Little Rock's Central Park

War Memorial Park Restoration

Preserving a Little Rock treasure. Restoring it for generations to come.

War Memorial Park is more than open space. It is part of the history, landscape, and life of Little Rock.

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Explore the park

Our Park. Our Opportunity.

A landmark green space in the heart of Little Rock

War Memorial Park occupies a unique place in the heart of Little Rock.

The park’s roots reach back to 1868, when the property became the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. In the 1920s, the site was transformed into Fair Park, with landscaped grounds, winding roads, athletic facilities, and a municipal golf course.

In 1948, following the construction of War Memorial Stadium, the park was renamed to honor Arkansans who lost their lives in military service. For generations, its grounds have offered Little Rock residents a place to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors.

The municipal golf course closed in 2019, opening a new chapter for the landscape as public green space. Coleman Creek, walking trails, and open grounds remain central to the park’s character and its future.

Today we have an opportunity to thoughtfully restore the park while protecting the natural features and history that make it special.

The War Memorial Park Restoration effort is bringing together citizens, community organizations, environmental expertise, businesses, donors, and public partners around a common goal:

Restore the park we have. Protect it for the future.
Learn about the park

A Letter from the Chairman

Our Story Begins with a Walk

Our story begins with a walk I took in War Memorial Park this summer. I was appalled at the condition of the creek and the pond. I decided that if I wanted this fixed, I was going to have to make it happen.

I posted on Facebook and a neighborhood site about the situation, and the response was beyond belief. The desire within our community to participate in this project has been nearly universal.

In a matter of weeks, we have brought together a team of government and private entities dedicated to making this restoration a reality.

This is our park, and we have an opportunity to restore it to something Little Rock can once again be proud of. I hope you will join us in this effort.

Steve Davison Chairman War Memorial Park Restoration

The Restoration

There is work to do

Restoring War Memorial Park will involve a number of interconnected projects designed to strengthen the park as one healthy, resilient public landscape.

01

Natural Systems

Coleman Creek

Address erosion, sediment, water flow, and the long-term health of one of the park's defining natural features.

02

Resilience

Land & Water

Improve drainage, reduce erosion and sediment accumulation, and protect the park's natural environment.

03

Landscape

Trees & Landscape

Protect and enhance the landscape that makes War Memorial Park an extraordinary green space in the center of Little Rock.

04

Public Life

Trails & Public Spaces

Improve the places where people walk, gather, exercise, play, and experience the park.

05

Stewardship

Long-Term Plan

Develop responsible engineering and restoration plans that can guide improvements for years to come.

See the Restoration Plan

Around the Park

A closer look at our park

Explore photographs of War Memorial Park, the public space our community is working together to restore and protect.

Our Park A place worth preserving
Our Community A shared public space
Our Opportunity A future worth investing in
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Explore the project

Imagine the Possibilities

A new perspective on restoration

Drag the handle to compare how the War Memorial Park pond looks now, and how it could look after our campaign.

After view of War Memorial Park
Photograph of War Memorial Park

Restoration Progress

See the project move forward

Current Phase Active

Community Organization

We are bringing together neighbors, volunteers, and community partners to help shape the restoration effort.

Community organization Planning & engineering Fundraising & partnerships Construction & restoration
Latest Project Update

Restoration Updates

The latest from the park

Planning the next steps

Example update: Share the latest on restoration planning, including priorities for the creek, pond, and surrounding landscape. This is a place to explain what comes next and how the community can stay involved.

Coming together for our park

Example update: Highlight the neighbors, volunteers, and community partners supporting the restoration effort. Use this space to share opportunities to participate and celebrate progress along the way.

Corporate Sponsors

Partners in our park’s future

Recognizing the people and businesses helping restore and protect War Memorial Park.