Leonard himself offered to chip in, according to his grandson, telling council if they agreed to purchase the land, the Leonard family would provide the cost of playground equipment, flower beds and other landscaping.
“ Right off the bat, they called it Painter Park,” Joe Leonard said.“ Later, the city council decided to rename it
City Park and it was known as City Park for many years.”
Long after the park was built, John Leonard continued making improvements and providing financial support for the projects, according to his grandson.
In 1928, the council decided to honor John T. Leonard by renaming the
area“ Leonard Park.”
The land had many natural advantages, including a dam over Elm Creek which made boating possible, and rows of pecan trees that provided shade.
John Leonard’ s first campaign to improve the park included construction of a pavilion.
Using columns in the Gainesville Register, he urged contributions, and acknowledged them, many coming from state and national government officials, according to archives.
Flower beds were set out and playground equipment placed to the west of the pavilion. From 1911 to 1926, annual Labor Day picnics were held in the park. Fourth of July celebrations, through not as frequent, were also held there.
The pavilion with its sturdy concrete floor and expansive roof was a perfect place for music.
“ In those days, they would have band concerts for the crowds,” Joe Leonard said.
He added the site was also a commu-
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