User:Indyguy: Difference between revisions

:''For the conservatory with the same name in Chicago, Illinois, see [[Garfield Park Conservatory]]''

{{Infobox park

|name = Garfield Park

|image = Garfield Park Conservatory Indy.JPG

|alt = A rectangular conservatory building faced with cut limestone, viewed from an angle with the shorter side, which contains the entrance, to the left, and the longer side to the right. A large tree stands in front of the corner of the building. On the right side of the picture is the metal arched gateway to a plaza that is on the longer side of the building.

|caption = Conservatory building in Garfield Park

|type = City Park

|location = Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

|coordinates = {{Coord|39|43|55.49|N|86|08|31.27|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

|size = {{convert|128|acre|ha}}

|opened = {{Start date|1881}}

|operator = Indy Parks and Recreation

|open_dates = All year

|website = {{url |http://www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org }}

}}

'''Garfield Park''' is a {{convert|128|acre|ha|sing=on}} regional city park in [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]. Formed in the late 19th century, it is the oldest city park in Indianapolis and is on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. The park is located at the [[confluence]] of [[Pleasant Run Creek (Indianapoils)|Pleasant Run]] and Bean Creeks on the near Southside of Indianapolis. The {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|sing=on}} Conservatory and adjoining Sunken Gardens are located in the eastern portion of the park. The noted landscape architect [[George Kessler]] designed the Sunken Gardens along with many of the other features of the park.

==History==

In 1874 the [[Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad|Jeffersonville Railroad]] sold {{convert|98|acre|ha}} of right-of-way known as Bradley Woods to a horse track organization. The group's intent was to create a racetrack whose harness racing events and annual fair would compete with the Indiana State Fair. However, the Southern Riding Park proved to be an unsuccessful venture, in part because it was not easily accessible to the residents of the city. The [[Panic of 1873]] caused the acreage to be sold to N. R. Rucker, the [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]] sheriff, who himself sold the area to the city of Indianapolis shortly thereafter for over $109,500. The city in turn leased the property to the Indiana Trotting Association; that group also failed, so control reverted to the city.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=608}}{{sfn|Conn|p=90}}{{sfn|Taylor|1989|p=424}}

The city opened what was originally named Southern Park in 1876, the first park owned by the city itself.{{sfn|Taylor|1989|p=424}} While [[University Park (Indianapolis, Indiana)|University Park]] and [[Military Park (Indianapolis)|Military Park]] are older, both are owned by the state of Indiana rather than the city. The park was renamed for President [[James Garfield]] soon after his assassination in 1881. Use of the park remained low during its first two decades because of its distance from the city proper and its lack of facilities. The City Council heard and rejected proposals to use the land for a dairy farm (1877), a city cemetery (1882), a factory (1885); and to relocate the Indiana State Fair (1878) in exchange for the then-current fair site in Morton Place.{{sfn|MasterPlan|1989|p=2}}

In 1888 the City Council appropriated $10,000 for improvements in the park, including a bridge over Pleasant Run. By 1895 a streetcar line had been extended to the park, allowing easier access. The Board of Park Commissioners was created in 1895 and another $10,000 was appropriated for repairs and to plan and remodel the facilities; in prior years improvements had been made haphazardly.{{sfn|MasterPlan|1989|p=2}}

Major improvements were made almost annually for the next twenty years: a bicycle path (1901), the Pagoda (1903), increased greenhouse capacity from {{convert|40,000|sqft|m2}} to {{convert|200,000|ft2|m2}}(1904), exhibition cages for bears, monkeys, and small animals (1905), brick and limestone entrance and corner posts (1905), tennis courts (1905), and two swimming beaches on Bean Creak, one for boys and one for girls (1910).{{sfn|MasterPlan|1989|p=3}}

Additional land acquisitions in the early 20th century of land along Shelby Street that include the site of the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens increased the size of Garfield Park to {{convert|128|acre|ha}}.

==Geography==

Garfield Park is bounded by Raymond Street on the north; South Garfield Drive, East Garfield Drive, and Shelby Street on the east; Southern Avenue on the south; and the [[Louisville and Indiana Railroad]] tracks on the west. [[Emmerich Manual High School]] lies directly to the west on the other side of the railroad track embankment.

Much of the park is rolling fields, due to its location at the confluence of [[Pleasant Run Creek (Indianapolis)|Pleasant Run]] and Bean creeks. Pleasant Run enters the park from the north and flows southwest before existing on the west. Bean Creek enters from the south near Shelby Street and flows northwest until joining Pleasant Run. Seven bridges span the streams within the park; three of them are for pedestrians only. The oldest of these bridges are constructed of limestone.

