Fell Park History

Fell Park is Normal’s first and oldest public park. In the late 1880s, Jesse W. Fell donated 2 acres of land to the Town for public use. A Quaker, Jesse Fell later became known as one of the “founding fathers” of Normal, Illinois. The 2 acres donated by Fell were thought to originally have been used as a public farmers market. In 1898, Fell’s widow sold the land to Normal for $1 under strict demands the park would be used for public recreation despite a new water tower to be built on the property. In March 1898, a brick and steel water tower was built to meet the water demands of the growing community. Part of that tower remains today, an iconic landmark for the Town of Normal. In 1922, the park was dedicated Jesse Fell Park by the Women’s Improvement League, who provided a new playground. In 2008, a monument was dedicated in honor of Jesse Fell. Today, the park offers a playground, picnic area, ballfield and basketball court along with some insight to Normal Parks and Recreation history.

Located at: 300 E. Willow St.