War Memorial Park

Historical Significance

War Memorial Park is a sprawling 117-acre urban green space located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas. Originally developed as the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in 1868, the park was reimagined and redesigned in 1924, eventually being renamed War Memorial Park in 1949 to honor those who served in the military.

Natural Setting

The park features gently rolling, tree-covered terrain with Coleman Creek winding through its grounds, providing a scenic and peaceful retreat within the city. Its location adjacent to prominent sites like War Memorial Stadium, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and the Little Rock Zoo makes it part of a unique urban recreational complex.

Family-Friendly Amenities

At the northwest entrance of the park, visitors will find a distinctive playground area. This play space incorporates large, natural rock formations into its design, offering children an engaging and nature-inspired environment for exploration and physical activity.

Adjacent to the playground is a splash pad, providing a refreshing spot for families during warmer months.

Outdoor Recreation

War Memorial Park also includes a serene fishing pond complete with a dock, bridge, and benches, allowing for both fishing and wildlife observation. The park's network of paved walking trails, utilizing former golf cart paths, offers accessible routes for visitors to enjoy the park's natural beauty and connect to surrounding neighborhoods.

Recent Improvements

Recent updates to the park have focused on enhancing its facilities and addressing environmental concerns. These improvements include upgrades to the picnic pavilion near Coleman Creek, with enhancements to drainage, ADA accessibility, and electrical systems.

Ongoing projects also involve erosion control measures and improvements to Fair Park Boulevard, aiming to preserve the park's historic character while meeting the needs of modern visitors.