In the fall of 1921, at the intersections of Jasper, S. Main and S. Marshall Streets., a park was opened and it was a prideful improvement for that area. The area was originally a part of a pond that was on the Redmon farm.

Mr. Karl R. O’Hair was reminiscing a few days ago and stated that he learned to swim in the Redmon pond.
In the Edgar County Court Record on December 12, 1878, the City of Paris initiated a petition to condemn the land as it was required for water works purposes. Each of the Redmons: Georgina Redmon, Ora B. Redmon, George W. Redmon, Jr., and William G. Redmon, received cornpensation of $761.50 each for their share of the real estate or a total of $3046.00, for the three acres.

At one time, it was the source of water supply for the City of Paris. It had been used by the city for a water reservoir.

{josquote}Paris is indeed grateful to Mr and Mrs. Maurice Sholem for Sylvian Park.{/josquote}
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Sholem, gave the city $2000.00 to landscape the park, and sub¬sequently gave additional funds for im¬provements in the park. It was to be named Sylvian Park, named after his son, Sylvian Sholem. In October, 1921, the name “Sylvian” was received for the park, with a stipulation that it was to be retained as a name by the city, so long as the use of the land was for park purposes.

The City Council on June 22, 1921, authorized the construction of a sidewalk around the park at a cost of $694.84.

The City Council on July 5, 1921, authorized construction of a sanitary sewer in Sylvian Park.

There are approximately three acres in Sylvian Park —2.7 acres to exact.

Sylvian Park is indeed a beautiful park and a great asset to the City of Paris.

Sylvian Park is primarily a park for passive enjoyment. It is well landscaped with beautiful trees and shrubs. The park has two large tulip beds with 250 bulbs in each bed.

A large corner of the northeastern part of the park provides the site for the city water tower. A one half million gallon water tower. The water tower preceding the present tower had a capacity of 100,000 gallons.

The park is lighted at night with 12 globe type lights at the entrances.

Equipment in the park includes:

• 6 large swings
• 6 bucket seat swings
• 6 teeters
• 1 water hydrant
• 1 water fountain
• 1 flagpole
• 1 bicycle rack
• 3 picnic tables
• 24 park benches
• 1 storage room

Paris is indeed grateful to Mr and Mrs. Maurice Sholem for Sylvian Park.