6 Popular Parks and Trails Near Jacksonville, AR
If it’s exercise or relaxation you’re after or just quality time with your loved ones, the parks in Jacksonville have just what you need. From educational spaces to sports and hiking trails, this city has an outdoor activity to suit everyone.
6 Popular Parks and Trails Near Jacksonville, AR
Dupree Park
There is so much to do at this 168-acre park that it will be impossible for you and your family to get bored. There is ample space to run around in and fly a kite or throw a frisbee. You and your friends can play baseball, football, softball, soccer, or disk golf.
Bring along your rod and fish in the lake, or go for a stroll on the paved 1.3-mile Sertoma Trail. There is a great dog park, covered benches, and three pavilions with electricity. When the hunger pangs get too much, grill a juicy piece of meat and have lunch under the trees.
Jimmie White Park
This is a beautiful setting for a relaxing afternoon with friends and family. Tall trees and rolling lawns surround the small lake and offer you the perfect opportunity to catch fish. Take a walk on the trails that snake through this 6-acre park and enjoy the scenery. This is the kind of park where you can bring a book and read or have a peaceful picnic.
Paradise Park
This 17.8-acre park, with its picturesque lake, is a fisherman’s haven. There is a boat launch and two piers to fish from. You can also go for a walk through the woods and over the pretty bridge on the 0.5-mile paved Wildlife Observation Trail. Birdlife is plentiful, so pack binoculars. There is a pavilion, picnic tables, and grills so you can enjoy a bite to eat.
Pleasure Park
Kids love to come to this park because of the colorful playground and the Splash Zone. There is a basketball court and enough open space in this 5.9-acre park for the kids to burn off energy. While your kids are having fun in the sun, you can relax next to the pool or grill a few hamburgers.
Stonewall Park
This is just the place to come to when you need a break away from your daily schedule to take in some fresh air and unwind. The park’s tree-lined trails are perfect for a jog or a walk. Sit down on one of the covered benches and just enjoy the fresh air. While you are there, visit the Howard Dunn Memorial.
Ron Newport Recycle Park
Although this park is an educational center for children to learn about recycling, it’s just as interesting to adults. Go on an educational tour of the recycling plant, visit the compost demonstration site, and the mulch area. The favorite feature in the park is the sculptures made out of recycled materials. Bring along a picnic basket and relax at one of the picnic spots.
Take a break from the rat race and come and enjoy the lakes, trails, and picnic spots in these beautiful and spacious parks. Visit Crain Ford today, where we give our customers the red-carpet experience.
5 Standout Safety Features of the 2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Ford Explorer is one of America’s best-selling SUVs, and for a good reason. This vehicle boasts exceptional safety ratings making it one of the best cars for families. 2020 brought upon some new safety features, so let’s take a look.
5 Best 2020 Ford Explorer Safety Features
1. Post-Collision Braking System
All trim levels of the Ford Explorer come with standard Post-Collision Braking. This feature saves lives by reducing the impact of secondary accidents. Once the vehicle detects initial contact, it applies moderate brake pressure to prevent further damage from occurring.
2. 360-Degree Camera
The Ford 360-degree camera ensures that you never run into a blind spot, whether you’re backing up or changing lanes. The rearview camera kicks in once you put the car in reverse and offers both fixed and active guidelines to help with going straight and turning angles. The camera has colored lines to indicate how close you are to an object and the center guideline helps you line up with a trailer hitch for when you’re towing something.
3. Active Park Assist 2.0
If you upgrade to the ST and Platinum trims, you’ll have access to the Active Park Assist 2.0 feature. This helps you focus on shifting and braking while the car takes over your steering wheel to help you park. This safety feature prevents accidents by allowing you to focus more on incoming traffic when parallel parking or backing into a parking space.
