The April issue of Little Rock Family features one of Central Arkansas' most familiar faces, former Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines. You can see a variety of Villines' handiwork just about anywhere in Pulaski County. 

One of his more popular ideas is one of Little Rock's most popular outdoor areas: The Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Park.

Buddy met with considerable opposition when it came to his ideas for the Big Dam Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge and Park because the projects seemed too far-fetched and expensive. “People said we can’t do it and that we needed to cut our losses,” Buddy shares. “Leadership is sometimes like that. You have to just decide and do it.”

“The projects have had a remarkable impact. They have changed the culture of the community. All of the pieces impact the family. There are testimonials of people who have said the bridges have changed their lives. In an era of obesity, kids get interested in activity instead of video games. At any given time, you can see family groups and a real cultural mix. That’s why we have the “Family” sculpture by Kevin Kresse out there. It’s the story of what’s going on. A hundred years from now there’ll still be that scene – people teaching kids to ride bikes, people with pets, moms with strollers,” he explains.

As a photographer, I've spent a lot of time at both the Big Dam Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge and Park. If you haven't been there, take some time this weekend and pay each of them a visit.