Downing Park

Downing Park is in Newburgh City, New York. It is the largest among several parks in the area. Downing Park is centrally located with Robinson Avenue to its west, Dubois Street to the east, South Street to the North and Third Street to the south. The park is divided into a western and eastern side by Carpenter Avenue.

It was designed during the 19th century by Calvert Vaux and Fredrick Law Olmsted. The pair gave the city the design for the park under the condition that it be names after Andrew Jackson Downing, their mentor and a Newburgh native who was in the fatal steamboat accident of 1852. The plans were given

to the city in 1889, and were completed by 1897.

The park’s most prominent feature is the fountain and pond, known as the polly, located in its southwest corner. During the early part of the 20th century, the polly was a popular site for ice skating during the winter. However, since the pollution levels in the area increased, the waters have not been able to

freeze hard enough for skating.

Some of Downing Park’s amenities include an amphitheater, where many local festivals and concerts are held, and the stone Shelter House.

New York Pictures 2009