The City Park in Hagerstown, Maryland is Hagerstown’s best kept secret. Although most people that have lived in Hagerstown throughout their lives know about this park and have visited often, any outsider probably would never know the beauty hidden within. Even for those that live in Hagerstown, not everyone is aware of what the City Park has to offer. In addition to displaying the creative forces of nature in a 50 acre lake and wooded area with trails and playground areas, the park also offers up a bit of history. The Jonathan Hager house is situated in the park, as well as an art museum. Other amenities include four softball fields, a concession stand, and picnic pavilions. All of this is housed in an environmentally friendly area that is home to about 250 waterfowl!
Imagine closing your eyes and dreaming about what you would want a serene setting of a park to look like. You might think that you would want to see wildlife, such as birds, singing all around. You would probably hope to see water, and fish in the water. Finally, your imagination would hope for shaded, peaceful areas and paths through the park to stroll. Perhaps, if you really dream deep, you might hope for a romantic gazebo situated by the water to share a warm moment with a loved one. This is what the City Park is like… You can always find shade, you can always find a secluded area even on the busiest summer day, and you can always find more paths to walk. There are at least 20 places to sit by the water and watch the ducks and swans and see the fish. Anytime the hustle and bustle of daily living gets to be too much, this relaxing atmosphere will renew your senses and recaptivate your youthful spirit.
The City Park is not only divine in nature, it also reaches into a rich historical background. The Hager House is located here, the home owned by Hagerstown’s founder, Jonathan Hager. He lived here for many years with his wife. The house served as a frontier fort for protection against the Indians, and became a trading post. This home is one of the few remaining homes intact and refurnished in the style of the period (1776) by a founding father in our country. Tours are given on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 2 to 5 pm.
Culture is alive and well in the City Park. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts lies in the heart of the City Park. This year, the Museum celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Museum hosts a permanent collection of art as well as an active schedule of exhibitions, arts classes and special events for adults and children throughout the year. Some events include musical performances, such as a recital by Shepherd College students, and a Maryland Symphony Orchestra recital series. Many a famous artist has exhibited work here, as well as famous performers playing here. Admission to the Museum is free, and the hours are 9-5 Tuesday through Friday, 9-4 on Saturday, and 1-5 pm on Sunday.
A band shell sits in the main area of the park. This band shell is used for music performances and recitals, as well as for local talent displays. Many schools use the band shell for their spring performances, such as orchestra and band. Other use can be obtained through permission and/or rental. On the backside of the park, you will find four softball fields! These are used by various organizations at little or no cost.
For families and those with the outdoors in mind, the City Park also offers a nice clean place to visit and relax for the day. Two different playground areas host hours of entertainment for children, with swings, merry-go-round, see-saw, and slides. A concession stand is available serving snacks such as pizza, snocones, refreshments, and candy/chips. Bathrooms are on site at the front entrance of the park. Throughout the park, there are picnic pavillions to have a group picnic, or room for several different families to use at once. Grills sit next to the pavillions.
There seems to be something for everyone at this park. I wanted to write this article to let everyone know that Hagerstown has such a beautiful place as the City Park. Not only is the park in a beautiful setting, but one can learn about history and culture, while eating a sno-cone, watching a musical performance, playing softball, swinging on the swings, and spending precious moments with family and loved ones. What other secret place could boast all of that?
