Kanis Park

Park History

Located on S. Rodney Parham Rd. in Little Rock, Arkansas, Kanis Park spreads across 46 acres of gently rolling terrain alongside Rock Creek in the western part of the city.

The land was acquired from the E.D. Kanis family back in 1968, with major developments following in 1969 and again a decade later in 1979.

Recreational Facilities

Kanis Park combines natural beauty with various recreational options. A bike path weaving through the grounds became part of Little Rock's larger cycling network in 1979, making the park more connected and accessible to the community.

In 2020, six pickleball courts joined the park's lineup of amenities, quickly becoming a hotspot for this increasingly popular sport. If you're looking to join a game, you'll find players of all skill levels most weekday afternoons between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Saturday mornings.

The tennis courts come with lights, so you can keep rallying even after the sun goes down.

Diverse Amenities

The park includes a popular skate park that attracts many skateboarders. It's divided into four distinct sections: an original area with character (and admittedly rougher concrete), an expanded section with smoother surfaces, a half pipe for catching air, and a smaller pool area. There are benches throughout and even a covered seating area for taking a breather between runs.

Families with little ones will appreciate the playground that's particularly well-suited for younger children. When it's time for lunch or a celebration, several pavilions scattered within the park provide perfect spots to gather.

Natural Features

A small creek meanders through the park, where you can try your luck at catching fish on a lazy afternoon. The landscape offers a pleasant mix of open sunny spaces and shaded areas, creating natural variety as you explore.

The walking trails provide peaceful paths for your morning jog or evening stroll. The park offers a nice balance of natural elements and recreational facilities - you can choose to be active or simply enjoy some quiet time in nature.

Recent Improvements

Little Rock hasn't neglected this community green. Recent investments have refreshed and enhanced various facilities within the park.

Looking ahead, some exciting changes are in the works, including the rebuilding of popular basketball courts that were previously located under I-630 (removed during highway expansion).

Access to the park is also improving with plans for a 14-foot wide trail connecting the southwest corner of Rodney Parham Rd. and Mississippi St. to the park entrance. A new bridge over the creek crossing will make entering the park easier for everyone.

Community Value

Kanis Park provides a green space within Little Rock's urban landscape where visitors can exercise and neighbors can gather.

Occasionally, the park transforms for community events complete with food trucks, bounce houses, activities, and sometimes even horse rides - creating memories and strengthening neighborhood bonds.

With its mix of sports facilities, natural spaces, and gathering spots, Kanis Park has options for many interests. The atmosphere is especially pleasant during daylight hours, when the park is filled with visitors.