History
In 1853, the Rev. Horace Bushnell championed an idea that had not been suggested in any other American city-the creation of a public park, financed by public funds. The Park was approved by public vote in 1856, and designed in 1861 by Jacob Weidenmann. The pastoral landscape is dotted with clusters of trees, woven with meandering paths, and is the complete opposite of a traditional New England town green. It is an oasis in the heart of the City, where people from all walks of life come to renew their spirit and energy.