Coe Memorial Park facts for kids
Coe Memorial Park is a special green space in Torrington, Connecticut. It acts like the main town square, a place where people can gather and relax.
A Special Gift to Torrington
Coe Memorial Park was given to the town of Torrington on November 6, 1906. It was a gift from Adelaide E. Coe Godfrey, Edward Turner Coe, and Ella Seymour Coe. They wanted the park to be a memorial to their parents, Lyman Wetmore Coe and Eliza Seymour Coe. Their parents' home used to be on this very land.
When the park was created, some changes had to be made. For example, a street called Elm Street was removed. The old Coe family home and its large Victorian greenhouse were also taken down. This made space for the new park. Later, more land was added, and today the park covers about five acres.
Who Designed the Park?
Coe Memorial Park was designed by James W. Scott in 1907 or 1908. He also designed Keney Park in Hartford. Another designer, Percival Gallagher, from the Olmsted Brothers firm, had made drawings for the park. However, his plans were not used. The park was built following Mr. Scott's design.
A very large rock was chosen for the memorial plaque dedicated to the Coe family. This boulder weighed 15 tons! It was a big event when it was moved through the town center. Twenty horses were needed to pull it on a special wagon.
Another important monument in the park is the Civil War monument. It was first put up in front of Town Hall in 1879. Later, in 1936, it was moved to Coe Memorial Park.
The Park Today
Over the years, Coe Memorial Park has become a true town green for Torrington. It's a place for remembering important events and for people to gather. Many holidays and other town events are celebrated here. It offers a peaceful spot in the middle of a busy area.
In 1973, the Coe Memorial Park Civic Center was built in the park. This building provides a place for town meetings and offices for the recreation department.
A large stone sculpture fountain was added to the park in 1981. It was designed by artist Edward Monti. This fountain was dedicated to all Veterans of the Vietnam War era.
In 1997, a special group called the Coe Memorial Park Subcommittee was created. Their job is to help manage and take care of the park.
Caring for the Park
The park receives money from a special fund called a Trust. This Trust was set up in 1922 by Adelaide Coe Godfrey, one of the people who first gave the park to the town. The money from this Trust is used only for the care, upkeep, and improvements of Coe Memorial Park.
Since 2001, the Coe Memorial Park Subcommittee has been working on a "Master Plan" for the park. This plan aims to restore the park's historic look. With help from Still River Gardens, LLC, the park has become a beautiful garden in the heart of downtown.
The first part of the restoration plan was finished in 2005. This included fixing the walkways and planting new gardens. More work is planned for the future.