Garfield Park is an integral component of the [[Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System]] designed by George Kessler. Pleasant Run Parkway passes through the park as it follows the stream from the East side of Indianapolis to the White River. The [[Pleasant Run Trail]] runs north from Garfield Park to Christian Park and [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis, Indiana)#Parks|Ellenberger Park]], also following the creek.

A dam located where the two creeks meet at one time created a pond that was used for ice skating during the winter. That dam has since been removed. A 1992 tornado destroyed twenty percent of Garfield Park's trees.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=608}}{{sfn|Conn|p=90}}

==Conservatory and Sunken Gardens==

The first Garfield Park Conservatory building was built in 1915. By mid-century its condition had deteriorated and so it was replaced in 1954 with a new structure designed by the Indianapolis architectural firm of Burns and Burns.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=365}} That building was renovated in 1990 and is the one still in use. The {{convert|10000|sqft|m2}} Conservatory is constructed of welded-[[aluminum]] and [[glass]], and was the first of its kind in the United States.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=608}} It is located at 2505 Conservatory Drive.

Also in 1954, the ''Pioneer Family'' fountain was moved to the Conservatory because of traffic congestion at its original site at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Prospect and Shelby streets in [[Fountain Square, Indianapolis|Fountain Square]]. It remained at the Conservatory until 1979, when it was returned to Fountain Square.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=597}} In 2009 it was again temporarily moved to the Conservatory while a new site in Fountain Square is prepared.

The Conservatory features tree frogs, free-flying birds and tropical plants, including an [[Amazon River]] [[rainforest]], a large collection of [[bromeliads]], [[orchids]], and other [[epiphytes]] planted in a natural setting, along with [[bonsai]] trees, and miscellaneous flowering plants. A chief attraction is the indoor {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} [[granite]] [[waterfall]].{{sfn|Conn|p=90}} Visitors can guide themselves around the conservatory.

The Sunken Gardens ({{convert|3|acre|ha}}) were designed by the German-born [[landscape architect]] [[George E. Kessler]] and dedicated in 1916. They are European-style formal gardens, with three fountains, paved brick walkways, and benches. They are replanted three times a year with seasonal displays, taking advantage of the [[tulip]]s of spring, the annuals of summer, and the [[Chrysanthemum|mum]]s of autumn. Its fountains and floral displays have held high-regard throughout the American Midwest since their 1916 dedication. The fountains, the work of [[Musical fountain#The work of F.W. Darlington|F. W. Darlington]], are an example of musical fountains with colored lights and synchronized music. Originally, fish ponds existed inside the Gardens, but have since disappeared.

Recent decades have been harder for the Gardens, but a renovation in 1998 and the founding of two different groups, the "Friends of Garfield Park Incorporated" and "Friends of Garfield Park Conservatory" demonstrate renewed interest.{{sfn|Conn|p=90}}{{sfn|Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens|/garden.html}}

Both the Conservatory and Gardens are open seven days a week, during business hours. During the [[Christmas]] season the Conservatory has its Annual Holiday [[Poinsettia]] Show.<ref>Anokwa, Afua. '''Poinsettia show and Christmas activities at Garfield Park''' ''Indianapolis Star'' November 16, 2007</ref> In the summer, the Sunken gardens features concerts, collectively know as ''Music in the Garden''. The grounds are available for weddings, but not for other private events.{{sfn|Conn|p=90}}{{sfn|Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens|/garden.html}}

==Other Facilities==

Also of note is Garfield Park's [[Pagoda]]. A curved [[copper]] roof covers the otherwise-open [[wrought iron]], [[Rock (geology)|rock]], and [[concrete]] structure. Built in 1903, it was intended to take advantage of the then-popular fad of [[opera]].{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=608}} Originally it also housed the superintendent's office, a storage room, and, in a lower level, public restrooms. The office and restrooms were later removed. The most recent renovation was in 1995, at which time the structure was made ADA-compliant.{{sfn|Ratio Architects}} A playground and parking are located directly to the south of the Pagoda.

