John Bell, Jr. Park
Fort Smith, AR
Large all-inclusive playground in Fort Smith with poured-in-place rubber surfacing, perimeter fencing, shade structures, on-site parking, and adjacent sports fields.
Know Before You Go
- Weather
- Outdoor park; visits are weather dependent.
- Bring
- Water
- Bring
- Sun protection for uncovered areas
- Bring
- Mobility aids or adaptive gear as needed
What to Expect
Play profile
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
Visit amenities
- Shade
- Parking
- Accessible parking
- Seating
- Partial shade
- Visit type
- Destination outing.
Read more about this location
John Bell, Jr. Park is one of the strongest inclusive playground options in the Arkansas River Valley and is designed as a destination-style public play stop. The City of Fort Smith specifically describes the playground as all-inclusive, with poured-in-place rubber surfacing, perimeter fencing, and large shade structures across the main play areas. Families also get easy parking and room to spread out thanks to the larger park setting with soccer fields and additional amenities planned around the site.
Hours & Admission
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Known Features
Poured-in-place rubber surfacing
Known Features
Perimeter fencing
Known Features
Large shade structures across main play areas
Known Features
All-inclusive playground design
Considerations
The city confirms inclusive design and surfacing, but does not publish a full equipment list on the pages reviewed.
Considerations
Families with specific transfer or swing needs may want to visually assess the site on arrival.
Mobility features
Ground-level play
Mobility features
Wide pathways
These details summarize published sources and dated reports. They are not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Location
1701 Spradling Ave
Fort Smith, AR, 72904
Other options nearby
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Inclusive Playground
Inclusive playground at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Fort Smith, next to the splash pad and within a larger community park with restrooms, pavilions, trails, and sports fields.
Sources & Updates
2 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 11, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 11, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 2 public sources
Public sources
- City of Fort Smith Parks Directoryfortsmithar.gov
Directory lists John Bell, Jr. Park with an inclusive playground and official image.
Checked: name, address, inclusive playground amenity, image, park context
- City of Fort Smith Parks Projectsfortsmithar.gov
Project page gives the strongest published accessibility details for the playground.
Checked: all-inclusive design, poured-in-place rubber surfacing, perimeter fencing, shade structures
What changed
April 11, 2026
Created listing from official Fort Smith parks directory and capital project pages.
Accessibility details reflect available public information and dated reports, not an ADA inspection.