Schiller Park (Columbus, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Schiller Park |
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| Friedrich von Schiller Park | |
Pond and bridge at Schiller Park
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| Type | Public |
| Location | 1069 Jaeger Street, German Village, Columbus, Ohio |
| Area | 23.45 acres (9.49 ha) |
| Established | 1867 |
| Administered by | Columbus Recreation and Parks Department |
| Public transit access |  Add→ 5, 8 CoGo |
| Website | Schiller Park |
Schiller Park is a large, 23.45-acre (9.49 ha) park located in German Village, a historic neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. This beautiful park is surrounded by Reinhard Avenue to the north, Jaeger Street to the east, East Deshler Avenue to the south, and City Park Avenue to the west. It's a popular spot for fun and relaxation in the city!
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Discovering Schiller Park: A Look Back
Long ago, in the 1800s, the land where Schiller Park now stands was owned by Frances Stewart. It was known as "Stewart's Grove." This area was a central spot for many community events. People gathered here for big celebrations, like the Independence Day party in 1830. It even hosted the Ohio State Fair in 1864 and 1865!
In 1866, a few people, including David W. Deshler and Allen G. Thurman, bought the land. They wanted it to always be a public space for everyone to enjoy. Soon after, in April 1867, the City of Columbus bought the park for $15,000. It was then named "The City Park." This makes it the second oldest park in Columbus, right after Goodale Park.
How the Park Got Its Name
During the late 1800s, many German immigrants moved to the area around "City Park." They brought their culture and traditions with them. On July 4, 1891, during a Fourth of July celebration, these German residents honored a famous German poet. They dedicated a statue of Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759–1805) in the park.
Friedrich von Schiller was a very important German writer. He was known for his poems, ideas, history writings, and plays. The statue in German Village is a copy of an original statue found in Munich, Germany. The original was created by Max von Widnmann and first shown in Munich on May 9, 1863. This date was an anniversary of Schiller's death. Because of this special statue and the strong German community, the Columbus City Council officially renamed "The City Park" to "Schiller Park" on April 3, 1905.
Fun Things to Do at the Park Today
Schiller Park, which was once a main meeting spot for the German community, is now a lively place with many things to do. You can find sports areas, beautiful gardens, and even an outdoor theater called an amphitheater.
During the summer, you can watch free live plays by Shakespeare! These shows are put on by the Actors' Theatre of Columbus. Near the main entrance, along City Park Avenue, you'll see the lovely Huntington Gardens. These gardens are supported by Huntington National Bank and cared for by helpful volunteers.
The park is also home to a special statue called Umbrella Girl. This statue was given to the people of German Village in October 1996. It replaced an older, missing sculpture.
Gallery
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The park and its shelterhouse beside German Village and Downtown Columbus
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Statue of Friedrich Schiller
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Umbrella Girl statue and fountain
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Winding pathway amid park space
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Images for kids
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Statue of Friedrich Schiller
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Umbrella Girl statue and fountain
