Sherwood, AR
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Sherwood is a vibrant city in central Arkansas, a suburb of Little Rock known for its rapid growth, family-friendly atmosphere, and numerous parks.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
- Full official name of the city: City of Sherwood.
- Administrative center: Sherwood is a city in Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States . It is not a county seat but is a principal city within the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area .
- Region: The city is located in the state of Arkansas, which is known as "The Natural State" for its abundant lakes, rivers, and forests. Pulaski County is the most populous county in Arkansas and serves as the state's economic and political hub, housing the state capital, Little Rock.
Historical names and nicknames
- Historical names: The area where Sherwood now sits was originally known as Sylvan Hills, a small farming community in the late 1800s . Another part of modern Sherwood was the lowland area called Brushy Island .
- Nicknames: Sherwood is sometimes referred to as the "City of Pride and Progress," a motto reflecting its community spirit and post-war development .
Date of foundation and age
- Founding date: Sherwood was officially incorporated as a town on April 22, 1948 .
- Age: The city is 76 years old as of 2024.
- Founder: Hal P. Lacoste was the first mayor elected after incorporation . The town's first hall was a small army surplus building purchased for less than $100 .
Geographical position and coordinates
- Geographic coordinates: 34°50′N 92°12′W .
- Location: Sherwood is situated in the Central Arkansas region, directly north of North Little Rock . It lies on the eastern bank of the Arkansas River .
- Elevation: The central part of the city sits at an elevation of approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level .
- Locale type: It is a suburban city and part of the larger Little Rock metropolitan area.
City type and economic specialization
Sherwood is primarily a residential suburb and a growing commercial center for the north Pulaski County area. Its economy is driven by local services, retail trade, and healthcare . Major employers include the CHI St. Vincent's North Hospital, customer contact centers, and distribution facilities . A significant portion of residents commute to work in nearby Little Rock and North Little Rock .
Population and demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Sherwood is 32,731 . This makes it the 13th most populous city in Arkansas.
- City class: Sherwood is a medium-sized city and is considered a "first-class city" under Arkansas state law.
- Demographics: The city is characterized by a diverse and growing population. In the 1990s, it was named the fastest-growing town in Arkansas by both population and area . The 2020 census shows a population that is 61.32% White (non-Hispanic), 25.14% Black or African American, and 5.59% Hispanic or Latino .
City's "calling card" (in short)
Sherwood offers a quintessential American suburban experience with a strong sense of community, excellent parks, and convenient access to the capital city's amenities. Known for its historic Roundtop Filling Station and the vast Kevin McReynolds Sports Complex, Sherwood is a city where residents enjoy a high quality of life with plentiful green spaces, all while being just minutes from downtown Little Rock .
Geography
Water objects
While the city itself has small creeks and ponds, it is situated near significant water bodies in the region.
- Arkansas River: Sherwood lies along the eastern bank of the Arkansas River, providing access to boating, fishing, and water sports . The Arkansas River Trail, located about 20 minutes away in Little Rock, offers scenic views along the river .
- Lake Maumelle: This key water source is approximately a 20-minute drive from Sherwood and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking on trails that offer impressive views .
- Greers Ferry Lake: Within driving distance from the city, this large reservoir offers additional opportunities for swimming, boating, and camping .
National and state parks
While there are no national parks within the city limits, several are located nearby.
- Burns Park: Located in North Little Rock, this massive park features extensive trails, disc golf courses, campsites, and a golf course, catering to a wide variety of outdoor interests .
- Woolly Hollow State Park: About an hour's drive from Sherwood, this state park offers a peaceful lake for fishing and boating, along with hiking trails and campsites .
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
Sherwood has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) . This means it experiences all four seasons with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Average monthly temperatures
The city has an average annual temperature of around 17°C (63°F) .
- Hottest month: July, with an average daily high of 34°C (93°F) and an average low of 23°C (73°F) . The record high temperature is 43.3°C (110°F), recorded in July 1986 .
- Coldest month: January, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F) and an average low of -1°C (30°F) . The record low temperature is -21.1°C (-6°F), recorded in January 1985 .
Precipitation and humidity
- Average annual precipitation: Sherwood receives a significant amount of rainfall, averaging about 1,460 mm (57.5 inches) per year . This is considerably higher than the US average.
- Wettest month: March is typically the wettest, with high chances of rain and significant precipitation levels .
- Driest month: September is the driest month, with considerably less rainfall .
- Average humidity: Humidity levels are relatively high, especially in summer, averaging around 84% . This makes the summer heat feel more intense.
Seasonality and the best time to visit
- Spring (March-May): Spring is warm and brings the highest levels of precipitation. It's a time when the landscape becomes lush and green.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The long, sunny days are ideal for water-based activities at nearby lakes.
- Fall (September-November): The best time to visit Sherwood is in the fall. September remains warm, while October and November offer mild, pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. The changing fall colors add to the scenic beauty.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are mild, with cool days and chilly nights. Snowfall is possible but usually light, occurring mostly in January and February .
Landmarks
Roundtop Filling Station
- Full name: Roundtop Filling Station.
- Year opened and architect: Built in 1936 by the Justin Matthews Company for the Pierce Oil Company .
- Historical significance: This unique, rounded structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once the only modern restroom stop between Searcy and Little Rock and later served as a substation for the Sherwood Police Department after being renovated . It stands as a distinctive example of 1930s vernacular architecture and a reminder of Arkansas's early oil industry.
The Greens at North Hills
- Full name: The Greens at North Hills.
- Architect and year built: This historic golf course first opened in 1926 and was redesigned in the 1970s by the famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. .
