TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — In 1921, Demas Deming Jr. signed over a piece of property to the city of Terre Haute, creating Deming Park. A century later, the park has been the site for countless community activities, events, and memories.
From scenic views to train rides, there is no shortage of things to do at Deming Park.
For Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduate and Alaskan resident, Shad Schoppert, the park is a special place for his family.
“They love to run around. I think it’s just that it’s available and it’s free. It’s beautifully maintained, it’s a way to get outside,” Schoppert said.
For others, pavilions serve as alternative classrooms.
Jana Weeks, a local art teacher, occasionally brings students to Deming Park for natural inspiration.
“It’s really nice and it brings a lot of aesthetics to our city. I mean this is a quality park. I’ve lived here most of my life and I completely enjoy Deming Park,” Weeks said.
Since it was acquired in 1921, the grounds have seen an increase in activities, including the playground and pool.
Park Superintendent, Eddie Bird, stated the park’s current format still has the same feel from it’s beginnings.
“It’s just a great place for people to enjoy it and its kind of still got that old time feel. You always want to kind of advance and see what’s out there. A new pool, slides,” Bird added, “Deming is kind of the old school park, it’s the old way,”
Schoopert hopes to see park modifications in the future.
“I think it’d be cool to be able to have like a sunshade over some of the playground, that’d be cool. I know it gets pretty warm,” Schoopert said.
According to Bird, some of the most frequently asked questions the park receives are about the Deming Park Pool. He says he’d like to see railroad extensions and updates to the pool, including a splashpad.
“Deming Park is probably the nicest park we have in the city, it brings a lot of people to the park system. We get a lot of compliments on this park,” Bird said. “Whether it be in my time or after as Superintendent, doing something to that pool is critical for the park,”
On June 5, a celebration will be held to honor of Deming Park’s 100th anniversary, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
