and special events that give teens genuine reasons to show up.
Make it yours
Teens choose the activities, shape the plan and make them happen. Adults support without taking over.
Two surveys. One shared vision.
Tell us what would make this work.
Teens can tell us what they would actually use. Parents can tell us what would earn their trust. Both surveys are short.
Choose your survey →