The Park: Historical Musings of an Urban Retreat: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, Iowa

From the ForewordWe seek refuge at many points in our lives and the natural world is the haven in which solace may be found. A morning walk among the trees, sitting on a bench and gazing at the broad vistas, or dangling feet in the cool water of a prairie stream can heal and refresh a person exhausted by modern life. This is the story of such a place.Many Dubuquers know it simply as 'The Park' as if no other park existed anywhere, since it is as comfortable and familiar as your own neighborhood or backyard. For generations 'The Park' has served as the setting for family get-togethers, community celebrations and personal reflection. Going to 'The Park' could be expected or exceptional depending on the event. As a retreat on a hot summer day, the wading pool and shady glens were always ten degrees cooler than elsewhere in the city. The annual opening celebration on Mother's Day with the Order of the Arrow Pancake Breakfast was generally cold and windy and damp! It is a place of memories and a place to make memories - some shared and others deeply personal. This is my story of memories of this place.Eagle Point Park is a place of outstanding beauty where nature and man have worked harmoniously to please and thrill, enchant and awe. Each generation over the past 100 years has left cherished indicators of their relationship to beauty in 'The Park' - those tree lined drives, cozy stone shelters, familiar beds of peonies and sublime panoramas. 'The Park' also provides a window into how closely our ideas of home, relaxation, security, inspiration and spiritually are intricately linked to a place. These chapters explore the impact each subsequent generation has had on the activities and design of 'The Park.' Additionally, this is my story of 'The Park'.