As the weather continues to turn warmer, Owensboro and Daviess County have a lot to offer in terms of outdoor parks and recreation. Diverse in their offerings, the community’s local parks can offer everything from an Ohio River view, to soccer and softball and fishing and water play time. But, tucked inside their own corners of town, are two lesser known parks to discover.
Built on two lots that were deeded to the County over 68 years ago, Redbud Park boasts the title of being Daviess County’s oldest park. Located off of Highway 144 and Redbud Rd., the playground was originally established for the residents of the Riverside Estes subdivision.
The most notable memories of the park, according to the History of Owensboro, Ky. Facebook page, are of the late Adrian de Caussin who lived on the park’s adjoining riverbank and not only cared for the grounds, but the children that frequented it.
In 2013, the park was dedicated to the memory of the late Adrian deCaussin who once took care of the park and used it to train local children in the pole vault and other track and field events.
“He inspired young neighborhood boys to lift weights, run a hundred plus miles per month, climb ropes hand over fist (no leg-help allowed), jump hurdles, long jump and pole vault,” According to contributor Dale Warren. “DCHS’ dynasty in pole vault began there because of him, and the physical fitness that grew out of that place resulted in some college scholarships.”
Warren also recalls a time when there was a stainless steel sliding board, swings, teeter-totters and a maypole, as well as the occasional pick-up football and basketball game. The park now offers a slide, swings, jungle gym and picnic area.
Across town sits another little-known park. On “a fraction of an acre” in the center of Third Street near Orchard St., Goose Egg Park was purchased by the city in 1901. Originally known as Taylor Place, after the family that once owned it, the park would later be referred to as Fountain Park. The name Fountain Park refers to the over 10-foot tall, bronze fountain that once stood in that location.
On April 4, 1901, J. Gibson ‘Gip’ Taylor proposed the park in the line of West Third Street to be 300 feet long and elliptical in shape. His hope was to later add a fountain along with planted trees and flowers, with the street running on both sides of the park.
The park opened in June 1901, and, after the fountain was added — weighing a reported 3,100 pounds, it was said to be “the most picturesque place in the city…with its fountains, flowers and grass plots.”
The park, which would later be named Goose Egg Park, underwent a City renovation and received new playground equipment in the summer of 2013.
* Research credit for this article is attributed to Dale Warren, Adam Paris and the History of Owensboro, Ky. Facebook page.
