City of Abilene preserving 100+ years of Oscar Rose Park

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Did you know about the rich history of Oscar Rose Park? As it turns out, there’s a lot more than meets the eye, which is why the Abilene parks department says it’s constantly working to preserve that exceptional part of Abilene’s story.

Driving down South 7th Street and passing Oscar Rose Park, the common eye probably could not imagine the previous lives of the family-friendly spot.

The more than 100-year-old park has been a zoo, a football field, and so much more, as according to Lesli Andrews, director of Abilene Parks and Recreation.

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Originally purchased in 1914, the land was used as a Fairgrounds for the West Texas Fair, and developments began in 1919 convert the fairgrounds into a zoo.

“I believe Elvis played there at one time,” Andrews pondered. “I know the zoo was located there at one time, I know they had horse races there at one time.”

With any changes wanting to be made to the park, Andrews told KTAB/KRBC there is a legality process in order to preserve the history and keep the use in the best interest of the public.

“There are different rules and regulations that we have to go through; state laws that dictate the order of the way things that happen,” explained Andrews. “So, there is a little bit more red tape, or a few more boxes you have to check.”

Those rules are part of the reason the park still stands as a one-of-a-kind spot to the key city.

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“It is the only park that has a water park, it’s the only park that has a skateboard park, and it’s the only park that has a dedicated senior center, and it’s the only park that has a municipal tennis center. I mean, it really is a regional park that takes care of not only all of Abilene, but even outside of Abilene,” Andrews added.

The Abilene Parks & Recreation Department said preservation efforts are ongoing. One of its upcoming community events will be held at its skate park, just off Barrow Street, for “Skate 180° 2024” on May 18. Register to compete or show up with your wheels to just have a blast and cheer on others!

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