Basin Spring Park

Basin Spring Park

Basin Spring Park Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, A Division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, Ralph Wilcox, photographer
Photo 2 of Basin Spring Park Photo 3 of Basin Spring Park
1890 established. Spring St. just north of Main St.

This public space occupies one of the few flat areas in the city. The park is paved with concrete, probably done when the streets were paved in 1927, and a series of curved limestone retaining walls edge the space against the steep mountain at its rear. In the center of the park is a circular ornamental fountain that receives its water from the spring eight to ten feet below the surface; this is the spring that led to the founding of the town. Near the spring is a wishing well. Although belief in the curative powers of the spring soon faded, the park marks the spot from which the town has its origins, and its water has never ceased flowing. With its shade trees and a c. 1921 band shell, the park effectively serves as the town square.

Writing Credits