4. Ford CoPilot360
At the center of Ford’s safety features is the CoPilot360. This is a suite of great technology to help make driving safer. With this package, you get access to the following features:
- Auto high-beam headlamps
- Rearview camera
- Blindspot information system
- Cross-traffic alert
- Pre-collision assist
- Dynamic brake support
- Lane-keeping system
- And much more
All of these features combined exist to make driving the Explorer a safer experience for you and your family. These features are all available on the base model and the XLT trims. If you upgrade to the Limited, ST, or Platinum trim, you’ll enjoy the following added benefits:
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation
- Active park assist 2.0
- Reverse brake assist
5. Side-Wind Stabilization
This incredible technology is new to the 2020 Ford Explorer, and it uses Electronic Stability Control to detect crosswinds and apply the right amount of braking pressure to each wheel individually. This process counteracts the wind gust, which keeps you in your lane and out of oncoming traffic. The side-wind stabilization feature is also helpful at preventing tipping and rollovers during storm winds. The 2020 Explorer offers a large suite of safety features that give this SUV a high safety rating across the board. The company brought it all to the table in 2020, and we think you’ll be very impressed by the added features, not only in safety, but in comfort, performance, handling, and power as well. and test drive a Ford Explorer for yourself. We have a large inventory of new and used vehicles waiting for you.
Most of us are oblivious to the service offerings the car repair shops can provide. So when you start to look around for Ford repair, you may have no idea whether you’re getting a good deal or not. If you are worried about the cost of repairs, here are some easy steps you can take to make sure you’re getting a good deal when maintaining your Ford automobile.
Be Smart With the Most Basic Ford Repair
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your Ford. With that in mind does it makes sense to use cut-rate oil? Ford will always recommend both brands and types of oil to be used in your Ford automobile. Do not take the chance of doing significant damage to your engine by using the wrong oil. Make the smart choice to bring your Ford to a certified dealership to have your oil changed regularly.
Be Punctual With Tuneups
Let’s face it that we are all guilty of procrastination at one time or another. When it comes to the regular service on your Ford vehicle, it is vital that you stick to the schedule that is provided. Intervals at which maintenance should occur are set by Ford for specific reasons to maintain and protect the vital components of your Ford vehicle. Since many routine services are often covered under warranty, it is always best to visit a Ford dealership to take care of these important tasks. Better still, when you visit your local Ford dealership they will be able to tell you upfront what cost may be incurred for the maintenance in question.
Check for Specials and Discounts at Your Dealership
It might surprise you to learn that Ford dealership service departments often offer specials and discounts on selected maintenance and parts. That is why it is so vital to keep up on the schedule of maintenance that your car will require in both the short and long-term. In so doing you can keep an eye on your dealership’s service page to find discounts and specials that match up with any service needs you may have upcoming. Since the dealerships are doing this in an attempt to get your business, it never hurts to simply call them and ask about the services you need and what discounts they may be able to offer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Since you are most likely not an auto repair professional, you may feel overwhelmed when hearing about the maintenance needs of your Ford automobile. By all means, do not be shy about asking as many questions as possible to truly understand what your Ford dealership is recommending. Remember that your Ford dealer is here to help to make sure that your Ford automobile gives you a long and worry-free life. Do not let the prospect of confusion and high costs deter you from getting regular maintenance on your Ford vehicle. Visit Crain Ford Jacksonville today to get the top quality service and parts your Ford deserves.
4 Top Features of the 2020 Ford F150
Whether you come from a long line of Ford drivers or are new to the Ford family, the new Ford F150 will make you feel right at home. There is a reason that this pick-up truck has been the United State’s best-selling truck since 1977. Everything that you love about the Ford of the past is even better in the new 2020 Ford F150. It has power, capability, intelligence, and its just plain tough. This truck is the Ford of the future.
