Cleveland Park (Greenville, South Carolina) facts for kids
Cleveland Park is the biggest park in Greenville, South Carolina. It covers more than 120 acres. Much of the park is a green space along Richland Creek and the Reedy River. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.
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History of Cleveland Park
How the Park Started
Cleveland Park began thanks to a generous gift. On December 31, 1924, a man named William Choice Cleveland donated 110 acres of land. He wanted the land to be a park and playground for everyone. Mr. Cleveland also hoped the park would be a nice addition to his new housing area, Cleveland Forest. He even imagined it would have a special area for horses.
In 1925, the city of Greenville started building the park. They created two baseball fields, a horse riding area, and a playground. Cleveland Park officially opened its gates on January 1, 1926.
Growing and Changing Over Time
By 1928, the park had grown to 126 acres. The land near the river was often wet and flooded. During the Great Depression, a program called the WPA helped fix this. They worked to improve the river bed, which made the park much drier.
In its early years, Cleveland Park had a meeting place for Girl Scouts. It also had a nine-hole public golf course, which was built and later removed in the 1930s. A swimming pool and a skating rink were added in 1929. The pool was closed in 1964. Later, a sea lion exhibit and a rose garden took its place. Finally, in 1988, tennis courts were built where the garden and skating rink used to be.
The Rock Quarry Garden
In 1930, the Greenville Garden Club started a special project. They decided to turn an old rock quarry into a beautiful garden. This garden was called the Rock Quarry Garden. It even won an award from Better Homes and Gardens magazine in 1932.
Over time, the garden became overgrown and needed care. But in the 1980s, another project brought the garden back to life. Today, the Rock Quarry Garden is a very popular place for weddings and parties.
What You Can Do at Cleveland Park Today
In the 21st century, Cleveland Park is a busy and fun place. It is right next to the Greenville Zoo. The park offers many activities for visitors of all ages.
Sports and Play Areas
You can find a softball field, volleyball courts, and tennis courts. There are also several playgrounds for younger kids to enjoy. If you want to have a picnic, the park has eight picnic shelters.
Trails for Exploring
Cleveland Park is home to several trails perfect for walking, running, or biking. The famous Swamp Rabbit Trail runs right through the park. Other trails include the Fernwood Nature Trail, the Ramona Graham Fitness Trail, and the Troop 19 Trail. These trails let you explore the park's natural beauty.
Special Memorials
A very important landmark in the park is the memorial to Rudolf Anderson. He was from Greenville and was a pilot. He was shot down over Cuba in October 1962. This happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was the only American who died during that event. The memorial features an F-86 Sabre jet. It also has panels that tell the story of Rudolf Anderson's life and mission.
