Mike Abb, Creative Director at Runway, recently shared the inspiring story behind the iconic neon sign at Compton Gardens & Arboretum, once the home of Dr. Neil Compton, a key figure in Arkansas history and environmental conservation.

Celebrating a Local Legend

Neil Compton played a monumental role in preserving Arkansas’s natural heritage. As a driving force behind preventing the damming of the Buffalo River, he helped ensure its designation as the country’s first National River in 1972. Mike, who grew up just down the street from Neil, fondly remembers the neighborhood’s admiration for Neil’s beautiful home, which stretched along Main Street and featured native trees and plants from across the state.

From Home to Arboretum and Event Center

After Neil’s passing in 1999, his home transformed into an event center, and the surrounding land became an arboretum that welcomes visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks firsthand. In 2017, the Razorback Greenway trail was built, winding through the property en route to the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This trail has since brought thousands of visitors weekly to the site.

The Neon Sign: A Visual Celebration of Legacy

The location of this key trailhead presented a perfect opportunity to honor Neil’s legacy visually. Mike reached out to neon artist Todd Sanders of Roadhouse Relics to create a striking piece of public art. The neon sign depicts Neil paddling his trusty canoe through the endless blue waves of the Buffalo River.

The animated blue waves symbolize perpetual movement, embodying the forward momentum Neil set in motion for environmental respect and protection. This flowing motion reflects a momentum that should never stop — just like the rolling waves of the Buffalo River itself.

Visit Compton Gardens & Arboretum to experience this unique tribute and explore the grounds that celebrate the legacy of one of Arkansas’s most revered conservationists.