Established in 1883, when the Winona & St. Peter Railroad deeded this triangular-plot to the City of Tracy, Central Park is Tracy’s oldest, most historic and most-used park.
Youngsters have romped over its grounds since the town’s horse and buggy days.
The park’s earliest picnickers, wore austere Victorian fashions, not shorts and T-shirts.
In its earliest years, Central Park served as an athletic field and recess grounds for the nearby Tracy Public School pupils.
In the 1920s, the town’s first swimming and wading pool—complete with a cherub-adorned fountain—was dedicated at Central Park.
Big crowds have swelled the park grounds on innumerable occasions, from the 1938 dedication of the new Tracy Hospital on the corner of Second and Emory, to gala post-World War II Miss Tracy coronations at the park bandshell. Tracy High School seniors in the spring of 1954 enjoyed an outdoor commencement at the bandshell.. In 1956, Minnesota Gov. Orville Freeman addressed a Box Car Days crowd at Central Park.
Central Park has been a special gathering place for generations of Tracy people...
Before the development of ballfields elsewhere in town, rutted base-paths on the park north end marked the spot for endless pick-up ballgames among neighborhood kids. When snowflakes flew, the diamond changed into a skating rink.
Concerts at the Central Park bandshell have long entertained local crowds. Groups like the Tam-O-Shanters and the Tracy Municipal Band began the tradition the 1920s, with the THS and Tracy Community bands continuing the tradition. Burgers, Bands & Brews was launched more recently.
A National Night Out community picnic honoring emergency responders and Box Car Days Kids’ Day attract hundreds of people today.
Over the years, many things have been done to maintain Central Park.
In the 1990s, decorative lamp posts were placed along sidewalks.
A new restroom facility was built in the early 2000s, and more recently a new picnic shelter replaced an older structure. Young oaks were transplanted into the park from the city tree farm. TAHS industrial arts students uncovered the 100-year-old steps that once led from the fountain. Flowers have been planted in the base of the old fountain and decorative boulders placed near park entrances. Just in time for the 2023 Box Car Days, a new Central Park sign was erected near the park’s Southwest entrance.
But after 140 years of use, it is not surprising that Central Park is showing signs of wear and tear.
The park’s main piece of playground equipment, installed in the early 1980s, no longer meets current safety codes.
*Tennis courts are unplayable.
*The bandshell needs maintenance and better lighting.
*Electrical services are grossly inadequate.
*Scattered mature trees are in tough shape. Many disease-vulnerable ash trees will need removal.
*The park no longer has an ice-skating warming house.
*ADA accessibility is lacking to parts of the park.
Master Plan Envisions Central Park of Future
The Tracy Park Board, guided by public comments and assisted by city staff and professional planners, has adopted a comprehensive improvement plan for Central Park.
New playground equipment, which could have a fun railroad theme, is among the planned improvements. The others may include:
• A 2,000-foot walking loop with enhanced lighting and landscaping.
• Renovated bandshell, with permanent audience seating.
• Public art walk stations.
• Enhanced electrical services and lighting.
• Restoration of park fountain.
• Expanded accessible parking.
• Half-court basketball court.
• Native Minnesota grass, flower & bush plantings.
• Warming house/park shelter.
• Historic markers/bulletin board.
• Bike rack/pedestrian crossing installations.
Your Financial Gift Can Make a Difference
For the past two years, the City of Tracy has applied for a state recreation grant to help fund planned Central Park improvements. Unfortunately, those efforts have been unsuccessful to date.
To improve future grant applications, the Tracy Park Board is spearheading a campaign to raise more local donations. To date, more than $15,000 has been raised. Many of these gifts have come from “former Tracy kids” who grew up having fun at Central Park.
Can You Help?
Donations in any amount are appreciated and needed.
Opportunities are also available for gifts of $1,000 to $50,000 to be designated in memory or in honor of a loved one.Donors can select specific improvements.
With your help, we can ensure that Central Park remains a wonderful gathering place for generations to come.
Front (Left to Right):
Anita Fultz
Marianne Ankrum
Rhonda Fredericks
Back (Left to Right):
Seth Schmidt
Connie Anderson