Jonesboro is a bustling city located in the northeast region of Arkansas. Home to over 75,000 residents, Jonesboro offers big city amenities alongside small town charm. At the heart of it all are the city’s parks, which provide residents and visitors alike with scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, sports, or just some fresh air – Jonesboro’s extensive park system has something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will explore 10 of the top parks scattered throughout the city, from large regional parks to smaller neighborhood spots. Let’s begin our tour of Jonesboro’s finest greenspaces.
As the largest city in Northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro prides itself on maintaining a high quality of life for its citizens. A key part of that is the extensive network of parks that serve both recreation and beautification purposes. With over 20 parks totaling around 1,000 acres, Jonesboro residents are never far from green escape. The parks vary significantly in size from smaller neighborhood areas to massive regional destinations.
In this article, we will spotlight 10 of Jonesboro’s most notable parks. We’ll discuss amenities, features, activities available, and why each deserves recognition among the city’s best. From sprawling lakes to adventure playgrounds, these diverse parks have something for everyone. Let’s start our tour through Jonesboro’s top greenspaces.
Nettleton Park
Situated on 104 acres in the heart of Jonesboro, Nettleton Park is the city’s premier regional destination. Home to amenities like baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and six miles of walking/biking trails, it truly has something for all ages.
The centerpiece is Nettleton Lake, a 22-acre lake popular for fishing, pedal boating, and leisurely strolls around its scenic shoreline. Other notable features include a playground, sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing, and the new “Nature Playground” – an interactive area with logs, rope bridges, and a stream to encourage outdoor exploration and imaginative play. Nettleton Park is easily one of the busiest and most well-rounded in the city.
Ferrell Park
Situated just north of downtown Jonesboro, 115-acre Ferrell Park is the city’s second largest greenspace. Renovated in recent years, it now boasts a 1.25 mile walking trail, two large fishing ponds, three playground areas, multi-purpose fields, and picnic spots. However, the main attractions are Ferrell Lake and the surrounding wetlands.
Encompassing 30 acres, Ferrell Lake is a haven for wildlife viewing with great blue herons, egrets, and other birds commonly seen along the shoreline or soaring overhead. Anglers also flock here to try their luck at catching bass, bluegill, and crappie. A scenic boardwalk through the adjacent wetlands provides an up-close experience of the area’s natural beauty. Combined with the variety of activities on offer, Ferrell Park delivers diverse recreational opportunities within a relaxing natural setting.
Brookland Soccer Complex
Home to the largest dedicated soccer complex in Northeast Arkansas, 60-acre Brookland Park is a mecca for the beautiful game. With nine regulation sized soccer fields suitable for both youth and adult leagues, it hosts year-round programming and tournaments that draw participants from throughout the region.
Beyond soccer, the park also contains two playgrounds, one field for general active play, over a mile of walking trails, and multipurpose open fields for pick-up games. Recent upgrades added permanent restrooms, additional parking, and new bleachers to accommodate larger crowds. Whether you’re watching your kids play, practicing your skills, or catching an elite competition – Brookland Soccer Complex has Jonesboro’s soccer community covered.
Harris Park
Tucked away in a quiet North Jonesboro neighborhood sits seven-acre Harris Park, a delightful small park that feels miles away from the busy city. The highlight is a charming 1/3 mile paved walking trail that circumnavigates the park’s perimeter, passing underneath a canopy of mature trees.
Along the path are scenic picnic tables, playground equipment, and the park’s namesake – a picturesque fishing pond stocked with bass and bluegill. It’s a relaxing spot perfect for families and those seeking a brief escape from the daily grind. While quaint in size, Harris Park packs a big punch for tranquility and natural beauty in downtown Jonesboro.
Craighead Forest Park
Venture just outside city limits to discover 640 acres of wilderness at Craighead Forest Park. As the largest park in the system, it offers seclusion alongside an array of recreational activities. Over six miles of multi-use trails weave through hardwood forests, past wetlands, and alongside rocky greenstone outcroppings – offering stunning forest scenery.
Other amenities include equestrian trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic areas, and six reservable picnic shelters. Fishing and non-motorized boating are permitted at forest lakes stocked with bass and bluegill. The area is also a haven for spotting deer, turkeys, and various migratory birds. With so much natural beauty and things to do, Craighead Forest Park is the perfect escape into Northeast Arkansas’ enchanting woodlands.
Caraway City Park
Located near downtown Caraway just south of Jonesboro, this 20-acre community park serves both city and nearby rural residents. Facilities include two playgrounds, two lighted baseball/softball fields, four tennis courts, basketball goals, and a lovely half-mile walking trail bordering a large open field.
The scenic trail provides lovely views of pastures and grazing livestock while also staying active. On sunny afternoons, the open grassy area transforms into an impromptu community gathering spot. Nearby pond stocking events through the year further boost family-friendly recreation. Caraway City Park gives both young and old an inviting place to socialize and get some exercise close to home.
Southwood Park
Nestled within a quiet Jonesboro neighborhood lies three-acre Southwood Park, a charming gem. The centerpiece is a picturesque half-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish – perfect for relaxing shoreline fishing. Other features include a playground for tots, benches along the shoreline, and a half-mile paved walking trail circling the scenic waterfront.
Away from home activities, Southwood Park provides a serene place for quiet enjoyment of nature. picnic tables invite staying awhile with scenic lake views. Come dusk, the twinkling of fireflies reflects upon the shimmering water – creating a magical atmosphere. Within the bustle of the city, Southwood Park feels like a peaceful oasis.
Swan Lake
An impressive 38-acre waterfowl habitat dotted with ponds and wetlands, Swan Lake draws birdwatchers from far and wide. Beyond migratory fowl like great blue herons and snowy egrets, it plays home to resident life like swans, geese, and ring-necked ducks. Over two miles of levee top trails encircle the ponds, offering close observations of the feathered residents.
Come during winter months and you may spot spectacular congregations numbering in the hundreds flocking together on the calm waters. Anglers also find opportunities amongst lily pad covered margins and open water to cast for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Swan Lake takes nature appreciation to new heights as one of Northeast Arkansas’ top birding destinations.
Lakeside Park
Situated along the shores of Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center’s 100-acre Lake Frierson, 20-acre Lakeside Park serves as an outdoor recreation hub. The scenic half-mile Lakeview Trail encircles portions of the lake through hardwood forests, providing chances to spot migratory birds and black bears.
Beyond the trail, the park contains two fishing piers, picnic areas, playground equipment, an open grassy field, and access to non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks. It’s a picturesque backdrop for relaxing waterside recreation with family. As part of the Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center complex, Lakeside Park brings nature appreciation full circle along one of Jonesboro’s most beautiful natural areas.
Conclusion
From small neighborhood gems to massive regional hubs, Jonesboro’s 20+ parks encompass over 1,000 acres of lush greenspace enhancing both recreation and environmental stewardship. The 10 parks featured here showcase only a sampling of what the extensive system has to offer.
Whether you seek adventure, sports, tranquility in nature or just family time outdoors – Jonesboro delivers world-class parks for all ages. Their invaluable contributions to quality of life is sure to stay appreciated for generations to come. As the city continues advancing recreational opportunities, Jonesboro solidifies its status as a top place to live in Northeast Arkansas.