Eden Park Home To State's Largest Private Pool

Eden Park Racquet Club and Spa has been a staple of Pine Bluff for almost 88 years. But there's nothing old about the fun. Each year, thousands of kids swarm the park for its fantastic pool -- the largest privately owned pool in the state of Arkansas. There's a towering water spiral, a Hydro Tower, and even a cantina -- for those who wish to dine while swimming.

Don't want to get wet? Check out the park's fantastic spa. The spa is home to a licensed massage therapist and an airbrush tanning system.

The resort's tennis courts are world-class, with four outdoor and two indoor courts. There are even camps for kids who want to learn the art of tennis.

The park hosts an annual New Year's Celebration. This year's guest is Jason D. Williams. There's also a fine restaurant and a sports bar where you can catch Razorback action.

The park has a long history. The original land was purchased with stock in 1918. A swimming pool and golf course was built there. The pool operated every summer, up to World War II, when pilots trained on the land.

Three men -- Leslie McIntyre, Bill McNeill, and Olen Jones -- went out to see the old Natorium on the land on one day in fall 1944. They decided to purchase the recently abandoned land and reopen the park themselves.

Over the years, the park has changed quite a bit. Eden Park had one of the first 50 indoor tennis courts in the U.S. -- possibly the first this far south. For a time there was even a wooden tennis court on the land. A nightclub called The Reservation Club was open for many years. Leslie McIntyre has written a personal account of his experience at Eden Park -- you can read it by clicking on the link on the right.

Eden Park Racquet Club and Spa is located at 41st Street and Elm Street in Pine Bluff. For more information, call the Park at (870) 534-7114 or click on the Eden Park Racquet Club and Spa link to the right.

Jeannie Smith of Pine Bluff won a fantastic package including dinner at the Park's fine restaurant for two, a personal traning session for two, and a massage for two -- valued at more than $400! -- for knowing that Arkansas' largest privately owned pool is located at Eden Park Racquet Club and Spa in Pine Bluff. Do you know a lot about our state? Check out our Where in Arkansas? contest, returning to Today's THV on January 29th!