The Community House building, built in 19xx, served as the site of [[the Children's Museum of Indianapolis]] for one year in 1926.{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=410}}

There are also facilities of two other governmental units that have been constructed within the park boundaries in more recent years. The Shelby Branch of the [[Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library]] is located on the eastern edge of the park at 2502 Shelby Street, directly east of the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens. The {{convert|6400|sqft|m2}} building opened on November 8, 1965.{{sfn|About the Library Shelby Branch}} Station 29 of the [[Indianapolis Fire Department]] is located at 602 E. Pleasant Run Parkway, North Drive near the Grove of Remembrance in the northern section of the park; the station was opened on April 17, 1991.{{sfn|Indianapolis Fire Department Station 29}}

==Memorials==

[[Image:Henry W. Lawton statue Indy.JPG|thumb|300px|Statue of [[Henry Ware Lawton]] near the Garfield Park Conservatory]]

Three memorials are within the grounds of Garfield Park.

* A granite shaft is dedicated to the 1,616 Confederate who died at the [[Camp Morton]] prison camp. The monument originally was erected in 1912 in the old Greenlawn Cemetery where the soldiers had been buried. When that cemetery was later closed, the remains of the Confederate soldiers were moved between 1928 and 1933 to [[Crown Hill Cemetery]]. At the request of the Southern Club of Indianapolis, the monument was moved to a site in Garfield Park near the Southern Avenue entrance to make it more visible to the public; there were plans to eventually move the monument to Crown Hill, but for financial or other reasons it has remained in the park.{{sfn|Bird|1991|p=12}}

* The ''Grove of Remembrance'' in the northwestern section of the park honors the fallen soldiers from Indianapolis in [[World War I]]. Originally a tree was planted for each individual soldier, 387 in total.

* A statue of [[Major General]] [[Henry W. Lawton]] of [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]] was created by the sculptor [[Andrew O'Connor (sculptor)|Andrew O'Connor]]. Lawton fought in the [[American Civil War]], later captured the Apache warrior [[Geronimo]], and died in the [[Philippines]] during the [[Spanish-American War]].{{sfn|Bodenhamer|p=608}} The statue is located just north of the Conservatory, and was placed in Garfield Park in 1915, being moved from its original location on the grounds of the old [[Marion County Courthouse (Indiana)|Marion County Courthouse]].

==See also==

* [[List of parks in Indianapolis]]

* [[List of botanical gardens in the United States]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

*{{Cite news | last = Bird | first = Paul | title = City Men on Mission tied to Civil War | date= 22 January 1991 | newspaper = The Indianapolis News | ref = harv }}

*{{Cite encyclopedia | editor-last=Bodenhamer | editor-first=David J. | editor2-last=Barrows | editor2-first=Robert G. | encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis | title=Garfield Park and Conservatory | publisher=Indiana University Press | year=1994 | isbn=0253312221 | ref = harv}}

*{{Cite web | title=Indianapolis Fire Department Station 29 | author=City of Indianapolis | url=http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPS/IFD/Stations/Stations/Pages/station29.aspx | accessdate=25 November 2010 | ref = harv}}

*{{Cite book | last=Conn | first=Earl L. | title=My Indiana:101 Places to See | publisher=Indiana Historical Society Press | location=Indianapolis | year=2006 | isbn=0871951959 | ref = harv}}

*{{Cite book | author=Department of Metropolitan Development Division of Planning | title=Garfield Park Master Plan | publisher=Department of Parks and Recreation | location=Indianapolis | year=1989 | url=http://www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/PDF/garfieldparkpp89.pdf | ref=MasterPlan}}

*{{Cite web | title=Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens | author=Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Gardens | url=http://www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org/garden.html | accessdate=28 November 2010 | ref = harv}}

*{{Cite web | title=About the Library Shelby Branch | author=Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library | url=http://www.imcpl.org/about/locations/shelby.html | accessdate=25 November 2010 | ref = harv}}

*{{Cite web | title=Garfield Park Pagoda | author=Ratio Architects | url=http://www.ratioarchitects.com/assets/uploads/Garfield_Park_Pagoda.pdf | accessdate=01 December 2010 | ref=harv}}

*{{Cite book | last1=Taylor | first1=Robert | author2=Errol Wayne Stevens | author3=Mary Ann Ponder | author4=Paul Brockman | title=Indiana: A New Historical Guide | publisher=Indiana Historical Society | location=Indianapolis | year=1989 | isbn=0871950499}}

==External links==

* [http://www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org Official Site]

* [http://www.garfieldparkindy.org/home.php Friends of Garfield Park]

{{Coord|39|43|55.49|N|86|08|31.27|W|type:landmark|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Garfield Park Conservatory And Sunken Gardens}}

[ [:Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1954]]

[ [:Category:Botanical gardens in Indiana]]

[ [:Category:Parks in Indianapolis, Indiana]]

[ [:Category:Urban public parks]]