The City of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Boyle Park, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational spaces for residents. The upgrades, made possible through bond funds and grant support, are part of a broader investment in high-quality park experiences throughout the city.
Boyle Park, one of Little Rock’s most historic and expansive parks, is undergoing a significant transformation. With the help of bond funds and an Outdoor Recreation Grant, the park now boasts a large, modern playground that includes natural play elements and equipment designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy the space.
Additionally, a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant was awarded to support the development of new mountain bike trails and a bike skills park at Boyle Park. This funding has been used to enhance trail infrastructure, including adding a bike skills course, new trail segments, and improved connections to existing trails. These amenities create an engaging outdoor recreation area for cyclists of all levels. The Outdoor Recreation Coordinator will be at the event with bikes and helmets, allowing attendees to experience the new trails firsthand. Affordable Trail Solutions was contracted to create the new trails and construct the skills course.
The new trails feature a progressive downhill section located near the skills area and playground, along with approximately 2.5 miles of new mountain bike paths on the east side of the park. This addition brings the total length of singletrack to about 7 miles, which includes a combination of hand-cut, volunteer-built trails, and modern, machine-built flow trails.
“We’re excited to see more transformative work at Boyle Park, a beloved destination for history lovers, trail enthusiasts, and families. With the ongoing help of volunteers and the great support from our Parks Conservancy, Boyle Park is becoming a place for everyone,” said Parks and Recreation Director Leland Couch.
Little Rock Parks and Recreation aims to promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen community ties, and encourage outdoor recreation through initiatives like this one. The new and improved park spaces offer residents of all ages opportunities for connection, play, and relaxation.
Here is a video tour of the old and new trails:
- Location: Boyle Park, Pavilion 3
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 30th at 11:00 am
Volunteerism
Over the years, Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA) has been instrumental in enhancing the trail system at Boyle Park. Through dedicated volunteer efforts and trail maintenance projects, CATA has worked to improve trail accessibility, safety, and overall riding experience. By rerouting trails, building bridges, and clearing obstacles, CATA has helped create a network of well-maintained trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. Their ongoing commitment to Boyle Park ensures that this urban oasis remains a popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.
Park History
Boyle Park, a beloved Little Rock landmark, traces its origins back to 1929 when Dr. John F. Boyle generously donated 231 acres of land to the city. This generous gift aimed to create a public space for recreation and relaxation. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) further enhanced the park’s appeal by constructing rustic buildings and trails, leaving a lasting legacy of their work. Today, Boyle Park continues to offer a serene escape within the city, inviting visitors to explore its natural beauty, engage in outdoor activities, and appreciate the historical significance of this cherished green space.
The Park is near the Broadmoor neighborhood on Boyle Park Road, west of University Blvd between 12th Street and Asher.
For further information about the event or ongoing park projects, contact Little Rock Parks and Recreation at (501) 371-6843 or visit www.littlerock.gov/parks.
