Randlett Park - Anadarko, OK
Posted by: hamquilter
N 35° 04.427 W 098° 15.213
14S E 568054 N 3881479
Randlett Park has a long history of use for community recreation, as well as public utility service. It was placed on the National Register in 2003.
Waymark Code: WMD3FR
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 11/13/2011
Views: 2
The park was first set aside for development in 1901. This is a 38.6 acre area on the northwest edge of Anadarko. Nine additional acres, once part of the park, were donated to the State for construction of the armory, which sits east of the park.
Randlett Park was named for Col. James R. Randlette, Administrator of the Indian Agency in Anadarko from 1899-1905. The park is addressed as 800 W. Central. The park lies north and south of the Washita River. It is bounded on the east by 7th Street, on the north by Broadway and on the south by W. Central. With early beginnings as an open area for recreation, as well as the site of the town’s power plant and water storage tower, it has evolved over the years into a full-service recreational park, which is enjoyed by many, and is the site of town events and celebrations.
Structures within the park which are contributing items include the dam, a power plant complex, as well as the original power plant, now known as “Old Plant,” the swimming pool, and five drive-in and pedestrian entrances constructed during the 1930s. The open-air, oval swimming pool (60 x 100 ft.) is inset into a surrounding building which houses bathhouses, concessions, offices, utility and storage rooms. The pool was constructed in 1926, and renovated in 1991.
The park offers:
• Baseball fields
• Two full basketball courts
• Croquet Courts
• Picnic pavilions with grills
• RV Hookups
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Playground equipment
• Horseshoes
• Restrooms
• Fishing facilities
• Walking Trails
In addition to the recreational aspects of the park, it was once the site of the town’s electric power and water storage. Numerous historic utility buildings are on the property, including two power plants, water treatment facility, historic water tower dating from the 1920s, a railroad bridge and footbridge over the river. The river was diverted into an older channel and no longer streams through the park. At the dam, lagoons have formed on either side, which are currently used as fishing facilities.
The park is the site of community events, such as Honor America Day (4th of July) with contests, baseball tournaments, races, fireworks and arts & crafts vendors. In mid-October, the Autumn Festival includes the Custom Car & Truck Show, a chili cook-off and pumpkin carving contest, arts and crafts, as well as food vendors, live entertainment and games for all ages.
Street address: 800 W. Central Washita River So. to Central Blvd. & E. to 7th Street Anadarko, OK US 73005
County / Borough / Parish: Caddo County
Year listed: 2003
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event
Periods of significance: 1900-1924; 1925-1949
Historic function: Government, Recreation & Culture
Current function: Government, Recreation and Culture
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
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