Valencia offers fishing, exercise, beauty

MAUMELLE — Gordon Borst has been with the Parks and Recreation Department in Maumelle for 20 years, the last five of which he has served as assistant director. In that time, he has seen many good things come to his community.

One centerpiece of those visions has been Lake Valencia, one of the waters governed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Family and Community Fishing Program. The lake is located behind the Maumelle Library at 10 Lake Pointe Drive.

“Valencia offers bank fishing, a scenic area and exercise,” Borst said. “It has the trail that goes around the lake and can be used for jogging or walking. The lake is stocked in the winter with rainbow trout through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and, every other year, with catfish. We hold our fishing derby there in those years, alternating between Valencia and Lake Willastein.”

Maumelle Public Works was the original lead department for managing the lake. Then, Parks and Recreation took over at Valencia with endeavors like the addition of a plank walkway. Also, private citizens Fred and Mary Peyton help co-sponsor the fishing derbies, Borst said.

“They are truly pillars of the community in Maumelle and have been for years,” he said, noting how residents ranging from children to senior citizens can find recreational opportunities at Valencia.

It didn’t take long for Borst to answer what he finds so special about Valencia, responding, “Its location in the city is right at the city center. The opportunity there exists because it is so accessible.”

As if the lake, the exercise trail and photo possibilities presented by various birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects aren’t enough, add approximately 30 miles of paved exercise trails to the recreation opportunities available in Maumelle. Plus, there are tennis courts adjacent to Valencia on what used to be a vacant lot.

Those stats are enough for Borst to boast, “It’s a great recreational area for families with easy walking and biking access.”

For more information, call the Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department at (501) 851-6990.

JAMES K. JOSLIN/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION Melissa Stevener of Maumelle utilizes the exercise trail around Lake Valencia in Maumelle to get in an afternoon workout. While the lake attracts anglers, there are also opportunities to walk, jog, play tennis or do outdoor photography at this location...