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Delano Park: Decatur's Historic Oasis

Discover Decatur's historic heart at Delano Park: a blend of natural beauty, recreation, and community spirit in a beautifully designed green space.

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Established in 1887, Delano Park is Decatur's oldest park, designed by landscape architect Nathan Franklin Barrett. It offers a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty, featuring a rose garden, playground, splash pad, and historic structures.

A brief summary to Delano Park

  • Monday 7 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Rose Garden during spring or early summer for the best blooms and photo opportunities.
  • Check the Decatur Parks and Recreation website for upcoming events and festivals held at the park.
  • Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the shade of the park's mature trees.
  • Explore the Trail of History to learn about Decatur's rich past and the park's significance.
  • The splash pad is a great way to cool off during the summer months, especially for families with young children.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Decatur's downtown area, Delano Park is easily accessible on foot. Head southeast towards Gordon Drive SE. The park is a few blocks from the Morgan County Courthouse and the Princess Theatre. Follow sidewalks along 6th Avenue or Gordon Drive until you reach the park's perimeter. The main entrances are located on Gordon Drive and Prospect Drive.

  • Public Transport

    NARCOG Transit provides public transportation services within Decatur. Schedule a ride at least 24 hours in advance by calling (256) 580-2088. Standard fares within the service area are $2.00. The NARCOG Transit office is located at 401 2nd Ave SE, Decatur, AL, 35602.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Decatur. Request a ride to Delano Park, specifying the address 825 Gordon Dr SE, Decatur, AL 35601. A short ride from downtown Decatur to the park typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on demand and surge pricing. Voidz Transportation offers local rides starting at $10 for up to 2 miles, with $2.50 per mile thereafter. Johnny Cab offers flat rates within Decatur, around $13.

  • Driving

    If driving from elsewhere in Decatur, navigate towards the intersection of 6th Avenue and Gordon Drive SE. Limited free parking is available along the streets surrounding the park, including Gordon Drive, Prospect Drive, and Somerville Road. Parking can be competitive during peak hours and events.

Unlock the Best of Delano Park

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Discover more about Delano Park

Delano Park, Decatur's oldest and most cherished park, offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Established in 1887 as a central element of New Decatur's ambitious revitalization plan following the Civil War and a yellow fever epidemic, the park was envisioned as a place of respite and recreation for the community. Landscape architect Nathan Franklin Barrett, renowned for his work on other prominent parks, designed Delano Park to be the focal point of the new city. Originally named after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 1930s, the park was later dedicated in honor of his mother. This dedication reflected Roosevelt's vision for municipal parks as vital components of community life during the New Deal era. The park's early years saw it primarily used as a green space, providing a tranquil escape for residents. Throughout its history, Delano Park has undergone several transformations, reflecting the changing needs and priorities of the community. During the Great Depression, the park benefited from significant improvements under the Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration, providing much-needed jobs and enhancing the park's infrastructure. These improvements included the construction of several iconic structures, such as the bandstand, bathhouse, and the Rose Garden's distinctive wall and columns, many of which still stand today as testaments to the era's craftsmanship. In recent years, Delano Park has experienced a renewed focus on restoration and revitalization. The "Friends of Delano Park," a dedicated community group, has spearheaded efforts to enhance the park's historical features, improve safety, and create new attractions. One of the most notable achievements has been the meticulous re-creation of the historic Rose Garden, faithfully restoring it to its original design. The park also features the Riverwild Playground, designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, and a splash pad for cooling off during the summer. The Trail of History offers an engaging way to learn about Decatur's past, with interpretive signs highlighting key events and figures.

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