White Oak turns 50
White Oak Lake State Park celebrated its 50th Anniversary on May 30, at the park pavilion. Speakers were Park Superintendent Daniel Browne, Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commissioner Mary Joe Rogers and Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver. White Oak Lake State Park was open to the public on April 1, 1969. The first Superintendent was Ed Cottingham. His children were in attendance for the 50th Anniversary Celebration; they are Sallie Graves of Little Rock, and James Cottingham of Prescott. Guest enjoyed watching a slide show of pictures taken of the park before 1999 and after the park was remodeled and reopened in 2000. Guest also enjoyed refreshments and a door prize consisting of a two night stay in an Arkansas State Park cabin or lodge room. Julie Oliver of Prescott was the winner of the door prize with Arkansas State Park Deputy Director, Shea Lewis, presenting.
White Oak Lake State Park is located among the wooded, rolling hills of southwest Arkansas and is 725-acres. It is situated on White Oak Lake, a popular fishing lake. Watchable wildlife and birding opportunities also abound here. Park facilities include 45 campsites (four Class A, 37 Class B and four tent sites), a newly renovated private bathhouse, visitor center with exhibits, store with fishing supplies, marina with boat rentals, launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites and a playground. Hiking and mountain biking trails lead through marshlands and up to tree-lined ridges. Bicycles can be rented at the visitor center. In the summer, enjoy interpretive programs.
For further information on park hours, fees, or pavilion reservations, contact: White Oak Lake State Park, 563 Highway 387, Bluff City, AR 71722 Telephone: (870) 685-2748 or 685-2132 or login towww.ArkansasStateParks.com.