History of Wildcat Park

In 1922, the Ludlow Athletic Association purchased 6.16 acres of land in Wildcat to be used a a baseball diamond. Additions to the original purchase were made and ten acres of land were set aside for the ball diamond proper, and by 1924 this plot was completely graded. J. A. Connelly was a heavy contributer to this grading project. The possibility of extending the acreage and of making a community park was readily seen. And so the original baseball diamond really became the nucleus of the present Wildcat Park.

The Ludlow Community Association was incorporated in September, 1925, with fifty-one charter members, " For the purpose of promoting wholesome and healthful sports and recreation and for the social and general welfare of the people residing in the village of Ludlow and its vicinity, and for that purpose to maintain suitable grounds, buildings and equipment for the use of its members."

The year 1924 saw very extensive improvements under way. Two Mile Run was changed by making a new channel. This was done to provide a suitable location for the new bridge which was to be built over the run. The bridge, donated by G. W. Olmsted, is a concrete structure 28 feet wide with a 30-foot span. A gravel road was then constructed crossing Two Mile Run at this point. The water system was installed in 1926. This project consisted of the installation of eight small hydrants with pipe lines connecting them with the spring on the premises.

The playground equipment, consisting of swings, bars, rings, slides, and sand boxes, were donated by the Girl Scouts.

The Shelter House was erected in 1928, a gift of Walter Lloyd of Montclair, New Jersey and the Grand Stand was presented to the Park by Nathan P. Cutler.

The Ludlow Community Association was presented with a beautiful entrance gate and gate house in 1929 by G. W. Olmsted. In the same year, the American Legion, James Uber Post No. 489, erected the exit gate as a memorial to those who fought in the World War.

In 1930, two clay tennis courts were constructed. Eight large natural gas hot plates were installed at various places in the park and electric lights were installed in the park buildings and main entrance.

Two years later saw two bath houses erected and nine additional tennis courts begun.

Through its natural and beautiful surroundings, many people are attracted to this woodland spot, and it is not uncommon to find 1500 or 2000 people in attendance on a Sunday afternoon. Many picnics are held here, and many of them have come to be an annual affair. Ninety-six large picnics were held in 1934, the largest being that of the United Gas Company with two thousand people in attendance.

The first Horse Show was held July 15, 1933, with sixty-seven horses entered. This year it promises to be even larger, attracting people from all parts of the country.

At present there are one hundred sixty-eight active members in the Ludlow Community Association.
Officers and directors are as follows: