History

The history of War Memorial Park dates back to 1868, when the property was established as the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. In 1924, the site was redesigned by the Chicago landscape architecture firm Pearse and Robinson as Fair Park, creating a thoughtfully planned public park that included winding roads, scenic landscapes, athletic facilities, and one of Little Rock’s first municipal golf courses. Many elements of that original design continue to shape the park today.

Following the construction of War Memorial Stadium, the park was renamed War Memorial Park in 1948 to honor Arkansans who gave their lives in military service. For decades, the park’s golf course remained one of Little Rock’s most popular public courses before closing in 2019 as part of the City’s effort to address declining play and long-term operational sustainability. The former course has since been reimagined as natural open space, allowing for new recreational opportunities while preserving the park’s historic landscape.

Today, War Memorial Park continues to evolve with amenities including a natural play area, splash pad, restored trail system, and disc golf course, ensuring it remains one of Little Rock’s premier destinations for recreation, environmental stewardship, and community gathering while honoring its rich history.