Sibley
Park
Sibley Park has an interesting
history and it has many features for everyone to enjoy. The park is named after
one of its visitors. In 1840, Henry Sibley camped on the spot on which today is
called Sibley Mound.(2) On October 3rd 1887, 120 acres of land was purchased
for $13,088 with money taken from bonds to make this now beautiful park. (3)
Later on December 19th 1887, the Southern Minnesota Sock and
Fairgrounds was also purchased and then also added to the already large Sibley
Park.(3) In 1897, railroad tracks had been laid right in the entrance of park.
(3)The city felt that this was very dangerous so in 1928, they built a type of
driveway underneath the tracks. (3) Sibley Park is also home to the Ott Cabin,
which was moved to the park from its original location in downtown. It belonged
to one of the early settlers of Mankato, George Ott. (3) In 1934, a damn was
also built but was later removed in
1951
for environmental reasons. (3) Sibley Park used to have a much larger zoo then,
but due to the flood in 1965, many animals were killed. (3)
Today, the park is
completely rejuvenated with life. One of the greatest features of the park is
the zoo. It’s open from 7am till 10pm throughout the summer, and there is no
charge. (4) It features over 30 different varieties of birds. (4) They even
have a prairie dog town there too. (4) A few of the other animals that are at
the zoo are whitetail deer, llamas, Oriental potbelly pigs, and goats. All of
the animals are taken care of very well.
Everything is cleared and maintained regularly in the park. In
addition, there are so many things to do throughout
the year at the park. The first time I went to the park was this
winter. You might think that there is nothing to do in the
park in winter but you’re wrong. Sibley Park has one of the best sliding hills
around! The park also has groomed trails for cross-country skiers.
As soon as the snow melts and the soil is thawed,
the park services go to work. Every year the park services plant thousands of
flowers around the park as well as the rest of the city. There are many
arrangements and a little homemade pond there. Many people have their wedding
photos and family pictures taken here. The city has been recognized many times
for this park and its flower arrangements. (4) The park also has a gazebo,
which is very beautiful. There are a number of picnic tables set up around the
park as well as shelters, and a band-shell, which works great for family
reunions and other large gatherings. At the park, there are also a couple of
tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and jungle gyms which you see kids playing on
throughout the summer. There are also many large open grassy areas, which make
great places for romantic picnics. Also, because the park is located on the Blue
Earth River, many people can be seen canoeing here. Overall I believe that
Sibley Park is one of the greatest places to visit in the entire town.
“Celebrating the quality of life.”(4) This is how the city of Mankato describes itself, and what a job they have done. The city has provided enjoyment for every season in this lovely river city. I can’t believe I ever thought this was a bad town to live in. There are so many things to do here and not many people know about them. Throughout this paper, I have hoped that you would now have a little better view about our downtown Mankato and especially Sibley Park. I think that you too will agree that the more you know about your town and the things to do there, the more you realize that almost every town has its own little qualities that make it unique. Whether it be the parks, the entertainment or even the unique geography that is portrayed there. I hope that you have enjoyed this trip as much as I have and maybe now you can go out and have as much fun in your town as I do in my new home in Mankato.
Nick Hadfield S01 Intro to the City
End Notes/Works Cited
1.) Cherrington, C.J, Historic Mankato Walking Tour. 3 April 2001 <http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/cherrington/Tour/TourPages.html>
2.) “History of Sibley Park.” Mankato Free Press, 9 Oct. 1935: 8.
3.) Parks. 4 April 2001 <http://www.emuseum.mankato.msus.edu/history/oldmankato.html>
4.) Sibley Park. 1 April 2001 <http://www.ci.mankato.us/sibley.hml>.