Smith Park

General Information
Acreage: 10.4
Acquired: 1894

History & Amenities
Smith Park is the City's oldest parkland. The land was originally owned by John H. Rountree and was sold by his heirs to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1891. During this period, the land was known as the Chautauqua Grounds, though many referred to it simply as The Campground. As a part of the Chautauqua adult education movement of the late 19^th century, the grounds were host to preachers, speakers, musicians, and other entertainers, with many programs taking place in the onsite Tabernacle. Crowds gathering for the programs would camp in tents or onsite sleeping cottages. The church sold a portion of the property to the City in 1894, and the entire parcel became public land in 1943. The park was renamed W.N. Smith Memorial Park after the president of the Vinegar Hill Mining Company. Mr. Smith was regarded as Platteville's first millionaire.

Today, Smith Park is most well-known for its mature oak trees, which provide natural shade for the park's other amenities, which include: a paved walking path, playgrounds, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, and outdoor shelter buildings with restroom facilities.  The shelters can be reserved and are used frequently by family gatherings in temperate months.