4 Top Features of the 2020 Ford F150
1. It’s Powerful
If you’re going to own a truck, you want to own a powerful one. You won’t be disappointed by all that the 2020 F150 has to offer. This truck has six V6 engines. The V8, diesel, and EcoBoost engines have a 10-speed automatic transmission and give drivers the ability to accelerate faster. The truck also offers drivers the ability to choose from different driving modes. These modes include snow/wet mode, eco select mode, sport mode, normal mode, and tow/haul mode.
2. It’s Tough
Using the word strong to describe the 2020 F150 is an understatement. Before its release, the 2020 F150 underwent a series of high-pressure tests to ensure that it could handle any and every task thrown at it and, spoiler alert: it can. The body and bed have a 12-sided design that is made from superior strength, military-grade aluminum and alloy.
3. It’s Capable
There is no competition when you compare the 2020 F150’s hauling capabilities to any other truck on the market. Whether you’re hauling cargo for work or play, the 2020 F150 will get you where you need to go. When you’re driving the new F150, you won’t spend 20 minutes trying to back up your cargo. The truck has an advanced backup camera that will make hauling your cargo easy.
4. It’s Intelligent
If you own a smart device of any kind, you won’t argue that it makes your life easier. Owning a 2020 F150 is no different. The new F150 is equipped with technology that gives drivers confidence as they travel to and from their destination. The truck features an eight-inch productivity screen, a system that targets rear blind spots including the trailer view, and a 360-degree split-view display camera. This truck has intelligence like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Whether you want to upgrade your current Ford or you want to join the Ford family, the new Ford F150 is the right place to start. Its features will spoil the experienced driver and make the inexperienced one feel like a professional. Visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville today and browse all of our options, test drive the new F150, and allow us to welcome you into the Ford family. Make the F150 yours and you’ll be able to see firsthand just why this truck is and continues to be the best selling truck in the United States.
Top 3 Must-See Places in Jacksonville, AR
If you are visiting Jacksonville, AR and would like
to spend some time in the city, there are a lot of awesome sightseeing places.
From parks to lakes, Jacksonville offers great recreation spots to enjoy some
quality time with friends and family. However, if looking for something other
than parks, we have listed some of the best attractions in Jacksonville below
that will surely make your trip a memorable one.
1. Jacksonville Museum of Military History
If
you are interested in war history, this is a must-visit place for you. The
Museum of Military History is one of the most popular attractions in Jacksonville, AR. The museum
focuses on local and regional military history. It honors the Civil War’s
crucial Battle of Reed’s Bridge that took place in Jacksonville. It also
highlights the role Arkansas Ordnance Plant played in WW2 by making over one
billion fuses and detonators. What a remarkable homefront effort!
The exhibits and memorabilia on display cover all major wars including the
Korean War and Gulf wars. The admission fee is $3 for adults, $2 for senior
citizens and veterans, and $1 for students.
2. Reed’s Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park
Reed’s
Bridge Battlefield is a landmark straight from the history pages. Battle of
Reed’s Bridge was one of the battles in the Civil War that took place in
Jacksonville. The heritage park is built on the part of the actual battlefield
where Confederate soldiers stopped Union forces from reaching Little Rock in
August of 1863.
The reenactment of the famous battle takes place every odd-year at this
location. The live-event is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Using
period costumes, cannons, and 18th-century homestead replicas, the park offers
a glimpse of what life was like during the Civil War – both on and off the
battlefield. A perfect place to travel back in time!
3. Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex
If you’re in the mood for some skeet shooting, head over to
the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (AGFF) Shooting Sports Complex. The
first-class public shooting range facility boasts of three skeet overlays,
three lit fields, 14 trap fields, and two pavilions. There’s even a 3D archery
range that lets you practice your archery skills on different clay animals.
A 25-shot round will cost $7 if you are a non-resident. For Jacksonville
residents and veterans, the cost is $6 per round. If you are a student or coach
with an AYSSP certificate, it’s $3.50 per round. The facility remains open from
Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. Please keep in mind the range is
closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, and official holidays.
