History

The land for Ottenheimer Park was dedicated to the City of Little Rock in 1965 by brothers Gus and Leonard Ottenheimer, whose vision was to create a neighborhood park for the residents of the growing Cloverdale subdivision. Development of recreational facilities began in 1968, transforming the donated property into a community gathering place for outdoor recreation. An existing log farmhouse on the site was preserved and remodeled into a community recreation center with meeting rooms and a game room, giving the park a unique connection to the area’s early history.

Over the years, Ottenheimer Park has continued to evolve while maintaining its neighborhood character. The addition of the Ottenheimer Therapeutic Recreation Center expanded the park’s role by providing adaptive recreation opportunities and inclusive programming for people of all abilities. Today, the park remains a valued community destination where recreation, nature, and accessibility come together for residents of southwest Little Rock.