Pine Bluff Japanese Garden

This little jewel of a garden is a gift from Iwai City, Japan, Pine Bluff's sister city. Alderman Benny Scallion* was instrumental in bringing to Pine Bluff the only Japanese garden open to the public in Arkansas at the time (1987). Twenty years later, it seems that it is still the only one in Arkansas. A press release issued in July 2006 indicates that it has been newly renovated.

Look for the tall tower rising behind the Jefferson County Main Library. Southwest of the tower a fountain flings water jubilantly into the sky. To the north, this peaceful oasis answers the fountain with the quiet sounds of growing things. The evergreens and azaleas and lichen-covered stones are enjoyable during any season.

The people of Pine Bluff are proud of their Japanese garden. They should be.

*A park named for Alderman Scallion is located to the east at the Convention Center. It is possible that the Japanese Garden was once located there, in Benny Scallion Park, before its renovation.

-source: waymarking.com