History

Southside Park was developed in 1970 on land donated by Louis Whitmore to provide recreational opportunities for the South End neighborhood. Beginning with a basketball court, football field, playground, picnic areas, and restrooms, the park quickly became a community gathering place and has remained an important part of the neighborhood for generations.

In 1971, neighborhood leader Velma Jean Gray helped establish the Sunset Tigers, a youth football program that has called Southside Park home for more than five decades. Under the leadership of legendary coach Ed Johnson, the Sunset Tigers have mentored thousands of young athletes, produced numerous college players and more than 20 NFL players, and become one of Arkansas’s most respected community youth football organizations. Today, Southside Park continues to serve as the home field of the Sunset Tigers, carrying on a tradition of athletics, mentorship, and community pride that has shaped generations of South End families.