On November 9, the City of North Little Rock posted an update for Burns Park opening the multi-use trails for equestrians. The trails at Burns Park, south of I-40, are designated as multi-use trails which led Arkansas Outside to question North Little Rock City Parks concerning these trails being opened only to horses. The results of those discussions were documented in our article on November 15.
After posting the article, we spoke with North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick about the situation. In our conversation, he assured me that the parks would inventory the trails that were safe for all users and open them up.
Today North Little Rock Parks posted the following on Facebook:
The City of North Little Rock continues to work diligently to open additional areas in Burns Park. The park was heavily damaged by the March 31 tornado and was also used as the hub for debris removal.
NOW OPEN in Burns Park:
□ Multi-use paved and unpaved trails are open. Exception being the Green Trail east of the RV Park and south of Arlene Laman is still closed. No vehicular traffic is allowed. Please follow all signage placed in these areas.□ Trail parking is allowed at the equestrian parking area on Joe K. Poch Road just south of Interstate-40.
□ Access to the soccer complex will open soon.
□ The River Trail restroom at Victory Lake between the soccer complex and golf course.
STILL CLOSED in Burns Park:
□ Archery Range, BMX, and RV areas
□ Arlene Laman Drive, until early 2024
□ Joe K. Poch Road south of Interstate-40
They also included this map:
Here is a map I created showing the trails currently open to equestrian, mountain bike, and pedestrian (runner/hiker) use. Remember to enter the park from Joe K. Poch Drive and follow all posted signs.
We’ll let you know as more facilities open.
