Bidwell Park
Presented to the Park District in 1916 by the heirs of Orlando B. Bidwell an outdoor enthusiast and resident of Freeport from 1856 until his death in 1909, Mr. Bidwell was a leading figure in Freeport’s financial and business circles as well as one of the city’s most esteemed and honored citizens. The neighborhood park, located across the street from Freeport Memorial Hospital, features a small shelter (built in 1948), a backstop and play equipment installed in 1996.
Knowlton Park
Located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Locust, the park is named after Dexter A. Knowlton, a pioneer merchant and Freeport landowner who donated the land and development of the park to the community. A bronze tablet was placed in the park in 1939 by Knowlton’s descendants on the 100th anniversary of his arrival to Freeport. Today, the neighborhood park features tall Black Maple trees that shade benches and play equipment installed in 1992.
Wilbur Park
Developed as a result of the activism of a community action group to bring a park to their northwest neighborhood, the land was purchased on their behalf by local industrialist W.T. Rawleigh and deeded over to an openly receptive Park District on July 13, 1948. Originally called West View Park, the name was changed in honor of Mr. Rawleigh’s son Wilbur who died in camp during World War I. Today, Wilbur Park features nicely landscaped terrain and play equipment that was installed in 1996.
Winter Park
Originally constructed by local builder James Winter, to serve the neighborhood, the 7 acre park was gifted to the Park District to manage in 1995. The park now offers neighbors a 1/3 mile asphalt surfaced path, a small shelter, a playground, a backstop and nicely landscaped open space.
