Watson Park Arch- Lawrence, Kansas - Freestanding Arches on Waymarking.com

My Commentary:
This ten foot concrete arch, located at the north end of Watson Park, has a semicircular base. There are two concrete pylon type columns that extend from either side of the base. The left pylon is capped with two pieces of flat metal pointed upwards - the right by a metal saucer like cover and metal strapping around the pylon. The arch is formed by two parallel pieces of metal angle iron with metal grating between them. Arched angle iron was then used to support a faintly triangular shaped piece of concrete. Metal triangles are vertically suspended at intervals along the top of the arch. I found no explanation for this piece - whether it is an art installation or an abstract Park Entrance arch.

HISTORY
Named in honor of the late Buford M. Watson Jr., Lawrence City Manager from 1970-1989, this park was originally known as Central Park. Incidentally, Central Park was part of the original town site when Lawrence was founded.

Watson Park serves as a “gateway” for visitors to the City of Lawrence from the north, west and eastern proximity of Downtown Lawrence. The renaming of Watson Park was dedicated on March 27, 1990.

DESCRIPTION OF PARK
The seven-acre park, located in the Old West Lawrence neighborhood adjacent to downtown Lawrence, is one of the most popular destinations for Lawrence citizens to visit. Watson Park is home to the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, along with an original train locomotive, playground equipment, and basketball court.

In addition, there is a picnic area along with a gazebo that allows visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic park. Throughout the summer months, Watson Park is a popular gathering place for families and friends to enjoy the open space in this highly visible two-block park, which is separated by 7th Street.

One of the most popular attractions of Watson Park is locomotive #1073. Built in 1902, it was used in freight service in the Lawrence area from 1908-1952. The 2-6-2 Prairie type locomotive traveled more than 870,000 miles and originally cost a little more than $20,000. The locomotive is located on the northeast section of the park; many children refer to this park as “train park” because of the locomotive.

Watson Park also is home to the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, which was renovated in 1995. In October 2003, a bronze bust was unveiled in honor of the park’s namesake, Buford M. Watson Jr. The artist was Tom Wilkerson, former assistant director of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.

The stone sculpture “Emergence,” created by Edd Ortiz was added to the park in September 2003. Emergence was a product of the Kansas Sculpture Association’s Stone Symposium, which was held in Lawrence in the 2002. The sculpture was accepted as a gift by the Lawrence City Commission in June 2002.

The amenities of the park include:
Basketball Court
Drinking Fountain
Playground Equipment
the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center

SHELTERS
There is 1 gazebo located in Watson Park.
The amenities of the gazebo include:
Electricity
Drinking Fountain
Barbecue Grill
Tables and Benches

- City of Lawrence - Buford M. Watson Park website

Type: Gateway Subtype: Municipal/Regional Entrance Location: Watson Park

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