Parks

Sibley Park On October 3 1887, 120 acres of land was purchased for $13,088.00 with money obtained from bonds to create this park. Later, on December 19 1887, the Southern Minnesota Stock and Fairgrounds was also purchased and added to the park. In 1897 railroad tracks were laid across the entrance which proved to be dangerous, so in 1928 a driveway was built under the tracks. A dam was built in 1934 but removed in 1951 for environmental reasons. There used to be a large zoo, but a flood in 1965 destroyed it, killing several animals. The park is also the site of the Ott Cabin. It was moved there in 1931 from its original location in Mankato township. It was built by George Ott around 1858.

Washington Park The city purchased the land for this park in 1906 from Judge Lorin Cray for $8500.00

Minneopa State Park A bill was passed by the Legislature which created Minneopa Park on April 19, 1905. $5,000 was appropriated to purchase the necessary grounds. The falls and about 35 acres of adjoining land were originally purchased. Later, 25 more acres from the town of South Bend were also purchased and added to the park.

Tourtellotte Park This park was named after Colonel John E. Tourtellotte who willed the city $8,000 which was used to build the first hospital. The first swimming pool at this park was built in 1939.

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Sources:
The Heritage of Blue Earth County Minnesota. Curtis Media Corporation. Dallas Texas. 1990.
Background - http://desktoppublishing.com/backgrounds.html