Park History

Wooster and Wayne County are extremely fortunate to have this quiet, wooded, 325- acre park. Wooster Memorial Park was created through the vision of Paul S. Spangler (1900-1986). A Wooster native and high school teacher, Mr. Spangler long dreamed of this area becoming a park. In 1964, he began a series of land donations to the City of Wooster, stipulating that the area be named ‘Wooster Memorial Park’ in
memory of his family and his strong faith. In 1968, through local foundations, the City purchased 121 acres of land (part of the
Becker farm) northwest of Mr. Spangler’s gift. In June 1970, with Mr. Spangler and Mayor Paul Tilford in attendance, Wooster Memorial Park was dedicated. An additional 71 acres, purchased with Clean
Ohio funds, were added to the park in January 2008. The park has been designated by the City as a permanent natural area.

Natural History

Throughout its long history, the land that makes up Wooster Memorial Park has been covered by river systems, shallow seas, swamps, and mile-thick glaciers. The last glacial advance withdrew from this area
about 14,000 years ago. Rocks in and along Rathburn Run, including some granite boulders that originated in Canada, provide evidence of this glacial past. The many years of weather and erosion since that time
have cut the ever-changing Rathburn Run valley. Today, the soil, rocks, and plants in the park reflect its dynamic history.

FOR A PARK HISTORY MAP PDF, CLICK HERE.