Riverside Park - City of Batesville

Riverside Park is a park located alongside the beautiful White River and is the most visited park in Independence County. The Park has been managed for decades by the City of Batesville. Riverside Park is maintained year-round. So gather up the extended family (the fun ones anyway) and make it a day-long field trip.

1770 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR 72501

Playgrounds

Playgrounds are the only place in the whole wide world where your sole responsibility is to have as much fun as possible. Kids can be an astronaut soaring to the moon on a rocket swing.

Riverside Park has two playgrounds for children to be active and explore in. The large playground is located next to Pavilion Number 1. This playground is designed to encourage imagination, exploration, and discovery for almost any age. A large green space is also available to play kickball, soccer, football, or any other activity that your family enjoys. The vibrant colors of this playground will instantly plant a smile even on the fussiest of toddlers.

The second playground is located next to Pavilion number 2 and adjacent to the bathroom facility. This playground is designed for children ages 3 and up. There is also a historic train that enhances the scenery at the playground and offers another great area to play and explore.

For more information about our playgrounds and pavilion rentals, call our office at 870-698-2427 or click “Pavilion Rental” to see daily rate fees and availability.

Amphitheatre

Are you looking for a great venue to get married or hold a concert? Riverside Amphitheatre is an excellent location! The picturesque venue is a great place to host any type of party or gathering in any season. To make a reservation or inquire about daily usage fees, please call our office at 870-698-2427.

Pavilions 1-5 and Rental Rates

The Batesville Parks and Recreation Department has 5 pavilions available for daily rental fees. Pavilions are great for any occasion. Pavilions 2, 3, and 4 have water and electrical hookups. Bring bounce houses or other electrical equipment you may need to enjoy your day at the Park. You may also bring grills for personal use. Each pavilion has a $25.00 daily usage fee. To make reservations, please call the Parks office at 870-698-2427. All reservations and payments can be made by phone. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Daily Pavilion Rentals

Both Kennedy and Riverside Parks have pavilions available for a nominal fee. Below you can click and view each rental.

Pavilion Number 1

Pavilion Number 1 (Fire Station Pavilion) is located next to the Fire Station Training Center. This pavilion will hold approximately 30 guests and is located next to a playground and green field. The daily usage fee for all pavilion rentals is $25.00. All reservations can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 870-698-2427. All reservations and payments can be made by phone. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Pavilion Number 2

Pavilion Number 2 (Train Pavilion) is located next to the Historic Train. This pavilion is a great location for those wanting to play Volley Ball, Basketball, and bocce ball. Near the pavilion is a playground for children ages 3 and up with bathroom facilities located in this same area. This pavilion approximately holds 50 guests. The daily usage fee on all Pavilion rentals is $25.00. All reservations can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 870-698-2427. All reservations and payments can be made by phone. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Pavilion Number 3

Pavilion Number 3 (Amphitheatre Pavilion) is located directly in front of the Amphitheatre. This pavilion is an excellent location for breathtaking views of the White River. Close by is a playground and bathroom facility. This pavilion is a great addition if you have reserved the Amphitheatre because of its location in proximity to the Amphitheatre. This pavilion holds approximately 50 guests. The daily usage fee for all Pavilion rentals is $25.00. All reservations and payments can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 870-698-2427. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Pavilion Number 4

Pavilion Number 4 (Lock and Dam Pavilion) is located at the far end of the park and directly in front of the lock and dam. This pavilion is an excellent place to hold large gatherings. There are no playgrounds, but there is an open green field to relax and enjoy the river. For those guests renting pavilions we offer the Municipal Golf Course as a restroom area. This pavilion holds approximately 50 guests. The daily usage fee for all Pavilion rentals is $25.00. All reservations and payments can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 870-698-2427. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Pavilion Number 5

Pavilion Number 5 (Kennedy Park Pavilion) is located at Kennedy Park across from Riverside Park. This pavilion is a great choice for those wanting to have a more “private” venue. This park is the least often used and is a perfect choice for a birthday party or barbeque with friends and family. There is a small playground located next to the pavilion, and a restroom. This pavilion approximately holds 30 guests. The daily usage fee for all Pavilion rentals is $25.00. All reservations and payments can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 870-698-2427. Payments may also be mailed to 1830 Chaney Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501.

