In 1916, under pressure from the public, the City of Hagerstown purchased land to be used for the City Park. The Maryland State General Assembly passed a bill creating a five-member Park Commission in 1918. Three years later, a swamp in the park was drained creating Lower Lake. And in 1924, Mr. and Mrs. Singer donated the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts to City Park.[2]
City Park has been called "America's Second Most Beautiful City Park"[3] and has been designated as a local Preservation Design District since 1989. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.[1] The district also includes the surrounding industrial area and residential neighborhoods. It consists largely of a late 19th and early 20th century residential area with most houses dating from 1890-1930.[4]
Attractions
There are numerous walking paths and playgrounds in the park as well as athletic facilities such as lighted tennis courts and a baseball field. An outdoor concert stage which holds city events is located in the center of City Park. Also within the park is Park Plaza, a luxury condominium complex. Also available in the park are walking trails, paddle boats, and even fitness events.[5]
Additionally, many of Hagerstown's most visited museums can be found within City Park:
