Kip's Castle Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kip's Castle Park |
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | 22 Crestmont Road Verona, New Jersey |
| Area | 14.85 acres (60,100 m2) |
| Created | 2007 |
| Operated by | Essex County |
Kip's Castle is a cool estate that looks like a real castle! It covers about 10-acre (40,000 m2) of land, split between Montclair and Verona in New Jersey.
The estate has a huge mansion that's about 9,000-square-foot (840 m2) big. It's designed to look like a castle from the medieval times. There's also a large 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) carriage house, which was like a garage for horse-drawn carriages.
Kip's Castle is now a public park, managed by Essex County. It's becoming a special place for arts and culture in the area. People can use its meeting spaces, and there will be educational programs and a museum to show the history of the Essex County Park System.
A group of twelve people helps decide how to take care of the castle and make it a great place for everyone to enjoy.
The Castle's Story
Kip's Castle was first called "Kypsburg." It was built in the early 1900s by a rich inventor named Frederic Ellsworth Kip and his wife, Charlotte Bishop Williams Kip. It took them about three years to build it!
Charlotte Kip actually designed the castle and its beautiful gardens. She even created a special eight-sided rose garden. After Charlotte passed away in 1926, the castle was sold.
Over the years, the castle had a few different owners. In the 1980s, a spiritual leader named Osho owned it, and it was used as a monastery.
Saving the Castle
After some time, the castle started to fall apart. But in 1985, a law firm bought the property. They worked hard to fix up the castle and bring it back to its original grand look.
In the early 2000s, the law firm wanted to build townhouses on the land. However, they ran into some problems with the town of Verona. So, in 2006, the castle was put up for sale again.
Luckily, with help from grants, Essex County bought Kip's Castle in March 2007. Now, it's a part of the historic Essex County Park System, which means it's protected and open for everyone to visit!
What Happens at the Castle Now?
Today, Kip's Castle is home to offices for the County's cultural and historic groups. It's also where the special advisory board meets to plan for the castle's future.
The county wants Kip's Castle Park to become a top spot for arts and culture in the region. It will offer meeting spaces for community groups and non-profit organizations. There will also be educational programs and a museum to show the history of the Essex County Park System. It's a great place to learn and have fun!
Images for kids
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Rock outcropping near triangulation site
