Creative PlacemakingCommunity Engagement

Phillips County Splash Park

Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
The project

Architect Ryan Biles serves as Director of Creative Placemaking for Helena, Arkansas-based nonprofit design firm Thrive, Inc. Envisioning a proud + fun downtown park, the team organized charettes that incorporated input from Thrive After School students in sessions with landscape architect EDG. Thrive’s team designed the park identity signage which connects the destination to local trails, spearheaded fundraising, and served as project manager on behalf of Phillips County, Arkansas. Downtown Helena now has a connection to the water that had been overlooked, in spite of the Mighty Mississippi located a few blocks away just across the levee. This now lively outdoor space serves as a recreation asset for local families, with a shaded gathering under the Partners Bank Pavilion, bright furnishings, and colorful lighting at night.

Children playing in the splash pad jets with bright Adirondack chairs in the foreground and the Partners Bank Pavilion beyond
The Phillips County Splash Park at Court Square Park identity sign, a blue panel on a curved concrete base
Aerial view of the circular splash pad, pavilion, and surrounding walks
Elevated view of the splash park with the Phillips County Courthouse across the square
The park sits at Court Square Park, a few blocks from the levee. Photography by Rory Doyle.

Project team

  • ClientPhillips County, Arkansas
  • Project Manager & SignageThrive, Inc., Helena, Ark.
  • Landscape ArchitectEDG
  • PhotographyRory Doyle

Related work

The park is the case study behind the PROUD + FUN Workshop, our placemaking session for downtown teams.

See more of the work

Every project starts with a place worth keeping and a coalition ready to keep it.

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