From a state-of-the-art bike park to lakeside walking trails, the parks of Springdale offer something for everyone. The massive 200-acre mainstay for recreation includes sports fields, hiking and biking trails, and a pavilion on beautiful Lake Springdale.
Whether you’re looking to play some disc or frisbee golf, take a stroll around Murphy Park, cool off at Shaw Family Park, or enjoy an afternoon fishing on the lake at J.B. Hunt Park, Springdale AR parks are a popular destination.
Disc Golf Course
Disc golf is a sport that can bring out the competitive nature of anyone, but it’s also an activity that allows for family fun. The Northwest Arkansas region has plenty of places where players can hone their skills or learn the sport. McLarty Daniel Chevrolet is happy to highlight a few of them in this blog!
Last November, Farmington’s course was among three used for a sanctioned tournament hosted by Dynamic Discs. The event was the largest one of its kind in the state, with 272 registered professional and amateur disc golfers competing over three days.
In 2016, local resident and disc golf enthusiast Matt Loyd volunteered to bring J. Beast back to life. Working with the park and recreation department, he reclaimed the course from overgrowth, uncovered rusty hole baskets, and put in concrete tee pads. He also planted a lot of trees to create more challenging holes. The course features a mix of open fairways, allowing you to really rip, and technical wooded shots that help you master your tight turns and up shots.
Softball Fields
Whether you’re an avid golfer, looking to enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery, taking a hike, or playing pickleball, there’s something for everyone at JB Hunt. But that’s just the beginning of what makes this northwest Arkansas park special.
The city is seeking to sell bonds to convert 13 baseball, softball, and soccer fields to turf, Wolf said. “When you get a lot of rain, grass fields are going to have issues. They might not be playable for half a day,” while turf is designed with drainage in mind, he added.
These improvements will help tournaments, which generate revenue for the city because families are spending money at local restaurants and hotels while participating in the events, he said. But more importantly, they will encourage kids to be active instead of staying home and playing video games. This is important to the city’s future, he said.
Playgrounds
The park features playgrounds for children and a skate park. It also has two paved trails that total around 3 miles, plus connected off-road bike trails for the more adventurous.
The park is also home to a Miracle League baseball field that provides barrier-free access for people with physical and mental disabilities. It is also home to a lighted tennis court, the Rotary Adventure Park, and several picnic pavilions.
Another popular attraction is the award-winning Springdale Aquatic Park, located in Murphy Park. The $4 million facility features multiple pools and slides that draw thousands of families each summer.
Other parks include Luther George Park, which is undergoing an expansion and renovation; C.L “Charlie” and Willie George Park; Murphy Park; Shaw Family Park; the Runway Bike Park; and the new Lake Springdale Park. Each has its own unique set of activities and features that make it a fun place to visit for everyone in the family.
Walking Trails
For many people, hiking and going to parks is a regular, if not daily, activity. It’s a way to get some fresh air and relax after a long day or week.
In addition to the trails, JB Hunt Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for the entire family. The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, softball fields, playgrounds with wood chip fall zones, and more.
The city has purchased 40 acres of land to add to the park, which will extend it North to Lake Springdale. This expansion also includes Rabbit Foot Lodge, a historic home built in 1908. The city has agreed to place a conservation easement on the property and will try to partner with a non-profit to take care of the building. A natural spring runs through the property, and the springs were once the city’s main water source. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Driving directions from Hi-Tech Enterprises to J.B. Hunt Park
Driving directions from J.B. Hunt Park to C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park