Tuscora Park earns historical marker
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 17, 2023) – Another local landmark is now among the state’s most historic places.
The Ohio History Connection has granted Tuscora Park historical site status. That’s after rejecting two previous applications from the New Philadelphia Rotary and member Sam Hitchcock, who describes the process as a three-year crusade.
“We had to go back and forth, in trying to figure out what the proper text would be on the marker. Of course, everything had to be accurate and verified, and you know I applied several times and was turned down and then we finally got notice that it was going to happen.”
The former Park Place Teen Center director lives near the park and has fond memories of taking his kids there to play.
“I think everyone that lives in this community has always felt like it was of value to the community. You know, Tuscora Park draws visitors from all over the state and even farther than that so it just seemed to me like it needed some statewide recognition.”
The club is seeking donations to help pay for the bronze site marker that will go up during a ceremony sometime next year.
“There is a stone circle pretty much centrally located in the park that I guess there used to be a tree located there at one time. It’s right near a walkway just up from the carousel and I thought that would be an ideal location because the marker is going to have two sides.”
Checks with “RTY Tuscora Park Marker” listed in the memo line can be mailed to the park office at 161 Tuscora Avenue Northwest. The club has committed over $1,200 and says any donations in excess of the $4,000 cost will go toward installation.