Boyle Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boyle Park |
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Type | Urban park |
Location | Little Rock in Arkansas, United States |
Area | 250 acres (100 ha) |
Created | 1926 |
Operated by | Little Rock Parks and Recreation |
Status | Open all year |
Architect | Civilian Conservation Corps |
NRHP reference No. | 95001119 |
Added to NRHP | September 22, 1995 |
Boyle Park is a big, beautiful park located in Little Rock, Arkansas. It covers about 250 acres, which is like 250 football fields! This park is a special place because it has a lot of natural woodland. It also has some cool buildings and structures built a long time ago by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Because of these historic buildings, Boyle Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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Discover Boyle Park
Boyle Park is a large green area in the western part of Little Rock. It's known as an urban park, which means it's a natural space right inside a city. Most of the park is made up of untouched woods and forests. This makes it a great place to explore nature without leaving the city.
What Can You Do at Boyle Park?
Even though much of Boyle Park is natural woodland, there are still many fun things to do!
- Explore Nature: You can walk through the woods and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Playgrounds: The park has two playgrounds where younger kids can have fun.
- Ponds and Creeks: There's a small pond where you might see some wildlife. Rock Creek also flows right through the park, adding to its natural beauty.
- Trails: If you love to hike or bike, Boyle Park has many trails for you to use. These trails wind through the woods, offering great views.
- Gatherings: The park has three pavilions and one gazebo. These are perfect spots for picnics, parties, or just relaxing with friends and family.
- Open Spaces: There are also open meadows, which are great for playing games or just enjoying the sunshine.
History of Boyle Park
The land for Boyle Park was given to the City of Little Rock in 1929. It was a gift from a kind person named Dr. John F. Boyle. This donation helped create the park we know today.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
One of the most interesting parts of Boyle Park's history involves the Civilian Conservation Corps, often called the CCC.
- What was the CCC? The CCC was a program started in the United States during the 1930s. This was a time when many people didn't have jobs. The CCC hired young men to work on important projects across the country.
- What did they do? These young men built parks, planted trees, and helped improve natural areas. They learned valuable skills and earned money to support their families.
- CCC at Boyle Park: At Boyle Park, the CCC built many structures using a "rustic architecture" style. This means they used natural materials like stone and wood, making the buildings blend in with the environment.
- Historic Buildings: Today, there are eight original CCC buildings still standing in Boyle Park. These include pavilions and other structures. They are important examples of the CCC's work and why the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to American history and culture.