(Editor’s Note: Following is a excerpt from front page of the May 25, 1895 edition of the Marion Record. City officials saw the value of the property even in 1895.)

Marion is fortunate in having a Mayor and Council alert to its interests. For years it has been the cherished desire of our people to have the title to that beautiful place in the heart of the city known as Central Park, vested in the city. The fear has been general and intense that it would pass into the hands of some corporation or some private individual who would destroy its usefulness for park purposes. Indeed, it was once laid off into town lots. So great has been the desire for its preservation for public purposes, that but a few votes were once lacking to invest five thousand dollars in its purchase.

Now, owing to some peculiar complications, a clear title is obtained for one thousand dollars. The Park contains something over six acres. Located, as it is, right in the heart of the city, traversed by the Luta, its great native trees furnish delightful shade to countless persons and Parties. It is indeed a charming place, made more charming by a fine spring of ever-flowing water.

All our people will rejoice that henceforth and forever Central Park is theirs.