Recreational Ops Abound at North Little Rock's Burns Park

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Dr. William Milton Burns would be proud if he knew how his namesake park -- Burns Park -- looked now. Initially, the park consisted of 870 acres when the North Little Rock city council, at Burns' urging, approved $20,000 in 1949 to purchase the land. Included in the appropriation was a pledge to make $1,000 in improvements annually. In 1955, an additional 656 acres were purchased, and, along with a few other small land acquisitions, the park grew to its current size, 1,575 acres.

Today it is one of the biggest municipal parks in the country, and not only does all the acreage provide ample space for outdoor activities, it also preserves a hefty portion of a natural environment in the midst of an urban setting.

When the initial purchase was made, Burns spearheaded a group of volunteers that cleared brush and built pavilions and picnic areas. He was past retirement age when he helped build the covered bridge -- now the only one in Arkansas -- that's fashioned after those found in New England. Burns and his crew also constructed a dam that created a small fishing lake at the red-painted bridge.

In 1950, then-Mayor Ross Lawhon declared the recreational area Burns Park in honor of Burns and his work. Each subsequent administration added improvements, making it one of the most complete parks of its kind in the state today.

The Land of Recreational Opportunity

The most recent major addition to Burns is its state-of-the-art soccer complex of 17 fields, concession facilities, scorekeeper rooms, convenient parking to each field, pavilions and playground equipment. In 2002 the site hosted the Southern Regional Soccer Championship that brought with it 144 teams from 12 states and about 8,000 onlookers.

"The facility is unbelievable," University of Texas women's soccer coach Chris Petracelli said in an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article. "It is as good as any I have seen in the country. You may see more tournaments coming your way because it is hard to find so many quality fields in such a beautiful setting."

What sets these fields apart from others is that several are adjacent to the Arkansas River, while the rest are interspersed among stands of cottonwood trees left intact during construction.

The soccer complex is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to recreational facilities at the park. There are also rugby fields, several basketball courts, a BMX track, two bocce courts, top-notch batting cages, a new five-diamond softball area with regular play and tournament play lights, a baseball compound, plus an 18-hole disc golf course. The park is also home to six indoor and six outdoor tennis courts as well as indoor handball, racquetball and wallyball courts.

In addition, Burns Park boasts two golf courses: an 18-hole tournament and an 18-hole championship course, and golfers can also improve their skills by taking lessons from pros available through the park's pro shop.

While picnicking, barbecuing and group events are popular at the 200 picnic tables, 50 outdoor grills and 16 rental pavilions at Burns Park, many are unaware that it is also home to 38 tent and RV campsites.

And campers and other nature lovers will find trails of all sorts that lead through the park's natural areas. A popular portion of a paved pedestrian and bicycling trail that skirts the Arkansas River on both the banks of North Little Rock and Little Rock -- the Millennium Trail -- runs through Burns. Encompassed within the recreational area are the Burns Park Equestrian Trail and several Boy Scout Trails, which cover some 15 miles. The equestrian trail includes a parking area for trailers, water and an area to unload and saddle horses. In the planning stages are six additional miles of multi-use trails for off-road bicycling and hiking.

And for those that feel overwhelmed by choices at Burns, there's a visitor information center staffed with trained counselors located within the park where guests can also find travel information on North Little Rock and the entire state.

A facility that's popular for reunions and parties, the Hospitality House can accommodate up to 200 people. Amenities include an outdoor barbecue pit, a fully-equipped kitchen, a fireplace, a stage and restrooms.

Tournaments Mean Big Business for Burns

The park's recreational amenities and top-notch facilities draw more than just fun seekers. Burns Park has become a major source of income for the city. In 2002 the park hosted a horde of soccer, baseball, softball and other tournaments, including the American Wakeboard Association championship that brought in more than 150 competitors from 10 states.

"Because of the state-of-the-art facilities in Burns Park, soliciting sports tournaments has become a major focus for the Advertising and Promotion staff," said North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission Executive Director Mary Lou Davenport. "For years, we have hosted tennis and golf tournaments, but the past couple of years, softball and soccer have become major players for us. These tournaments account for thousands of room nights for our hotels in addition to shopping and restaurant purchases."

The 24th Busch/Pepsi World Championship Softball Classic, to be held July 4-6, will bring together approximately 200 men's teams and 30 women's teams to compete in five divisions. The winner from each division will gain a berth in the World Softball League Classic to be held in Las Vegas.

Also, in May of this year, Burns Park will host the state high school baseball tournament.

"Every single weekend during the spring, summer and fall, there is a soccer or softball or some kind of tournament going on," Davenport said.

Fun for More Than Just Kids

Funland, a five-acre area within the park, allows adults to take a trip down Memory Lane while introducing their children to some old-fashioned fun. Operated under the auspices of the North Little Rock Lions Club, Funland has been around since the '40s. One of its highlights is the Argenta Belle, a miniature train that circles the area.

Carnival rides include a tilt-a-whirl, the scrambler, a carousel and several for smaller children. The rides, along with Funland's concession stand, picnic tables and a private pavilion, make the area popular for birthday and other private parties. The Lions Club hopes to construct a go-cart track, refurbish all existing rides and add new rides, especially ones for older kids. The club also has plans to renovate and landscape the park's existing miniature golf course.

From April through September, Funland is open weekends to the public and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by reservation for groups and private parties. A small admission fee is charged. Call (501) 753-7307 for more information.