Willard Park (Cleveland park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willard Park |
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Aerial view of Willard Park in 1973
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Area | 0.72 acres (0.29 ha) |
| Operated by | Cleveland Public Parks District |
Willard Park is a fun public park in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It's located right next to the Cleveland City Hall. The park is part of a special historic area called the Cleveland Mall historic district. Willard Park is famous for a giant sculpture called Free Stamp. It also has the original Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial.
The Giant Free Stamp Sculpture
The Free Stamp is a huge outdoor sculpture found in Willard Park. It was created by two artists, Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje van Bruggen. People often call it the "world's largest rubber stamp"! This amazing sculpture is about 28 feet tall, 26 feet wide, and 49 feet long. It looks just like a giant rubber stamp with the word "FREE" on its bottom.
Why Was It Made?
The Free Stamp was first asked for by a company called Standard Oil (Ohio) in 1982. They wanted it for their new main office building in Cleveland. The artists first designed the stamp to stand straight up. The word "FREE" would have been hidden on its "stamp pad."
Claes Oldenburg said the word "Free" on the stamp was about the freedom of American slaves. This happened during and after the Civil War.
A New Home for the Stamp
Before the sculpture was put in place, a new leader took over the company. He thought the stamp was "not right" for the building's location. He also thought the artists were making fun of the company. Because of this, the company put the giant stamp into storage.
For several years, the company, the artists, and the city talked about where to put the sculpture. Many places were suggested. The artists really wanted the sculpture to stay close to downtown Cleveland. Finally, they chose Willard Park as its new home.
Finding Its Place
In 1991, the company gave the sculpture to the city of Cleveland. The stamp was changed so it would sit on its side. It was officially shown in its new spot on November 15, 1991.
At the dedication, Oldenburg said it looked like a giant hand had picked up the sculpture. He said it looked like the hand had angrily thrown it several blocks. That's why it ended up on its side in Willard Park!
