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.