Baker Park
Brief History
Originally known as the City Park, it was started with 10 acres of rough land located just south of I Avenue and east of Main Street (where the current little league diamonds stand). It grew with the addition of a beautiful 40 acre grove in 1935, located on the west side of Main Street just south of M Avenue. This grove was the last remaining natural wooded area within the city limits and was purchased from Alden Estes and his mother Mrs. Belle C. Bailey for $5,000. Another 30 acres on the east side of Main Street was given to the city by Chrysler Corporation.
In 1935 the city council issued bonds in the sum of $33,000 and went to work building "a real city park." Plans were made to include a swimming pool, playground equipment, furnaces and a shelter house.
The formal dedication of Baker Park was held on June 20, 1937 and was named in honor of Sidney E. Baker, mayor of New Castle for twelve years. Mayor Baker, more than any other person, was responsible for the establishment of the park.
Reservation Information:
Reservations for shelters and/or the pool must be made in person at the Mayor's Office, located at 221 North Main Street, in New Castle. Reservations begin on the first working day in January each calendar year and cannot be made in advance for any other calendar year. There is currently no charge for reserving the park facilities, with the exception of the Aquatic Center.
Facilities Available:
- Aquatic Center with pool, splash pads and concession stand
- 2 Large enclosed shelters, with electricity and water close by (reservations needed)
- 4 Small shelters, available to the community on a first come - first served basis
- 1 Covered stage area, with electricity may be reserved with Baker Park Shelter #1 only
- Restroom facilities
- Picnic areas, "Fun Park" for children, and a large playground area
- Courts for basketball and sand volleyball, ball diamonds, shuffleboard and horseshoe pits
- Bark Park for the dog
- Useful
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