Big Spring Park

     Known as a meeting place for Native Americans before the arrival of white settlers, the area that is now Big Spring Park is usually considered to be heart of Cotter. Located under the rainbow bridge, the park contains a baseball field, volleyball court, picnic areas  and restrooms.

The park is also the starting place for the upstream walking trail, two miles of beautiful scenery beside the river under the cliffs, and the downstream walking trail between the creek and the river.  

     Regarded by the Arkansas Department of Game and Fish as a trout sanctuary, the Big Spring itself is said to contain water which comes from famed bass stream, Crooked Creek, just next door in Marion County. The fish spawn in the Big Spring and in the creek that connects it to the White River downstream from the river access. But that spawning only lasts a short time. The rest of the time, the Cotter kids take over the swimming hole. 

     For several generations, a large tree grew beside the spring. The rope which hung from one of its big branches was the swing which hurled the children out over the spring so they could take the cold plunge. In 1970, the tree was blown down in a storm. Some years later, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the help of Entergy embedded a large steel beam the bank to take its place. The tradition of the swing at the spring continues.

     The latest addition to the park is the Anglin-Tinnon Railroad Workers Memorial. Built by the Care Crew, there are two cabooses, a bronze, life-size sculpture of a conductor, a kiosk with important historical information about the town and the railroad, and a gazebo, which can be rented for weddings or other special events. (A former resident left a large bequest to cover most of the costs.)

     Open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park is busier than ever. The big pavilion full of picnic tables is frequently rented for family reunions, parties, or other events ($40 per day - check with City Hall). There's some great play equipment for children, thanks to the Cotter Care Crew, and the White River access is just across the street. 

     Also available for public meetings is the Spring House, a home just outside the park renovated by the Care Crew. There are kitchen facilities, a restroom and a large meeting area. There's also a deck for enjoying the outdoors. Contact City Hall to reserve this area, too.