Citizens for Central Park is non-profit organization founded in 2001 that is devoted to the vision, beautification and utilization of Cape Charles Central Park. In 1883, William Scott bought the land that would become Cape Charles. In designing the layout of the town, streets were arranged around a five acre Central Park. As the years progressed, homes, schools, and business grew along the town st
reets. But, while the land for the Park was still there, it was never developed into the functional park the original planners envisioned. In 1911, Cape Charles High School was built adjacent to Central Park and opened in 1912. The park served as its football field and baseball field until the High School closed in 1987. After that, the school building was used as an elementary school until its closure in 1993 when the fields were surrounded by a locked chain-link fence. In early 2000, a group of interested citizens came together to form Citizens for Central Park. On May 6, 2000, the group invited town residents and local school children to "Design Your Own Park" day. Incorporated into the numerous design ideas were the ongoing plans of the Women’s Club of Cape Charles for a children's playground and a garden area planned by the Eastern Shore Garden Club. After a lengthy process of revisions, the final design for our park was submitted to community groups and the Town Council for final approval. Work began in early 2003 and continued for 7 years. As work progressed, the Cape Charles Community Multi-Use Trail project and the design and construction of the park’s gazebo became additions to the plan for Central Park. Funding for the park came from individuals, businesses, the Town of Cape Charles, and local, state and federal grants. Much of the materials needed for the park were donated as were countless hours of community volunteer labor. Cape Charles Central Park was formally dedicated on September 5, 2010. Since then, Citizens For Central Park, in collaboration with the Town of Cape Charles, have continued working to enhance the park, promote its use and encourage good stewardship of this town treasure. Central Park today stands as testimony to the love that the people of Cape Charles have for our town and to citizens working together toward a common goal. It is truly a central part of our community and symbol of the spirit of fellowship that characterizes life on the Eastern Shore.
