The beginning
Washington Park grew out of the generosity of Sara Bergstrom. In 1931, she desired to give the children of the community a gift which would last long after she was gone. With the guidance of S.F. Shattuck, Secretary of the Park Board, she made an anonymous donation to which allowed the city to develop the park along Winneconne Avenue. The donation was $15,000, with the city contributing another $5,000.
Building during the Great Depression
Built during the early 1930's, funding was hard to come by for projects such as parks. Fortunately, S.F. Shattuck was able to use his experience and wisdom to ensure the parks survival. Shattuck carefully constructed a contract which ensured that there would be enough funding for further beautification and development. He knew that the later funding would be nearly impossible during the worst years of the depression and made sure that the park would not suffer because of it.
Features
Normally, a project such as a park would take several years to build. However, Washington Park was to be built during the worst year of the Great Depression, meaning there was plenty of labor available. Once park was completed, it had playground equipment, tennis courts, an ice rink, a small sledding hill, a softball field, and a heated shelter.
The park was initially named "H. J. Lewis Park", after the last remaining veteran of the Civil War. After a month, Sara requested that the park be renamed "Washington Park", which the city decided to do.
The park was initially named "H. J. Lewis Park", after the last remaining veteran of the Civil War. After a month, Sara requested that the park be renamed "Washington Park", which the city decided to do.
Original Plan
Other Details
-In 1932, 262 trees were planted
-Eastern edge is for little children to play
-Tennis courts located in southwest corner
-Center contains a softball diamond which is also used as an ice rink
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-Eastern edge is for little children to play
-Tennis courts located in southwest corner
-Center contains a softball diamond which is also used as an ice rink
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Information from: Dunwiddie, William E. The Parks of Neenah: An Historical Interpretation. Place of Publication Not Identified: W.E. Dunwiddie, 1993. Print.