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Village of Central Square
Explore community parks, athletic fields, nature preserves, and historic grounds maintained for recreation, reflection, and connection.
Community gathering place
Goettel Community Park is the active heart of the village, hosting Summer Recreation, Arbor Day, the 9/11 Ceremony, the Tree Lighting, summer concerts, and Cruisin Knights events.
Originally part of Matilda Hennicker’s farm, the land later became a school athletics site. On September 18, 1928, Abraham Goettel and the Athletic Association transferred it to the Village for $1, with the requirement that it remain dedicated to recreation. The Lions Club and generations of residents have continued to improve this cherished community space.
At Goettel Community Park
The field honors Coach Bill Hoeppel and his wife, Constance. Bill distinguished himself in athletics and education and helped establish recreation programs in Central Square and Cleveland. The field celebrates his lasting belief in teamwork, community, and shared achievement.
Nature & education
Named for longtime resident Ada Powell Smith, this peaceful park features wetlands, scenic views, wildlife habitat, trails, benches, planters, and a pavilion. Since 2006, volunteers, Scouts, educators, students, trustees, and donors have steadily restored and expanded the park.
Wetlands preserve
This village-owned preserve includes significant DEC wetlands on land once used for muck farming. Community planning began in 1993, with residents favoring a quiet, low-impact park that protects wildlife and the area’s natural character.
Fencing was installed in 1999, and the property remains largely undeveloped. Its trails offer visitors a close view of village wetlands and habitat used by Mallard and Wood Ducks, warblers, and other wildlife.
History & remembrance
During World War I, a wooden honor-roll frame in Central Park displayed the name of each local service member. After the war, Central Square students and residents raised funds for a permanent bronze plaque.
The plaque, installed by Herman Goettel on a native-stone base donated by Clarence Henderson, is inscribed “1917–1918 Honor Roll” and records those who served, including six gold stars. Loomis Park preserves this community memorial and its story.
Cemetery & memorial park
James Roosevelt deeded the cemetery property to the public in 1822. Its first burial was Anna Goodspeed on April 16 of that year. The Hillside Cemetery Association was incorporated during the Civil War, and a historic receiving vault was built through community fundraising in 1893.
On January 1, 2000, the Association transferred the property to the Village for perpetual care. It was renamed Hillside Memorial Cemetery and Park to recognize its role as both a place of remembrance and a quiet public space.
Plan your visit
Goettel Park bathrooms open April 15, weather permitting.