"A WALK IN THE PARK"

Located at the top of a hill overlooking the Hamlet of Champion, the 1800 Village Green Park affords a magnificent view of the hamlet and the eastern portion of the Town toward the Black River. The wooded park, deeded to the Town in 1807 by General Henry Champion, was home to the first church and school in Jefferson County. Foundations for these structures, as well as for a store, remain undisturbed. Two of the actual structures-a church and brick store-were moved to the hamlet below in the 1840's. The church remains standing and now serves as the Champion Grange #18 building.

The Town of Champion has begun development of the park with the planting of indigenous trees and plants, a memorial to the Town's founding families, picnic tables, rustic benches, signage, and the construction of an open air pavilion with a field stone fireplace. It is the intention of the Town to replicate an authentic 19th century park with period walkways, a parade ground, and playground. Long term plans include: an observation deck and the development of a youth program to teach pioneer life skills.

The Town Board views the preservation of the Town's history as a vital part of its future. The park is open to the public year round.