Reenvisioning John Paul Park
The History
John Paul Park, located at 500 W. 3rd St. in Madison, Indiana, is the city's oldest park, with origins dating back to the mid-1800s. The land was initially donated in 1823 by Madison's founder, John Paul, to serve as a city cemetery.
By the early 1900s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair. The John Paul Chapter of the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), formed in 1902, obtained permission from the Madison City Council to take ownership of the land and transform the neglected site into a public park. Their efforts went beyond simply clearing rubbish—they also carefully relocated several gravesites to Springdale Cemetery, while John Paul and his wife were moved to Fairmount Cemetery.
In 1904, the land was officially dedicated as a park, and trees were planted to mark the transformation from a cemetery into a public green space. Around this time, the DAR also began requesting tree donations to enhance the park's natural beauty. Trees were donated by governors of the original 13 colonies, the Vatican, the Indiana State Forest Reserve, and many local citizens.
Funding the park's transformation was a challenge. Throughout the early 1900s, the John Paul Chapter of the DAR struggled to raise money, but financial concerns eased when the city council agreed to donate $200 per year for the park's care—later increasing the amount to $300 per year.
In 1907, the city deeded additional adjoining land to the DAR, including an area through which Crooked Creek once ran. The creek was straightened, and the land was prepared for a baseball field and tennis court.
By 1913, the DAR had made significant improvements, including the construction of a six-sided stone tool house, which served as a storage facility for park maintenance tools.
For decades, the DAR took pride in maintaining John Paul Park through fundraisers and community donations. However, by the mid-1980s, the organization requested that the city take over park maintenance. Since then, the Madison Parks Department has overseen its upkeep.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts & Future Plans
Despite its rich history, John Paul Park is in need of extensive upgrades and redevelopment to bring it up to modern standards and align with the evolving needs of our community. This effort goes beyond simple restoration—it involves significant improvements to infrastructure, accessibility, and amenities to create a more functional, inclusive, and welcoming space for all residents and visitors. In the early 2000s, Jill Keller, a dedicated John Paul DAR Chapter member, spearheaded park revitalization efforts. She rallied community members to establish the John Paul Park Conservancy, which commissioned a professional design by Environs Landscape Architecture in 2009.
Sadly, Keller passed away in 2014, and the John Paul Park Conservancy disbanded. The remaining funds were used to establish the John Paul Park Fund at the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County (CFMJC). Today, the John Paul DAR Chapter utilizes annual fund distributions to support modest park projects, assisted by many volunteer hours. Recent efforts include:
· Installing new benches
· Stabilizing the fountain base (pending a decision on its future use)
· Refreshing the park's historical marker
Despite these improvements, limited resources have hindered necessary upgrades and repairs, leaving the park underutilized.
In 2023, a dedicated and collaborative John Paul Park Working Group was formed. Members include, John Paul Chapter DAR representatives, City of Madison Parks and Recreation representatives, a City Parks Board representative, and a City Council representative.
The group's first step was to assess the conservancy's original plan and update it to reflect current community needs. Environs Landscape Architecture was re-engaged to guide the process, and in May 2024, the revised plan was presented to the public and received positive community feedback. The key elements and changes include: adding a walking path, improved ball field and audience seating, ADA-compliant access to both the upper and lower levels, comprehensive signage to memorialize and share the park’s history, erosion remediation, addition of a pollinator garden restrooms, and defined parking. Before any work can begin, an engineering firm has been engaged for the critically important – but invisible – feasibility and foundational work to ensure a successful multi-year reenvisioning project. As work continues in the area, all efforts will be conducted with the utmost sensitivity and respect to honor those laid to rest and preserve the site’s heritage.
A Vision for the Future
The ultimate goal is to create a unique place in our community that invites people in, is utilized by people of all ages, welcomes both residents and visitors, and contributes in a positive way to the well-being of those using the park. The John Paul Chapter, the Parks Board, the Mayor, and members of the City Council are all supportive of this effort.
The Reenvisioning John Paul Park Project leverages the work of Jill Keller and the John Paul Park Conservancy and is the basis for a revised plan to create a more attractive, accessible, multi-use space that provides for physical activity and a contemplative space that honors Madison’s history and its founder.
From one generation to the next, John Paul Park stands as a testament to the community's dedication to preserving history, enhancing the present, and ensuring that this cherished space continues to serve and inspire future generations.
Partners: City of Madison and the John Paul Chapter of the DAR
Funding Sources: This project, grounded in the original spirit of community support, will be 100% funded by grants and community donations, ensuring that the legacy of John Paul Park is not only preserved but enhanced for generations to come.
Support the Project: To help bring this vision to life, you can support the John Paul Park Restoration Project by donating or writing a letter to show your support for funding requests. Your contributions—whether financial or through advocacy—will help ensure the park’s future as a vibrant, accessible space for all.
Key Supporters and Donors (2023-Present): Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County Grant, Darrel Lock (In Kind Donation), Steve Land, Vires Excavation & Concrete, Zack Vires (In Kind Donation), John Paul Chapter of the DAR, H Beall, Madison Parks and Recreation
