Yoctangee Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yoctangee Park |
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| Type | Public |
| Location | Chillicothe, Ohio |
Yoctangee Park is a public park located in Chillicothe, Ohio. It sits right next to the city's historic First Capital District. The park was first called City Park when it opened in 1875. Later, in the 1890s, its name was changed to Yoctangee Park by William H. Hunter.
The name Yoctangee comes from a Native American word. It means "paint." This refers to the special colors used by the native people of the area for their skin and clothes.
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Park History: From Riverbed to Green Space
Yoctangee Park was once a different place. It used to be an old part of the Scioto River bed. People called it the "Old Bed" or "the Island." This happened after a railroad built a wall to change the river's path. This left a marshy, wet area with an island in the middle.
For many years, people in Chillicothe thought this marshy area caused sickness. They believed it led to chills, fevers, and malaria. It was seen as an unhealthy spot in the city.
How the Park Was Created
After the Civil War, people wanted to clean up this "Old Bed." Citizens and doctors wrote to newspapers, demanding that the city fix the problem. They wanted the city to buy the land, drain it, and clean up the unhealthy swamp.
To buy the property, a special law was passed. This law allowed the city to collect a tax to pay for the land. There were also many people without jobs at the time. So, when the idea to clean up the area came to the city council, many people were ready to help. This is how the unhealthy marsh became the park we know today.
Cool Places to See in the Park
Yoctangee Park has several interesting historical spots.
The Pump House Center for the Arts
The Pump House Center for the Arts is a special building in the park. It was once Chillicothe's pump house, built in 1883. This building helped pump water from deep wells in Yoctangee Park to a reservoir on Carlisle Hill.
In 1979, the Pump House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building. After being closed for a while, a group of artists and others worked to save it. They fixed it up, and now it's a beautiful art gallery. You can visit to see art, and sometimes they offer tours. It's a great example of Victorian Gothic style architecture.
Old Railroad Cars
You can also see two old B&O Railroad caboose cars in Yoctangee Park. They are located near Water Street. Volunteers worked hard to fix up these cars. They also collected railroad items to display inside them. You can even take tours of the cars on weekdays from spring to early fall.
The Old Armory Building
The city also owns an old National Guard armory building in the park. It was built a long time ago, in the early 1900s. The city is still deciding what to do with this building. Some ideas include turning it into a military museum.
Park Features and Fun Activities
Yoctangee Park Lake
Inside Yoctangee Park, there's a lake that covers about 12 acres. Sometimes, you can go canoeing on the lake, especially during festivals or if you book in advance. A beautiful stone arch bridge crosses the lake, which is a well-known sight in Chillicothe.
Things to Do in the Park
Yoctangee Park offers many ways to have fun! You can find a swimming pool, six tennis courts, and courts for basketball and volleyball. There are also fields for baseball and softball. If you want to relax, there are picnic areas, a playground, and shelter houses. The park also has a grandstand and restrooms for visitors.
Park Annex: More Space for Sports
An extra part of Yoctangee Park, called the annex, adds more than 40 acres of space. This area is north of the main park. It has many fields for soccer and baseball/softball. There's also a place to access the river on the south side. Youth soccer leagues often play games here.
Exciting Events in Yoctangee Park
The park hosts several popular events throughout the year.
Hoverally
The Hoverclub of America holds an annual hovercraft race here. It takes place in the Yoctangee Park Annex. The race covers part of the park land and goes around a small island in the Scioto River. Some say it's the biggest hovercraft event in the world!
Feast of the Flowering Moon
This is a big three-day festival held in late May. It takes place in Yoctangee Park and sometimes along nearby streets. The festival celebrates Native American culture. You can enjoy Native American music, dancing, food, arts and crafts, and storytelling. There are also educational demonstrations. Famous Native American musicians have performed here.
Farmer's Fall Festival
The Farmer's Fall Festival, also called the Fall Harvest Festival, usually happens on the first weekend of October. This festival offers entertainment, crafts, and a flea market. It's a great way to celebrate the autumn season.
Concerts in the Park
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert in Yoctangee Park every year. Other bands also come to the park from time to time to give concerts. It's a wonderful place to enjoy live music outdoors.
Park Improvements
The entrance to Yoctangee Park was updated in 2003 and 2004. This project made the park entrance even nicer for visitors.
There's also a special Veterans Memorial Park within Yoctangee Park. It covers about 2 acres and honors all World War II veterans.
Images for kids
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Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, Ohio.
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This stone arch bridge crossing Yoctangee Lake is a noteworthy landmark in Chillicothe.
