Julius Breckling Riverfront Park

• Location: 202 E. LaHarpe Blvd., 72201
• Size: 39 acres
• Classification: Large Urban Park
• Adopted by: Available for Adoption; E-mail ksykes@littlerock.gov

History

Riverfront Park occupies 39 acres in the downtown Little Rock on the south bank of the Arkansas River. The park has an urban character with a semi-formal arrangement of walks, terraces, plazas, and sitting areas. An amphitheater, two large fountains, a sandwich shop, and extensive landscaping are special features of the park. 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. The adjacent History Pavilion is an open-air structure which illustrates the history of the riverfront through the use of multi-colored informational panels. The concept for a park on this site was first proposed in 1913 by Landscape Architect John Nolen. This idea was revived in the late 1970’s by the staff of the Department of Parks and Recreation. In 1981, the City of Little Rock received a $1,000,000 matching grant from the Heritage, Conservation, and Recreation Service. Total development of the park exceeded $2,000,000. The park is the setting for the annual “Riverfest” celebration during the last week in May.