{"id":203,"featured":0,"modified":"2026-04-17 19:48:36","latitude":41.666202400000003081004251725971698760986328125,"longitude":-86.1841476000000028534486773423850536346435546875,"title":"Battell Park","subtitle":"","fullsize":"https://discoverindianahistory.org/files/fullsize/9678bab2416a16577742f5d7344a1dab.jpg","address":"301 W Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545","all_locations":[],"zoom":12,"creator":["Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology"],"description":"Battell Park is an 11-acre parcel that runs along the north bank of the Saint Joseph River. Previously known as Riverside Park, it was formally dedicated as a city park in 1881 and the name was changed to Battell Park (after the family that donated the land). The first improvements came later in 1881 when a wooden fence, rustic bridge, and tree planting project were added. In 1884 the 32-foot tall Soldier’s Memorial was erected. It was a 5-tier concrete base topped by an 8-foot tall white bronze figure of a Civil War soldier.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nA variety of projects took place during the 1920s-1930s that contribute to the Park today. In 1927, a Neoclassical style bandshell was constructed at the west end of the park. This massive structure is covered with limestone and a copper roof. The Works Progress  Administration (WPA) was active in Mishawaka. They built the elaborate 5-tiered rock garden that leads to the river. There are multiple pools and cascades mixed with a variety of retaining walls and planters. A bridge crosses over the natural ravine where the rock garden is nestled. Upon the completion of the rock garden in 1936-37, the WPA began work on a circular concrete wading pool. More recent additions to the park include tennis courts, playground equipment, and a basketball court.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"","lede":"","website":"http://mishawaka.in.gov/battellpark","related_resources":[],"factoids":[],"files":{"https://discoverindianahistory.org/files/fullsize/9678bab2416a16577742f5d7344a1dab.jpg":{"id":1390,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Battell Park","description":"Bandshell | Courtesy of Indiana DNR","thumbnail":"https://discoverindianahistory.org/files/square_thumbnails/9678bab2416a16577742f5d7344a1dab.jpg"},"https://discoverindianahistory.org/files/fullsize/6b3c735613558dcb22d2d83746e2ca02.jpg":{"id":1391,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Battell Park","description":"St. Joseph River Overlook | Courtesy of Indiana DNR","thumbnail":"https://discoverindianahistory.org/files/square_thumbnails/6b3c735613558dcb22d2d83746e2ca02.jpg"}}}