Hamilton Park

Hamilton Park,
Socially Speaking

“Any type of rehab to Hamilton Park is going to be beneficial for residents. Everything takes time, especially when you want to redo a whole park as big as Hamilton Park.” @RepAMNewsdesk https://t.co/aQHMPklOIF
— Lance Reynolds (@LanceRReynolds_) September 19, 2022

History of Hamilton Park

The first-known mention of "Hamilton Park" is documented in 1899. At that time, a philanthrope proposed to donate property to the City with condition that the City fund the making of such property into a park, and that it be named Hamilton.

The purpose was to create a "pleasure spot". In this case, the park was easily accessible via trolley or "team" [perhaps horse team].

The current Hamilton Park property was purchased by Isabel Ely Hamilton, wife of Captain D. B. Hamilton. Previously, the 45 acre parcel was known as the Porter property. Hamilton purchased the property in order to donate the land to the City expressly to be converted, at expense to the City, into a park. She made the purchase at a cost of $3.5M (adjusted to year 2022 value).

This purchase and subsequent donation was only made possible by the City's recent [relative to 1899] annexation of all of the land colloquially known as Out East.

Waterbury Evening Democrat
August 15, 1899
Chronicling America
Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Foot Ball at Hamilton

The first-known football game, then known as foot ball, at Hamilton Park, took place on Friday, October 5th, 1900 between the Young Merrimacs and the Dublin Streets.

Waterbury Evening Democrat
October 06, 1900
Chronicling America
Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Hamilton Park News

Hamilton Park Getting Upgrade
Twitter; Article; 20220919

Park Features

LOCATION
1. The park is roughly bordered by Silver Street Expressway, East Main Street, Idlywood Avenue, Hamilton Park Road, and the Mad River.
WATER
1. Swimming: Swimming Pool
2. Ice Skatin: year round
SPORTS
1. Tennis: 3 courts
2. Basketball: 1 court
3. Soccer: 1 field
4. Foodbal: 1 field
5. Baseball: 3 fields
FACILITIES
1. Lavatory Facilities: yes
OTHER FEATURES
1. Shade: ample tree shade
2. Sun: ample un-shaded areas
3. Lawn: plentiful
PROHIBITIONS
1. Motorized Vehicles: All motorized vehicles are forbidden throughout the park, except in marked and designated areas; operation of any motorized vehicles anywhere else may result in heavy fines, costs to repair destruction of property, other violations such as disturbing the peace, and imprisonment. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to: motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, automobiles.