Don’t forget to check out these wonderful places next time you are in
Jacksonville. And if you’d like to check out great deals on new and used Ford
cars, feel free to visit Crain
Ford dealership in Jacksonville.
5 Features Your Ford Needs for Off-Roading
Off-roading offers plenty of fun and a lot of adventure. If you’ve been thinking about getting into off-roading but you’re not sure where to start, this helpful guide will discuss some of the most important features your Ford will need to help it handle all types of off-road trails.
1. Skid Plates
Skid plates are one of the most crucial features your Ford will need to tackle off-road trails. After all, most of the dangers your off-road vehicle will face won’t come from the front, back, or sides — they’ll come from underneath. If you drive over a rock or log that’s more sharp and pointy than you expected, you could end up damaging your oil pan, transmission, or exhaust. Skid plates attach over these important components and add extra protection where you need it most.
2. All-Terrain Tires
Large tires look impressive and can more easily roll over large obstacles. However, they also make your engine work harder, and you might have to lift your suspension to accommodate them. Instead, go with all-terrain tires that can handle off-road conditions. All-terrain tires have the advantage of offering better traction and puncture-resistance, which are essential for off-roading. Plus, while they’ll still have a small impact on your vehicle’s ride quality and fuel economy, they’re not nearly as bad as large tires.
3. A Tire Deflator
Once you pick out the right type of all-terrain tires, you also want to look for a tire deflator. When you’re driving on regular roads, you’ll want to keep your tires at the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door. When you’re ready to hit the off-road trail, you should decrease your tire pressure to help maximize traction. A tire deflator can make this task much faster. Plus, don’t forget to bring along an air compressor so you can quickly and easily re-inflate your tires when you’re back on pavement.
4. Hill Descent Control
If you’re shopping for a new Ford for your off-road adventures, check out what type of safety features are offered. Hill descent control is a fantastic safety feature that will come in handy when you’re going down hills. This system can monitor the terrain you’re driving over. When it notices you’re heading down a steep hill, it can decide how much power goes to each wheel. This helps you maintain the speed you need so you can focus on safely maneuvering down the hill.
5. Tow Hooks
Getting stuck is a fact of life when you’re off-roading. That’s why you definitely want to have tow hooks on your vehicle. In addition to tow hooks, make sure you also have snatch straps and shackles in your vehicle. Having these tools handy will make it easier for you to pull another vehicle out of an obstacle or get yourself towed out of a tight jam.
If you’re ready to get into the fun of off-roading, you can make sure your Ford is ready for the adventure when you outfit it with these important features.
3 Best Fords For Your Commute
Driving to and from your job can be a real pain, especially if you’re stuck with a vehicle that just doesn’t cut it. Fortunately, there are quite a few Fords on the market that can offer you the comfort, fuel-efficiency, and/or cargo space that you need. 
Ford Fusion Hybrid
If the gas needed for your daily city commute is guzzling up a good chunk of your paycheck, you could really benefit from the economical and fuel-efficient Ford Fusion Hybrid. This midsize sedan comes with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, which combine to produce 188 horsepower. But the best part is the vehicle’s impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city 41 mpg on the highway.
When you opt for the top-of-the-line Titanium trim, you can upgrade to the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, allowing you to switch between gas, electric power, or a combination of the two. Running exclusively on electric power is great for those shorter commutes since it has a range of 26 miles. When using the combination of gas and electric to power your Fusion, you’ll extend that to over 600 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas.
Ford Taurus
When you’re spending a good deal of time on the highway to get to work, comfort is a must-have from your vehicle. The Ford Taurus gives you a smooth yet capable 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed transmission that make highway commutes a breeze. Plus, this full-size sedan comes with a ton of creature comforts, like power-adjustable front seats. When you upgrade to the Limited trim, standard luxury features include ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated and heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Reasons We’ll Be Sad to See the Ford Fusion Go
The 2020 Ford Fusion may be the last model within the Ford Fusion line. Here are some features and capabilities that make it a great vehicle with quality performance. 
