Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

White Oak Is First State Park To Be Remodeled

The first state park in Arkansas to be completely re-constructed is White Oak State Park at Bluff City.

It re-opened Friday, June 16. The park closed last year on July 5 for the overhaul.

The park first opened in 1969.

Heavy spring rains during the re-construction caused the re-opening date to be delayed, but with the job complete it's time for recreational vehicles to start rolling into the park.

White Oak Park, rated by many in the past as one of the nicest parks in the state, has been completely renovated with the entire camping area having a facelift that included re-paving every campsite to make them longer, wider and level to meet the need of many of the recreational vehicles that have one, two or three slide-out rooms. This, plus all new electrical and water lines, tables, grills and garbage disposal were installed.

Improvements at the park totaled over $535,715, including new road access with a total one-way routing and the addition of three more campsites, bringing the park total to 45 sites, with 41 class A and for tent sites.

The park also has a pavilion, playground, picnic sites, trails, visitor center, launch ramp and a barrier free fishing pier.

Ron Salley, park superintendent, is excited about the completion of the renovation. "Our patrons will hardly believe the overall improvements of their park," he said in a prepared statement. "We had hoped to be open for the Memorial Day weekend, but it was not to be, but we will welcome everyone for July 4th."

The renovation at White Oak Park only becomes a reality when voters state-wide approved a 1/8 cent sales tax designed solely for the improvements at existing parks and the planned construction of three new parks. (The tax generates slightly over $17 million a year.)

The end is not in sight for further improvements at White Oak. Included will be support construction of new employee residences, office improvements, maintenance equipment, and in the fiscal years 03-05, construction of 20 additional campsites on adjoining acreage, and fiscal years 05-07 the construction of 10 rent cabins (perhaps across the lake from the campground.)

The park is open on a first come, first served accommodation, but a reservation system is also available. For information on reservations, camping rates and pavilion rental the phone number at the park is 870-685-2123. You may e-mail at whiteoak@arkansas.com