J.A. "Abe" Andrews Park - Norman, Oklahoma - Oklahoma Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Andrews Park is a huge recreational area in the middle of Norman. There is a large playground, amphitheater, skate park, splash park, pavilions, walking paths, and large grassy areas for families to enjoy. It is located at the SW corner of W. Acres St. and James Garner Ave.

text on marker:

J. A. "ABE" ANDREWS PARK

A sense of community has always flourished in Norman. The Norman City Park was established with the filing of the official town plat in the early 1890's. The park has been in existence for over a century and its features have changed with the times.

At the turn of the century and as Oklahoma became a state, the park served as a place for outdoor gatherings. The 1920's saw construction of a tourist camp to meet the needs of weary automobile travelers. To provide for their needs, a brick structure with showerheads (cold water only) and toilets was completed in August, 1923. Four outside brick ovens were also installed. On August 20, 1923 the Norman Transcript reported that the park had provided travelers with "everything for his convenience except food, fuel, and bed." In 1926, the City of Norman hired a young man to maintain and supervise its parks. J. A. "Abe" Andrews was the City of Norman Park Superintendent for 30 years. During his tenure the park saw many improvements including further development of the tourist camp and the creation of a zoo.

In the mid-1930's the use of the park became dominated by local residents rather than passing tourists. During the month of July, 1934, almost thirty-thousand visitors were documented to have used Norman City Park for various events including daylong festivals complete with swimming, watermelon feasts, and picture shows. Evidence of the zoo and camping facilities have faded from the park, although not from city resident's memories.

The 1930's and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) brought construction of an amphitheater that is still on the grounds today. The WPA, the Federal Relief Administration (FERA), the National Youth Administration (NYA) and other New Deal Programs under Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the park continue its role as a community focal point by funding construction of numerous recreation facilities that have allowed the park to thrive as an entertainment and leisure center for more that one hundred years.

In 1956, the City of Norman honored Mr. Andrews for his years of dedicated service by renaming this park for the retiring Norman Park Superintendent.

On December 28, 2000, J. A. "Abe" Andrews Park (the Norman City Park/New Deal Resources District) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Norman Historic District Commission 2001

County: Cleveland Record Address:: 201 W. Davis Norman, OK U.S.A. 73069 Web site if available: [Web Link] Rate the Site: Date Erected: 2001 Sponsor (Who put it there): Norman Historic District Commission

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Date Logged Log   07/30/2019 The Snowdog visited it 10/24/2014 peachpeeler visited it 09/27/2013 hamquilter visited it

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