Burdette Park

Burdette Park View all images of Burdette Park

Quick Timeline

1936	Park opens

Location

Architecture

History

Comments

a lot of work done by WPA named for everette burdette, grew up in Howell, and killed in germany during wwi american legion park clubhouse dedicated may 5/15/1927

wpa opened 1936 new olympic pool 1960 Development began in 1927 when the Burdette American Legion Post bought 40 acres to be used as a resort for members and their families as a refuge from the city The park was named in honor of Edward Burdette, the first World War I casualty from Vanderburgh County.

When several federal public works programs were created during the Great Depression, the park was deeded to the county in 1934 so it could be developed further. The project started under the Civil Works Administration, which in 1935 became the Works Progress Administration or WPA, and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration oversaw the laborer the labor force. With 250 laborers a week, it was at one point the largest FERA project in the country, The workers eventually built two artificial saltwater lakes, three systems of foot trails, numerous bridges and several cabins. Some 15,000 people attended opening day ceremonies in 1936. The park was the place to be in the years that followed, Its saltwater swimming lakes were replaced by pools. Amenities such as slides and a roller rink were added later skating rink torn down 1992 http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/jul/11/refuge-marks-76-years/

See also

Research notes

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