Recreational opportunities abound for children, adults and the young at heart. The Greene County Community Center serves as headquarters of Parks and Recreation. Three green-space parks, Reynolds Pool, baseball, softball and tennis complexes are maintained by staff and volunteers. Two private/public golf courses also provide the golf enthusiast an opportunity to play just about year-round with Arkansas's moderate temperatures.

Paragould is a nature lover's dream. It is located near some of the most plentiful lakes, streams and rivers in all of Arkansas. Crowley's Ridge State Park makes a special effort to bring more of the special events programming that makes the park an exciting and relaxing experience for the whole family.

The Collins Theater brings cultural events to the city throughout the year. The Greene County Fine Arts Council performs musicals such as "Mame" and "The Sound of Music" and are so well done, you may forget that you are in Paragould! Paragould is also home to Eastern Arkansas Ballet, a company of young people that make the holidays merry with their grand performance of the Nutcracker. Hometown Country is a community favorite as local folks take the stage to sing today's new country hits and great songs from the legends of country.

The Loose Caboose Festival, Twilight Jazz, and the Greene County Fair are annual events. Loose Caboose is staged in the historic downtown area as a celebration of the town's rich railroad heritage. This three-day event is a lively mix of musical performances showcasing blues, rock and country bands, a children's area and the best festival food in the state. The Greene County Fair is more than 100 years old and is the single largest county fair in the state. Twilight Jazz is a lawn party held on the grounds of the 1888 Courthouse in the fall of the year. An excellent meal, good music and good company provides the perfect setting for another great Paragould tradition.

Paragould has a rich tradition of family oriented recreational and entertainment opportunities. We are confident you will find something for everyone in your family.

City Parks

Parks and Recreation Department
121 N. 12th St.
Paragould, AR 72450
870-239-7530

Labor Park - Playground, sand volleyball, community center, paved walking track, picnic area.

Reynolds Park - Swimming pool, Reynolds Lake, fishing rodeo, picnic area, playground equipment.

Harmon Playfield - Tennis, picnic area, playground equipment, boys club.

Rotary Softball Complex - Men's and women's softball.

Francis Bland Baseball Complex - Youth and American Legion baseball.

Community Center - Senior Bees, Headstart, basketball, volleyball, indoor walking, aerobics, soccer.

State Parks & The Outdoors

Crowley's Ridge State Park - Left as an erosional remnant from the natural forces of rivers long ago, Crowley's Ridge stands 100 to 200 feet above the fertile plains of the Delta of eastern Arkansas. The ridge was named for Benjamin F. Crowley, a soldier during the War of 1812 who later began the first settlement in this part of the state. Crowley's Ridge forms a narrow arc of scenic rolling hills extending from the northeast corner of Arkansas in upper Clay County to the Mississippi River at Helena.

Lake Frierson State Park - Just 10 miles north of Jonesboro, more and more people are discovering one of the hottest fishing spots in northeast Arkansas, Lake Frierson. Built in the 1970s as a US Soil Conservation Service project, this 350-acre lake is now managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Lake Charles State Park - Lake Charles State Park is a haven for outdoor activity. Lake Charles, stocked with fighting bass, bream and catfish, spans 645 acres and is located only minutes from five scenic rivers and a 14,000 acre Game and Fish Management Area.

Powhatan Courthouse State Park - Powhatan Courthouse State Park features the Courthouse, jail, Ficklin-Imboden cabin and the telephone exchange building which are all included on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits focus on the history of Powhatan, from the arrival of the earliest settlers until 1870, and the growth and progression of the area since. Official records of Lawrence County, dating from 1813, are also available for research.

Old Davidsonville State Park - Formerly the city of Davidsonville, which was the site of Arkansas' first courthouse, post office, and land office, Old Davidsonville State Park seeks to preserve the historical remnants and natural environment of the surrounding area. Located near the convergence of Black River, Eleven Point and Spring River, excellent fishing and boating opportunities abound. An 11-acre fishing lake, picnicking areas and nature trails are also available for your enjoyment.