Wilson Park

Wilson Park, located in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the city's first and oldest public park, encompassing 22.75 acres of land. Established in 1906, the park has a rich history that spans over a century. Initially owned and operated privately by A.L. Trent, it was later purchased by a group of local businessmen in the mid-1920s before being acquired by the City of Fayetteville in 1944.

The park features a unique attraction known as "The Castle," created by local artist Frank Williams in 1981. This whimsical sculpture, originally named "Seven Points," has become one of the most photographed places in Fayetteville. The Castle incorporates an active natural spring that once fed into Trent's Pond, a former local swimming hole. Over the years, additional artistic elements have been added to the park by artist Eugene Sargent, including flower-shaped benches, a 45-foot earthworm retaining wall, and a 14-foot long skink sculpture.

Wilson Park is home to a municipal swimming pool that operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The park also includes Scull Creek, which flows along its eastern boundary, passing under the swimming pool before exiting at the western edge of the park.

The park's landscape includes beautiful gardens, a spring-fed pond, and various recreational facilities. It is known for its natural beauty, featuring large, developed trees that provide ample shade. One notable tree in the park is a bois d'arc, or "Osage Orange" tree, estimated to be around 100 years old and designated as one of Fayetteville's "Amazing Trees."

Wilson Park serves as a popular gathering spot for local residents and visitors alike, offering a blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and unique artistic features that reflect the character of Fayetteville.