- Historical significance: It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it not just a recreational spot but a landmark of historical and architectural importance . It began as a country club and remains a key part of the community.
Sherwood Forest
- Full name: Sherwood Forest complex.
- Description: This is a 26,000-square-foot multi-use facility available for special events and community gatherings . The complex also includes an outdoor pavilion, a playground, horseshoes, and a basketball court . It's a central hub for community life.
Transport
Main airports
- Clinton National Airport (Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport): IATA code: LIT . This is the primary commercial airport serving the region, located in Little Rock about a 20-30 minute drive from Sherwood. Trips from the airport are subject to a small surcharge . It offers connections to major hubs across the United States.
Public transportation system
Sherwood does not have its own public bus or rail system. However, as part of the Little Rock metropolitan area, residents and visitors have access to services provided by Rock Region Metro (formerly Central Arkansas Transit), which operates bus routes connecting North Little Rock and Little Rock.
Ridesharing and taxis
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Sherwood, providing a convenient alternative to car ownership or traditional taxis for getting around town . Uber Eats is also available for food delivery from local restaurants .
Major highways
- U.S. Route 67/167 (Future Interstate 57): This is the most significant highway for Sherwood, serving as the primary corridor connecting the city to North Little Rock and Little Rock to the south, and to Jacksonville and points north.
- Arkansas Highway 107 (Jacksonville Highway): A major north-south artery running through the heart of Sherwood, lined with businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Sport and Sports Legends
While the city of Sherwood itself is a smaller community within the Little Rock-North Little Rock metropolitan area, it is located very close to the major sports hubs of Central Arkansas. Residents and visitors are fans of and have access to the professional and collegiate sports scenes centered in nearby North Little Rock and Little Rock.
Sports Teams Based Nearby
- Arkansas Travelers (Arkansas Travelers): This is the most prominent professional sports team in the area. They are a Minor League Baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team plays at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, which is just a short drive from Sherwood. The ballpark, opened in 2007, offers a beautiful view of the Little Rock skyline across the Arkansas River.
- Little Rock Trojans (Little Rock Trojans): The teams of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Ohio Valley Conference. They do not have a football team, but their basketball and other sports teams are popular locally. Men's and women's basketball games are played at the Jack Stephens Center on the university's campus in Little Rock.
- Central Arkansas Bears (Central Arkansas Bears): The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is located in Conway, another neighboring city. The UCA Bears compete in NCAA Division I (FCS for football) as members of the United Athletic Conference. Their football team plays at Estes Stadium in Conway.
Famous Athletes with Local Ties
- Scottie Pippen (Scottie Pippen): The NBA Hall of Famer and six-time Chicago Bulls champion is the most famous athlete from this region. While he was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, he attended the University of Central Arkansas in nearby Conway, which is where he was discovered and developed into the star who would later be drafted into the NBA. His legacy is deeply felt throughout Central Arkansas.
- Sidney Moncrief (Sidney Moncrief): A basketball legend from Little Rock, Moncrief was a five-time NBA All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks and is widely considered one of the best defenders in NBA history. He played his college basketball at the University of Arkansas. He has remained in Central Arkansas and has been involved in local basketball development.
- Derek Fisher (Derek Fisher): The former NBA point guard, who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, was born in Little Rock and played his high school basketball at Little Rock Parkview, a school in the area.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Sherwood is strategically located near several of Arkansas's most significant institutions of higher education, making it a convenient residential area for students, faculty, and staff.
Major Universities in the Region
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock): Located just south of Sherwood in Little Rock, this is a public metropolitan research university. It is known for its diverse student body and strong programs in law, business, and engineering. The William H. Bowen School of Law is a well-respected institution in the state.
- University of Central Arkansas (UCA): Located in Conway, a city adjacent to Sherwood, UCA is a large public university. It was originally founded as a teachers college and remains renowned for its education programs. It also has highly regarded programs in nursing, physical therapy, and music.
- Pulaski Technical College (Pulaski Tech): This two-year public community college has its main campus in North Little Rock, very close to Sherwood. It is the primary institution for technical education and workforce training in Central Arkansas, offering associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of skilled trades and academic transfer programs.
- Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASU-Beebe): Another two-year college with a campus in Beebe, which is just east of Sherwood. It offers associate degrees and technical certificates, serving as a key access point for higher education in the region.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Sherwood is part of the Central Arkansas healthcare market, which is dominated by major hospital systems in Little Rock. The city itself has local clinics and emergency services, but the most renowned specialized care is found nearby.
Major Medical Centers Nearby
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): Located in Little Rock, UAMS is the state's only academic health sciences center. It comprises the UAMS Medical Center, a highly regarded teaching hospital, and colleges of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, health professions, and public health. It is the primary center for complex medical care, research, and specialized treatment in Arkansas. It is particularly known for its Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and its Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute. As a teaching hospital, many of the state's leading physicians are faculty here.
- Arkansas Children's Hospital (Arkansas Children's Hospital): Also in Little Rock, this is one of the largest and most prominent children's hospitals in the United States. It is a comprehensive pediatric medical center, providing specialized care for children from across the state and region. It is consistently ranked among the nation's best children's hospitals in various specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Its research institute is affiliated with UAMS.
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock (Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock): This is the flagship hospital of the Baptist Health system, the largest healthcare system in Arkansas. Located in Little Rock, it is a full-service, general medical and surgical hospital, known for its heart surgery, oncology, and orthopedic programs. It is a major clinical resource for the community.
- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary (CHI St. Vincent Infirmary): This is a large, faith-based, non-profit hospital in Little Rock. It is part of the CommonSpirit Health system and is known for its cardiac care, women's health services, and as a teaching hospital for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.