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 in Davenport, Iowa, United States. This large park covers about 75 acres (30 hectares). It is known for its rolling green hills and many trees. The park has playground equipment for kids and an aquatic center for swimming. The Putnam Museum is also located very close to the park's east side.
Park History
How the Park Began
The land that became Fejervary Park was a special gift to the city. It was donated by Celestine Fejérváry. Her father, Nicholas Fejérváry, was a nobleman from Hungary. He came to Davenport in 1853. He was seeking a new home after some troubles in his own country.
Nicholas built his estate on this very land. He chose the spot because the tall bluffs reminded him of his home. From here, he could see the Mississippi River. This view was like the Danube River in Hungary. The original house from his estate is now gone. Only a carriage barn from his time still stands.
The city of Davenport wanted to create more public parks. So, the Davenport Board of Parks Commissioners acquired this land. Other parks like Vander Veer and Riverview Terrace were also part of this plan.
Mother Goose Land Zoo
In 1909, a city zoo was added to Fejervary Park. It became famous as Mother Goose Land. Visitors would walk through a large Mother Goose structure to enter the zoo. There was also a popular area called Monkey Island.
The unique Mother Goose entryway was recognized as important history. It was listed on the Davenport Register of Historic Properties in 2007. The zoo itself closed its doors in 2008.
