Kitchell Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kitchell Park
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The Chautauqua pavilion
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. of Ninth and Kitchell Sts., Pana, Illinois |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001538 |
| Added to NRHP | November 5, 1992 |
Kitchell Park is a special park located in Pana, Illinois. This city is found in Christian County. The park is very important because it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. This means it is a place with a lot of history and special features.
Kitchell Park is quite large, covering about 40 acres (which is about 160,000 square meters). It is one of the main parks in Pana. The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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Discovering Kitchell Park's History
Kitchell Park was given to the city of Pana in 1908. It was a gift from John W. Kitchell and his wife, Mary Little Kitchell. The park has many unique and old features that tell its story.
The Chautauqua Pavilion
One of the most famous parts of the park is the round Chautauqua Pavilion. It was built in 1911. This pavilion was a popular spot for important speakers and events. Famous people like William Jennings Bryan, World War I hero Sergeant York, and Billy Sunday spoke there.
Old Structures and Fairgrounds
The Schuyler Bridge was built in 1910. It is special because it was made entirely of concrete. The park also has an ornate main gate. This gate used to be the entrance for the Tri-County Fair. The fair was held at Kitchell Park from 1885 until 1949. After that, it moved to a new location.
Part of the park's original horse track is still used today. It is now one of the main roads that go through the park. There is a story that Frank James, a famous person from the old "Missouri Gang," used to be a starter and timekeeper at the track. This was in his later years, after he was pardoned.
The Park's Auditorium
The park also has a large auditorium. This building was created after a very heavy rainstorm in 1910. About 6.5 inches of rain fell! People felt that a strong shelter was needed for the pavilion. When it was first built, the auditorium was considered very modern. It could seat 3,500 people. The stage was also quite large, measuring 35 by 45 feet (about 11 by 14 meters).
The auditorium was updated in 1955. The Pana Lions Club helped fund these improvements. The project included new paint, a concrete floor, and new wiring. This wiring was for 24 overhead lights.
Fun Activities at Kitchell Park Today
Today, Kitchell Park is a great place for many activities. You can find tennis courts there. There is also a disc golf course for those who enjoy that sport. For sports fans, the park has softball and baseball diamonds.
If you want to cool off, there is a swimming pool. Kids can also enjoy the playgrounds. The park also has a nice picnic area. It is a wonderful place for families and friends to spend time outdoors.
