Parks & Nature Preserves

Village Parks

Goettel Community Park

Open 9 am to Dark

 

Welcome to Goettel Community Park, the vibrant heart of our village! From hosting the Village Summer Recreation Program to cherished events like Arbor Day, the 9/11 Ceremony, and the festive Tree Lighting, this park is bustling with activity year-round. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate our well-used ball field, while music lovers flock to the Central Square Summer Concert Series and the exciting Cruisin Knights events. Our park boasts essential amenities such as restroom facilities, a gazebo, pavilion, and barbecue area, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Don't miss our beautiful Butterfly Garden and the lush greenery provided by donated trees, enhancing the park's natural charm.

Originally part of Matilda Hennicker's farm, this land gained significance when Abraham Goettel bought a portion for his cow, along with two springs and a majestic elm tree. Later, five acres were designated for school athletics on September 15, 1920. Subsequently, on September 18, 1928, Mr. Goettel and the Athletic Association transferred the land to the Village of Central Square for $1.00, with the stipulation that it be used for recreational purposes. From its early days as "the Ball Park" to its current name, Goettel Community Park, it has become a cherished community asset. The Lions Club has been instrumental in enhancing the park over the years, solidifying its status as a beloved gathering place for our community.

Hoeppel Ball Field

 

Dedicated on July 17, 2010 at Goettel Park, teamwork is celebrated for its ability to unite and achieve shared goals. Remembering Coach Bill Hoeppel and his wife Constance, their legacy lives on. Bill, originally from Chicago, excelled in sports and education. He not only coached but also initiated recreation programs in Central Square and Cleveland. His impact is cherished, and we honor his memory.

Ada Powell Park

 

Ada Powell Smith, a cherished Central Square resident until 1955, is honored by the 21.6-acre Ada Powell Park on State Route 49. This serene space boasts wetlands, scenic views, and diverse wildlife, reflecting Mrs. Smith's love for nature.

Since around 2006, community efforts have transformed the park. Eagle Scout Brad Harringer kickstarted the revitalization with a nature trail and bridge removal. Grants secured by Trustee Heather Stevens and Mr. Ken Kristensen funded planters and a pavilion.

Despite setbacks like storm damage in 2008, the community persevered, restoring the park during annual clean-up events. Educational initiatives flourished, with local teacher Chris Cox involving students in tree planting.

Recent additions include benches, a new park sign donated by John and Doris Hasto, and a pavilion for gatherings and workshops. With ongoing projects like Boy Scout Mark LaPoint's trail extension, Ada Powell Park remains a testament to community collaboration and engagement.

Benefits and Goals of this park

  1. Catering to individuals of diverse ages and learning capacities.

  2. Crafting trails that respect the area's integrity while minimizing impacts on soil, ground cover, and water quality.

  3. Enhancing the park's design to facilitate wildlife observation and highlight its features.

  4. Increasing awareness of Ada Powell's significant contributions to the village.

  5. Fostering a deeper appreciation of the park's cultural and ecological history.

  6. Designing the park to actively engage local residents.

  7. Engaging youth in both the construction and upkeep of the park.

Crossroads Park & Nature Preserve

 

This village-owned property spans approximately 31.5 acres, with a significant portion designated as DEC wetlands, formerly used mainly for muck farming.

Brief History: In June 1993, a Preliminary Conceptual Plan for the Village of Central Square Community Park and Nature Center was drafted. By April 1997, concerned citizens began examining the property more closely, aiming to secure grant funding through the Wetlands Reserve Program to preserve it in its natural state indefinitely. A subsequent informal meeting in April 1998 revealed a desire for a low-key, low-impact, and low-maintenance park. Proposed features included nature walks, observation areas, a gazebo, and tennis courts, with an emphasis on preserving wildlife such as Mallard and Wood Ducks, as well as certain species of warblers. Despite efforts, little development has occurred since then, apart from some fencing installed in fall 1999 and occasional use for snow removal and parking during winter months. Nonetheless, the property retains its natural beauty, with trails offering glimpses of the village's stunning wetlands.

 

Loomis Park

Open 9 am to Dark

During World War I, as young men from Central Square were called to serve, a wooden frame was erected in Central Park. Each departing soldier's name was painted on a piece of wood by Paul Fuller and his helpers and placed in a slot on the frame. After the war, children from Central Square High School and local residents raised funds to purchase a bronze plaque, which was installed in Central Park. The plaque, set up by Mr. Herman Goettel, bears the inscription "1917-1918 Honor Roll" and lists the names of those who served, along with six gold stars. Additional names were added in 1918. The base of the plaque, crafted from native stone, was generously donated by Mr. Clarence Henderson. The plaque also features a quote by Woodrow Wilson: "The right is more precious than peace. We shall fight for the things we have. Always carried nearest our hearts. To such a task we dedicate our lives."

 

Hillside Memorial Cemetery

Phone: (315) 952-3968

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

In 1822, the cemetery property was generously deeded to the public by James Roosevelt. The first burial, that of Mrs. Anna Goodspeed on April 16, 1822, marked the beginning of its solemn history.

During the Civil War, the cemetery was formally incorporated as the Hillside Cemetery Association, a name suggested by Mrs. Armonelle Devendorf. In 1893, Mrs. Devendorf, along with Mrs. G. T. Boynton and Mr. Lewis Fancher, raised funds for the construction of a receiving vault, which, although no longer in use, stands in good condition within the cemetery grounds.

On January 1, 2000, the Hillside Cemetery Association entrusted the property to the Village of Central Square for perpetual care. The Village Board subsequently adopted the name Hillside Memorial Cemetery and Park, honoring its significance as both a place of remembrance and a tranquil public space.

Cemetery Brochure

Cemetery Niche Brochure

Memorial Program Request Form

Park Rules & Regulations

  • Alcohol
    No Alcoholic Beverages are permitted in the park.

  • Trash
    This is a garbage in - garbage out park. This means you are responsible for removing trash following your event

  • Animals
    Dogs are allowed in the park, however they must be on a leash (8 feet or less) and you must clean up its waste and dispose of it properly. No pets or other animals shall be allowed to become obnoxious, aggressive or disturbing to the other users of the park.

  • Fires
    There are no campfires or burning in the village.

  • Containers
    No glass containers are to be on park property

  • Vehicles
    No motorized vehicles or motorized toys are allowed in park. All firearms, fireworks, slingshots, bows and arrows, blowguns, crossbows, air guns, rockets or any other similar devices, recreational or otherwise, are prohibited.

  • Smoking
    This is a non-smoking park.