Julius Breckling Riverfront Park
Julius Breckling Riverfront Park Map
About Julius Breckling Riverfront Park in Little Rock
Julius Breckling Riverfront Park is a 33-acre urban park located along the south bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Stretching across 11 blocks, the park serves as the city's "front lawn," offering residents and visitors a spacious green area for recreation and relaxation.
The park features a semi-formal arrangement of walks, terraces, plazas, and sitting areas, creating a blend of natural beauty and urban design. One of its most notable features is the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, which houses over 80 dynamic sculpture pieces intersected by walkways. Throughout the park, visitors can find more than 100 works of art, including sculptures and installations that add cultural and aesthetic value to the space.
Historical elements are also prominent in the park. The "Little Rock," the city's namesake, can be viewed from platforms along the river's edge. A History Pavilion near the Junction Bridge illustrates the riverfront's past through informational panels. The park is also home to La Petite Roche Plaza, which provides views of the actual "Little Rock" and historical information about the area's development.
For families and children, the park offers several recreational facilities. The Peabody Splash Park, located west of the Junction Bridge, features outdoor and underground tunnels, large native stones for climbing, a spray pad, and a large slide. There are also playgrounds with tunnels and climbing boulders scattered throughout the park.
The park plays a significant role in Little Rock's outdoor events and leisure activities. It hosts the annual Riverfest celebration during the last week of May and serves as a venue for various community gatherings throughout the year. The First Security Amphitheater, located within the park, is a premier outdoor concert venue with views of the Arkansas River.
Julius Breckling Riverfront Park is not only a recreational space but also an important part of the city's river trail system. It connects to the Arkansas River Trail and forms part of the 15.6-mile loop that links Little Rock and North Little Rock, making it a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.