City of Newcastle,Indiana

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227 N. Main St.
New Castle, IN 47362
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Baker Park back  
Date of Record: April 16, 2013

Baker Park

 

Entrance to Baker

baker horseshoe Fun Park
Entrance to Baker Park
Horseshoes Park next to Fire Station
The "Fun Park" for Kids
 
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 cannot be taken over the telephone and cannot be made in advance of the year needed (example:  you cannot make reservations in 2004 for 2005).  There is currently no charge for reserving the park facilities. 
 
Facilities Available:
  • 2 Large enclosed shelters, with electricity and water closeby (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, swimming pool, "Fun Park" for children, and a large playground area
  • Basketball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard and horseshoe pits
Brief History
The park originally known as the City Park 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.