TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — You may enjoy going for a walk or jog at Deming Park, but what you might not realize is the rich history on the grounds.
Blueprints and new discoveries unveiling what the plans for parks around Terre Haute could have been over one hundred years ago.
It all started with a man named George Kessler, if he doesn’t sound familiar maybe his work does.
“It’s part of George Kessler’s plan over a long time ago, said Suzy Dunning, curator and Vigo co. historian. “It was to intertwine all of these park systems in Terre Haute.”
Deming Park located on the east side of the city was on of Kessler’s designs and visions brought to life, but a recent discovery shows that he had more plans in store.
“Blueprints, which are historic from circa 1920 helped the city of terre haute,” said Luke Waltz, LOWLAND partner and landscape director. “As well as a larger surrounding community in the region understand more about its heritage and how the parks and open space could eventually be planned for something more beautiful.”
The Time Travelers Club of Vigo co. held an event showcasing the deep history behind Kessler and the unknown facts about Deming Park and others around the city.
“I hope the community is able to take these plans as well as the five-year parks and recreation master plan, which they’re already doing a great job executing that, and eventually roll that into even more quality of life and public base improvements around the city,” said Waltz.
At the event there were original blueprints from the 1920’s as well as virtual reality goggles showing people what the parks would have looked like if the original blueprints came to life.
“People today maybe don’t know what that is or what this park looked like originally so we get to see some of the old photographs and designs that take us back into history,” said Dunning.
During the event they even talked about how there was once a zoo here with monkeys and alligators, just showing the deep history this park has.
If you would like to learn about the park’s history or try the VR goggles yourself starting on September 30th there will be an exhibit at the Vigo public library or click the link here to learn more.
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