From Muddy Paths to Modern Streets: Sherwood Park's Evolution

In the spring of 1956, the inaugural residents of Sherwood Park faced a landscape dominated by unpaved streets and persistent mud.

 

Wet conditions made rubber boots an essential part of daily life.

 

Venice Harris, who moved in March 1956, recalled, "It was terrible! Because we had no sidewalks and no streets, we would leave our cars parked up on the gravel road and we'd put on our boots and walk home."

 

Similarly, Kay Saunders emphasized the necessity of keeping rubber boots handy to visit neighbors.

 

These early challenges fostered a strong sense of community among residents.

 

David and Myrne Martin, for instance, tied a new rug to their 1949 Ford's roof after delivery trucks refused to navigate the muddy roads.

 

Neighbors laid lumber between homes to create walkable paths from parked cars.

 

Bob Blair's Massey Harris tractor became invaluable for pulling out vehicles stuck in the mire.

 

Accessing Edmonton was equally challenging.

 

The primary route, 76th Avenue (old Highway 14), was a gravel road fraught with hazards.

 

Mrs. Harris recounted, "You'd follow two ruts of ice all the way in and hope you didn't meet anyone coming the other way!"

 

The opening of the Sherwood Park Freeway and the Highway 14 interchange in 1968 significantly improved safety and accessibility.

 

Transportation within Sherwood Park also evolved.

 

From 1965 to 1968, Diamond Bus Lines provided service between Sherwood Park and Edmonton, followed by Western Bus Lines, Grey Goose Bus Lines, and Briggs Brothers.

 

In 1977, the County contracted with Edmonton Transit, leading to the establishment of Strathcona County Transit in 1989, which now operates 66 buses serving 1.89 million riders.

 

Today, Sherwood Park stands as a testament to growth and modernization.

 

Recent developments include the Sherwood Care Redevelopment Project, a six-story facility adding 210 continuing care beds and 13 hospice beds, with construction starting in October 2024 and completion expected by late 2027.

 

Additionally, the Edmonton-Strathcona County Footbridge, opened in August 2025, enhances connectivity between Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

 

Reflecting on the journey from muddy roads to modern infrastructure, Sherwood Park's evolution highlights the resilience and determination of its community.

 

As Eileen Johnson, a resident since March 1956, noted, "You had the sun at your back in the morning going into the city and the sun at your back coming home!"