Interior and Exterior Features
The 2020 Ford Fusion comes in eight trim levels. These include the S (standard), SE, SEL, Titanium, Hybrid SE, Hybrid SEL, Hybrid Titanium, and the Plug-in Hybrid Titanium. On the standard S trim, the exterior includes body-colored front and rear bumpers and door handles. For added style, the S trim also has a five-bar grille with a black finish and chrome surround. A rear spoiler is available on the SE trim for a sport-like exterior.
This mid-sized sedan offers a spacious interior with enough room for five passengers including the driver. In addition, the 2020 Ford Fusion has a unique push-button start, so all you need is to press your key fob to the button for your car to start up or stop. There is also a voice-activated system and an infotainment touchscreen.
Engine Options
The 2020 Ford Fusion has a variety of engine options to accommodate the performance capabilities of its trim levels. The S trim comes with a 2.5L i-VCT engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SE and SEL trims come with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Titanium comes with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid SE, SEL, and Titanium along with the Plug-in Hybrid Titanium all have a 2.0L i-VCT Atkinson-cycle Hybrid Engine with an eCVT automatic transmission. Read the rest of this entry »
6 Best Parks in Jacksonville, AR
Jacksonville, Arkansas, has several beautiful parks where you can take your family, go for a run, walk, or bike ride. Here are six of the best parks in the Jacksonville area where you can spend some time outside. 
- Paradise Park
Paradise Park has a multitude of attractions and amenities that make it the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends. Here, there are 17.8 acres of space to enjoy. You can run, walk, or bike along the half-mile-long Wildlife Observation Trail, go fishing by Paradise Lake, or go boating, thanks to the lake’s boat ramp. There are picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a packed lunch and restroom facilities within the park. Host an afternoon barbecue on one of the park’s designated grill locations, and play horseshoe at one of its horseshoe stations.
- Excell Park
Excell Park has almost 3.5 acres of space where you can spend your day. The park has baseball and lit fields open for use, as well as a playground for families with children to enjoy. When recreational games are taking place, there are concessions available to the public, so you can indulge in a snack as you watch a game or sit on one of the park’s picnic tables.
- Dupree Park
Dupree Park features over 168 acres of green spaces, walking trails, and sports fields. There is a baseball and softball field, soccer field, and football field where you can play, practice, or watch recreational games. Go for a walk, run, or bike ride on the park’s Sertoma Trail, or go fishing at the lake. The park also has designated picnic tables, grills, and restrooms so that you can host a barbecue or birthday with family and friends. What’s more, Dupree has its own dog park, so feel free to bring your pet along. Read the rest of this entry »
6 Activities to Enjoy With the Whole Family
Jacksonville, Arkansas, and the surrounding area has a multitude of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are six suggestions for your next family outing. 
- Splash Zone Water Park
Splash Zone Water Park is a great place to spend a hot summer day with your family. Admission is only $5 per person, with children under the age of 2 getting in for free. Here you can stay cool in one of the three swimming pools, one of which is only two and a half feet deep, perfect for water play with small children. The park also has water slides, a water tunnel, and a watery play area for the kids.
- Regal McCain Mall Stadium
Less than 15 minutes away from Jacksonville, Regal McCain Mall Stadium is a movie theater complex in North Little Rock where you and your family can spend the afternoon. Here, you can see the latest films and enjoy popcorn and refreshments as you sit comfortably in the theater’s stadium-style seats. After the movie ends, you and your family can walk around and shop at McCain Mall.
- T.R. Pugh Memorial Park
T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is also located in North Little Rock Arkansas. Here, you and your family can go for a walk or bike ride as you venture through the park. You can also check out the Old Mill site, which is a reconstruction of the original water-powered mill from the 1880s. If the Old Mill looks familiar, that’s because it is featured in the opening scene of Gone With The Wind! Read the rest of this entry »


