Brookhill Ranch

If you’re ready to enjoy warmer weather in a safe outdoor environment, put Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park on your activity list. The venue provides something for everyone on 7.5 acres of pure entertainment, from bumper boats and go-karts to mini-golf and ropes obstacles. 

With a master’s degree in recreation, Big Rock owner Marci Hugg Hall reimagined the theme park (formerly Gator Park) and opened it several years ago. She says she always wanted to facilitate a way for others to pursue beneficial leisure activities. In 2012 and 2013, she discovered she finally had time to devote to this lifelong dream with her three children grown. 

Marci set out with hopes of building a miniature golf park, but her dreams turned into much more. “Miniature golf is a pastime that everyone can enjoy,” she says, “and I wanted to give back to my community.” 

The land had so much potential that Marci decided to expand her vision. Big Rock features a 36-hole mini-golf course with water features. 18 of these holes are handicapped-accessible. The original metal building was fine for an arcade, but without any windows, it was not very welcoming as an area to host parties. Architect Larry Kirchner and Marci put their heads together and the result is the big and bright new lobby, workspaces, and cheerful large party house surrounded by covered verandas with views of the park! 

Since 2013, Marci has added many new attractions and improved all the ones previously on the property. The Amazing Maze was added in 2017 along with the Aerial Adventure high ropes course. Early in 2020, the ultimate pitching machines were added to the batting cages, making it possible for every batter to choose the type of ball, and the speed and height of the pitch at the control box. 

Marci says she loves the fact that Big Rock is “homegrown” and 100 percent operated by employees and herself. 

“If anyone has a suggestion of changes or purchases that we could add to improve the place, and make the experience even better for our guests, we are able to implement them immediately. We do not have to follow corporate mandates as franchises do. We feel proud that we have a unique, one-of-a-kind place.” 

Big Rock is open seven days a week, all year round. During the time schools are in session, hours of operation are shortened. In order to give her managers work, Marci assigns them to improvement projects as funds allow, such as recently retrofitting the high ropes course to a continuous belay system that makes it easier to maneuver from obstacle to obstacle without ever clipping out of the harness! 

“At the end of the day, we hope that our customers have an increased connection with whomever they came with, or if they came alone, that they feel good about their choice to take some time to get active and do something that makes them feel better and feel happy. It’s proven that getting outdoors and participating in recreational activities is good for people’s health, body and soul.” 

Like most businesses, Big Rock has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 was devastating to Big Rock Fun Park in the spring months last year,” Marci says. “All of our hard work and preparation in hiring, training new staff for spring break felt wasted. We had to refund all the deposits for our parties and group events that were planned then canceled because of the pandemic.” 

Thankfully, the businesses received the Payroll Protection Plan and business picked up last summer while following health and safety protocols set forth by the Arkansas Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enhanced cleaning measures are in place and hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout the park for guests. 

Big Rock allows Arkansans to remain mindful of COVID-19 while enjoying recreational fun. With more restrictions being lifted this spring, Marci says she is hopeful to be able to start hosting groups again, such as corporate outings, family reunions, church youth groups, charity events and birthday parties for all ages. Everyone likes “friendly competition” and many businesses use our attractions as a fun way for team building. We are happy to help them plan their events to take the stress off the designated company events planner. 

“People want to get out and do something, and we’re grateful we can provide an outlet,” she says. “It’s all part of the great outdoors and it’s beautiful. It’s really unlike most recreational facilities in the area. It’s a much-needed place in the central Arkansas region.” 

Other attractions to round out the experience include the Amazing Maze, which provides a fun way to get lost and find your way out while finding checkpoints along the way. A bonus is that the maze is wheelchair accessible. The Aerial Adventure includes rope bridges and swinging planks. Big Rock Family Entertainment Center also features more than 50 arcade games, including classics like Ice-ball, air hockey and basketball and newer games like Ticket Time, Dance Dance Revolution and Space Invaders. The arcade has a ninja style Lazer Frenzy attraction, and a large prize wall. Rain or shine, you can enjoy a good time at Big Rock Fun Park, where everyone is a winner! 

Right now, hours of operation are 1:00 to 7:00 PM Monday-Thursday; noon to 10 PM Friday; 10 AM to 10 PM Saturday; and noon to 8 PM Sunday. Hours will be extended during spring break, holidays, and the summer months. Admission and parking are free and there are attraction discounts for military personnel and first responders.