Sherwood Park is a large urban municipality located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is situated approximately 25 kilometers east of Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta. With a population of over 71,000 people, Sherwood Park is one of the largest communities in the Capital Region.
Geography and Climate
Sherwood Park covers an area of 34 square kilometers and has a diverse geography, with rolling hills, wooded areas, and wetlands. The community is situated near the North Saskatchewan River valley and has several parks and green spaces throughout its neighborhoods. The climate in Sherwood Park is continental, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from -20°C to 25°C (-4°F to 77°F) during the year.
Economy
Sherwood Park has a strong economy driven by various industries, including:
- Retail: Sherwood Park has a large shopping center called Stratford Shopping Mall, which features over 130 stores and services.
- Healthcare: The community is home to several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and the Grey Nuns Community Hospital.
- Education: Sherwood Park is served by the Elk Island Public School Board and has a number of public and separate schools within its boundaries.
- Technology and Innovation: The community has a growing tech sector, with companies such as IBM, Bell Canada, and Rogers Communications having operations in Sherwood Park.
Recreation and Culture
Sherwood Park offers various recreational activities for residents and visitors alike:
- Parks and Trails: The community has over 100 parks and green spaces, featuring walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and lakes.
- Skating and Hockey: Sherwood Park is home to the Strathcona County Community Recreation Center (SCCRC), which features a hockey arena, curling rink, swimming pool, and fitness center.
- Arts and Culture: The community has several art galleries, music venues, and performance spaces, including the Sherwood Park Art Gallery and the Festival Place theater.
Demographics
As of 2020, the demographics of Sherwood Park are:
- Population: Over 71,000 people
- Age: Median age is around 37 years old
- Income: Average household income is approximately $94,000 CAD per year
- Language: English is the primary language spoken by residents, with over 90% of households speaking only English at home.
- Ethnicity: The community has a diverse population, with around 20% of residents identifying as First Nations or Métis.
Transportation
Sherwood Park is well-connected to Edmonton and other surrounding communities through:
- Highway: Highway 28 runs directly through the community, providing easy access to Edmonton and other areas.
- Public Transit: The Sherwood Park Transit system offers regular bus services throughout the community and to nearby cities.
- Airport: The Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is located approximately 15 minutes from Sherwood Park.
Education
Sherwood Park has a strong educational system, with several public and separate schools within its boundaries:
- Public Schools: Elk Island Public School Board operates numerous elementary and high schools in Sherwood Park.
- Separate Schools: The Sturgeon Public School Division operates several schools in the community, including elementary and junior/senior high schools.
Emergency Services
Sherwood Park has access to various emergency services:
- Fire Department: The Strathcona County Fire Service provides fire protection services to the community.
- Police Service: The Strathcona County RCMP detachment serves Sherwood Park and surrounding areas.
- Ambulance Service: The Alberta Ambulance Service provides medical emergency response services to residents.
Overall, Sherwood Park is a vibrant and diverse community that offers its residents a high quality of life, excellent recreational opportunities, and a strong economy.