Seasonal Activities at Riverside Park

Christmas at Riverside Park is the ultimate attraction for Christmas enthusiasts! Riverside Park illuminates with a magical light display, thanks to the City of Batesville Landscaping Department. The City of Batesville, in partnership with First Community Bank, has announced a new addition to Riverside Park’s “White River Wonderland”. Visitors to the park will have access to a synthetic ice skating rink. It just wouldn’t be winter without a spin around the rink! So, come and lace up your skates and swirl away! People come from across the region and neighboring states to visit our spectacular light show and to ride carriages through Riverside Park. Come see the best lighted display and ice rink in all of North Eastern Arkansas!

Free outdoor movie screenings rule the summer inside Riverside Park. “Movies in the Park” is held at the Amphitheatre from June to October. Before dusk, Riverside Park is bustling with activity and enticing aroma of food. “Movies In The Park” is sponsored by local businesses and they are what help make “Move In The Park” an incredible family experience! So, bring a loved one or two, a pillow, blanket, and an easy chair and make yourself comfortable in our beautiful park. All movies are wholesome family movie choices. Make sure to like the “Batesville Parks” Facebook page for dates and showtimes!

Do you love the sounds of a Parade, the smell of funnel cakes, and looking at Vintage cars? If so, then the White River Water Carnival is a must see for yourself! This event is held every September and is hosted by the Batesville Chamber of Commerce. Riverside and Kennedy Park are filled to the max with activities and people! Boat races, parades, car shows, food vendors, and local businesses make Batesville Parks bustle with activity! The Water Carnival is a great way to come out and support area businesses and meet new people in the community. For more information, call The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-793-2378 or visit their webpage at www.batesvilleareachamber.com

Ah the sounds of Freedom. The heart throbbing sounds of fireworks light up the skies of Batesville on the 4th of July! The fireworks display is held every year alongside the banks of the majestic White River. Each year, several thousand people attend the annual 4th of July Festivities at Riverside Park. But, sitting along the banks of the White River is not your only option for spectacular seating; Kennedy Park has a boat launch! The view from your boat is breathtaking! So, come out and celebrate Freedom by boat or by lawn chair, either view is breathtaking!

Wildlife and Flora

Riverside Park, is home to the State Champion Chinkapin Oak tree. The Chinkapin Oak, has a circumference of 212 inches, a crown spread of 117 feet and a vertical height of 102 feet, resulting in a bigness index of 343. Come and visit our Champion Oak and take a picture or two. For more information about the Arkansas Champion tree located in Batesville, AR. Visit www.arkansasforestry.org.

Riverside Park is also home to the Bald and Golden Eagle. Because of the White River and forested terrain, the Bald and Golden eagles visit Riverside Park. The White River is a place of feasting for the Bald Eagles as they can find; fish, waterfowl, turtles, rabbits, and other small animals for food. The Golden Eagles love to build nests near cliffs and large areas of forested trees and the banks of the White River is just the perfect spot for their nesting needs. Both the Bald and Golden Eagles are protected species and Batesville Parks asks that you help us protect them! Enjoy watching them in their natural habitat and help us keep their home safe inside the Batesville Parks.

Photo Gallery

River Walk

If one of your favorite things to do every day is exercising your mind, body, and spirit, then using the River Walk is for you! The River Walk is a 1.2 mile Walking/Bike trail that follows the banks of the beautiful White River. There are two overlooks at the beginning and the end of the trail that give spectacular views of the river. The trail is lit for night walking as well. The River Walk is great for a place to bring the little ones for a bike ride too. Batesville Parks and Recreation desires that our community “BE ACTIVE”! We work hard to keep the River Walk beautiful day and night! Come explore and enjoy!