Frear Park facts for kids

Frear Park is an urban park in the city of Troy, New York. It was initially opened in 1917, on land donated by the Frear Family, later expanding to its current size of 247 acres (100 ha). The park contains nature trails, as well as tennis courts, a golf course, and an ice rink.

History

The original donators of the park, the Frear Family, initially lived in France where their name was 'Frere'. When they moved to England to escape turmoil in France due to World War I, the family name was changed to 'Frear'. The park's fountain was created in 1924, and the maintenance facility the year after. The golf course, initially a 9-hole course, was finished in Spring 1931, with the expansion to a full 18 holes coming in 1964. A $1.2 million irrigation system was later added in 2014. Over 46,000 rounds of golf are played at the course each year. The on-site Irish pub / restaurant was established in 1935, and the ice rink in 1980.

Attractions

The park features a 6,903-yard, 18-hole golf course with a par of 71 strokes. The course was rated as best golf course in the Upper Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine in 2003. The Rensselaer County Men's Golf Tournament and Mayor's Cup are held at the course annually. The park also includes an ice rink that houses both public skating as well as adult and youth ice hockey programs through the Troy Albany Youth Hockey Association. The park's restaurant, Park Pub Catering & Restaurant, after being constructed in 1935, was added onto in the 1980s. The pub serves mainly casual American cuisine such as chicken wings, pizza, and club sandwiches. Also located in the park are tennis courts, softball fields, picnic areas, a playground, a pagoda, and two lakes (Wright and Bradley).