Government Springs Park - Enid, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 36° 23.579 W 097° 52.300
14S E 601188 N 4028128
Government Springs Park was established in 1911 and was a thriving center of community activity in 1941 when "A Guide to the Sooner State" was written.
Waymark Code: WMDRDV
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 02/18/2012
Views: 5
"GOVERNMENT SPRINGS PARK, Broadway and Market Sts., was
perhaps the most noted stopping place on the Chisholm Trail. The springs did not furnish enough water for stock but there was usually an ample supply in Skeleton Creek, two miles east, and the trail drivers grazed the cattle to the creek while they themselves rested at the springs. The park received its name when government surveyors camped there while surveying the townsite and section lines.
"The old drinking hole has been cleaned out and walled in, and today the springs supply a small lake with water. North of the lake are picnic grounds with all accommodations, and across the street from the lake are the Sunken Gardens, planted with all varieties of native flowers. The park contains a municipal swimming pool and bathhouse." (A Guide to the Sooner State, 1941)
The lake referred to in 1941 is at the center of the park. It is still fed by the natural springs at this location. The shoreline on the south side of the lake has been lined with concrete, and a beautiful rock waterfall was constructed in 2004 as a centennial project. Fishing is allowed in the lake, and a wood fishing dock is located on the north side.
The park has numerous monuments and items dedicated to local citizens who have been involved in maintaining and developing the park. A war memorial on the northwest side honors Garfield County's war dead from five past wars. A performing arts pavilion is located on the west side of the park, and community events and concerts take place there. There is a playground, picnic facilities, and hiking paths throughout the park.
On the south side of the park, bordering Garriott Road a large grass area contains dozens of metal silhouette sculptures representing one of the cattle drives from the mid-1800s.
The park is open from 10:30AM to 6:00AM April-November. From November 1 thru March, it closes one-half hour after dark, and re-opens one-half hour before light.