War Memorial Park

A Journey Through Time

Nestled in the heart of Little Rock, War Memorial Park spreads across 117 acres of urban green space, offering a peaceful escape from city life. What started as the Arkansas State Fairgrounds back in 1868 underwent a transformation in 1924, and in 1949, it was renamed War Memorial Park to honor our military service members.

Nature's Retreat

With its gently rolling hills and tree-covered landscape, this park feels like a little oasis in the city. Coleman Creek meanders through the grounds, adding to the park's charm. You can find it conveniently located next to some of Little Rock's landmarks - War Memorial Stadium, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and the Little Rock Zoo.

One of the simple joys here is watching the ducks and geese that call the park home. Grab a bench by the pond, maybe unpack your lunch, and take a moment to enjoy these feathered residents going about their day - it's surprisingly therapeutic.

Kid-Approved Fun

If you're visiting with little ones, head to the northwest entrance where you'll discover a unique playground area. What makes it special? The designers incorporated large, natural rock formations that invite kids to climb and explore. Children particularly love the cave tunnels and slides that blend play with the natural environment.

Right next to the playground, a splash pad with a waterfall feature offers an ideal spot to cool down during Arkansas' warmer months. The water area accommodates kids of all ages, so everyone can join in the fun.

Outdoor Activities for All

Fancy a bit of fishing? The park's fishing pond comes complete with a dock, bridge, and comfortable benches. It's a popular spot for families, where even the youngest anglers can experience the thrill of catching small fish while enjoying the tranquil waterside setting.

The park also boasts an extensive network of paved walking trails that utilize former golf cart paths. These well-maintained routes wind through the natural beauty of the park and connect to surrounding neighborhoods, making them great for your morning jog or evening stroll. You'll come across benches strategically placed along the way when you need a breather.

Gather & Celebrate

War Memorial Park offers good facilities for outdoor gatherings. The picnic pavilion near Coleman Creek recently received upgrades to improve drainage and add ADA accessibility and better electrical systems - making it ideal for larger get-togethers.

Around the park, clean picnic tables invite you to dine al fresco surrounded by nature. If you're planning a cookout, you'll appreciate the designated barbecuing areas, which become lively hubs during family reunions and community events.

Looking Forward

The park continues to evolve with recent updates focusing on practical improvements and environmental care. Since the conversion of the former golf course area, there's now more open space for everyone to enjoy.

Ongoing work includes erosion control and improvements to Fair Park Boulevard, all aimed at preserving the park's historic character while meeting modern needs. A small but welcome addition is free WiFi at the pavilion area - because sometimes you want to share that perfect park day on social media or check your emails while enjoying the outdoors.