Hugh G. Owens and his wife Emma wanted to show their appreciation and love for the children of Apollo and the region by donating land to house a playground and recreation area. The Owens promised the land to Apollo’s Burgess and Council in 1921, in the Oak Hill neighborhood on the condition that concessions could not be sold for profit, no permanent buildings could be erected in the park except for a Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, and no alcoholic beverages would be permitted in the park. A caretaker would be named by the Council and maintenance would be provided. The park was named “Owens Grove Children’s Playground and Park”. In 1977, the borough, along with the Armstrong County Redevelopment Authority, secured block grant funding to build a new community building. The building, dedicated on October 22, 1978, was to facilitate community-based programs and events. The Borough provided the park’s equipment through several county and state grants. Since the park opened, it has served as the central meeting place for family, community, and class reunions, as well as many community events. (paragraph from the Apollo Bicentennial Committee 2016 book)
For more information and photos, please go to our Owens Grove page.
Apollo Area Historical Society 