Julius Breckling Riverfront Park
- Location: 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201
- Size: 33 acres
- Classification: Regional Park
- Adopted by: Available for Adoption; E-mail cityparks@littlerock.gov
Riverfront Park is Little Rock’s signature urban park, stretching 11 blocks along the south bank of the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown. The 33-acre park blends recreation, history, art, and entertainment with scenic river views, public plazas, playgrounds, walking trails, and more than 100 works of public art. As a centerpiece of downtown, Riverfront Park connects visitors to the River Market District, the Arkansas River Trail, museums, restaurants, and many of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The “Little Rock”, the city’s namesake, can be viewed from several platforms along the river’s edge at the eastern end of the park.
History
The vision for Riverfront Park dates back to 1913, when renowned landscape architect John Nolen first proposed transforming Little Rock’s industrial riverfront into a public park. Although the concept remained unrealized for decades, the City began acquiring riverfront property in the late 1960s. In 1981, Little Rock received a $1 million matching grant from the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, and Riverfront Park was officially established in 1982. The park opened to the public in 1983 as Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, named in honor of longtime Parks Director Julius Breckling, whose leadership was instrumental in making the project a reality.
Since its opening, Riverfront Park has continued to evolve into one of Arkansas’s premier public spaces. The park has expanded with destinations including the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, Peabody Park and Playground, the History Pavilion, the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, and numerous plazas, monuments, and public art installations. Today, Riverfront Park serves as the city’s front porch—hosting festivals, concerts, community events, and everyday recreation while preserving the historic riverfront that gave Little Rock its name.
Check out the Arkansas PBS Look and Learn Packet for activities at Riverfont Park!
Grill
Fishing
Pavilion
Picnic Tables
Splash Pads
Playground
