Fejervary Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fejervary Park |
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Mother Goose Land entrance
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Davenport, Iowa |
| Area | 75-acre (0.30 km2) |
| Operated by | Davenport Parks and Recreation |
| Open | Year round |
| Public transit access |  Davenport CitiBus |
| Official name: Mother Goose | |
| Designated: | February 7, 2007 |
| Reference #: | 36 |
Fejervary Park is a fun public park located in the western part of Davenport, Iowa, United States. This 75-acre (0.30 km2) park is known for its rolling green hills and many trees. It has cool playground equipment and a swimming center where you can cool off. The Putnam Museum is also very close, just to the east of the park.
The Park's History
How Fejervary Park Began
The land for Fejervary Park was given to the city by Celestine Fejérváry. She was the daughter of Nicholas Fejérváry, a Hungarian nobleman. A nobleman is a person from a high-ranking family, often with special titles or lands. Nicholas came to Davenport in 1853 because he had to leave his home country. There was a failed uprising in Hungary, and he needed a safe place to live.
Nicholas chose this spot for his home because the tall bluffs and views of the Mississippi River reminded him of his home country, which was near the Danube River. His original house is no longer there, but a carriage barn from his estate still stands. The city of Davenport bought this land to create more public parks for everyone to enjoy. Other parks like Vander Veer and Prospect Park were also part of this city plan.
The Story of Mother Goose Land
In 1909, a city zoo was added to Fejervary Park. It became famous as Mother Goose Land! To enter the zoo, visitors walked through a large, fun structure shaped like Mother Goose. The zoo also had a special area called Monkey Island.
The Mother Goose entrance was recognized as an important historical landmark in 2007. It was added to the Davenport Register of Historic Properties. The zoo itself closed in 2008, but the park remains a popular spot for families.
