THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO PARK TO
OPEN IN DUBLIN, OHIO THIS FALL

Dublin, Ohio - The City Council of the City of Dublin Ohio recently passed a resolution naming 40 acres of forest parkland after the Polish American General, Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

A memo to the members of the Dublin City Council from Marsha I. Grisby, City Manager on September 9, 2011, Initiated by Fred Hahn, Director of Parks and Open Space, stated the following:

The park generally referred to Riverside Drive Park, is under construction and is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2011. Several months ago staff was contacted by a resident inquiring about the possibilty of naming this park after Thaddeus Kosciuszo.  General Kosciuszko was the original owner of the property (Verified through the property abstract). He was give approximately 500 acres of land along with what is now Riverside Drive as payment for his contributions during the Revolutionary War.

Kosciuszko was a most important officer during the Revolutionary War. He was appointed the rank of Colonel by the Continental Congress and served as a military engineer from 1776 to 1783. He was responsible for the design of the fortifications of what is now West Point, was instrumental in the strategy of the Battle of Saratoga and was personally recognized by George Washington as instrumental in the success of the Continental Army over the British. Kosciuszko went on to fight for democracy in his native Poland. Kosciuszko was a man of high morals and genuine concern for the personal freedoms of all men during a time when slavery and serfdom was common throughout the world.

American History may not be receiving the attention it once was but naming this land mass after Thaddeus Kosciuszko, may in turn cause interest in a period that helped provide the freedom we all enjoy today. (in the memo had the following attachments) Attached is a brief synopsis of the life of Kosciuszko. Those who may want to further learn about his life may want to read "The Peasant Prince: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Afe of Revolution" written by Alex Storozynski.

Also attached is the park naming policy. Historical figures of significance are recognized as legitimate criteria for park naming. Although the park naming policy details a more elaborate process than what is being asked for consideration, the spirit of the policy would be achieved by a simple Council action to name this park "Thaddeus Kosciuszko Park.

On September 12, 2011 the Council voted to rename the park. When completed the park will have amenities including hiking, trails, fishing, a shelter house, and on site parking.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PDF FORMAT LOCATION OF THE NEW THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO PARK

Artcle Submitted by:
Alex Rozanski
Contract Specialist
Parks and Open Space
City of Dublin, Ohio