Located in the heart of the community, Cap Gardner Park is known for its signature gazebo, seasonal flowers and scenic backdrop for weddings and family portraits. The park, which officially opened more than four decades ago, was named after Mayor Casper “Cap” Gardner, who served the city of Owensboro from 1954-58.
Born on Nov. 29, 1915, Gardner wore many hats including owner of Gardner Insurance Company, member of the Owensboro Board of Education, Mayor of Owensboro, State Senator, and Senate Majority Leader from 1964 to 1966.
Gardner excelled in his schoolwork, earning status as an honor graduate from Owensboro Senior High School. He earned his B.A. degree from George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. Soon after, Gardner served in the U.S. Naval Air Corp during World War II from 1942 to 1946 as a lieutenant.
In honor of the former mayor, each year Owensboro recognizes one of its employees to receive the Cap Gardner Award for exemplary service in the community. This specific city employee is acknowledged for their professional achievements and dedication to the City of Owensboro. The recognition started in 2007.
Today, Cap Gardner Park is a special-use park. The 1.6-acre nature park displays a wide assortment of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Director of Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department Amanda Rogers said the beauty of this location attracts numerous weddings and photography sessions each year.
“It’s a really cool aspect of our parks system,” she said. “It’s a nice backdrop for a small wedding and very reasonably priced. It’s beautiful.”
Although the main city parks such as Legion or Moreland Park receive most of the reservation requests due to the large shelter sizes which can accommodate family reunions and birthday parties, Rogers believes that Cap Gardner is special since the main attraction is the gazebo and natural scenery.
During the spring, tulips line the path of the paved walking trail and picnic area. Some local members of the community may remember a small playground that sat just across the street from the park next to Roberts Brothers Motors.
“When I think about Cap Gardner, it’s a nature park,” Rogers said. “It can be described as a provision of green space for future generations, right in the middle of the community. It offers visitors a nice quiet natural setting to break free from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a chance to reflect on your day.”
Once the parks open again, the gazebo can be reserved by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 270-687-8700. All reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. The reservation fee is $35 for the first four hours; additional hours are $10 per hour.
