| Weracoba Park | |
|---|---|
| Lakebottom Park | |
 | |
| Location | Columbus, Georgia |
| Coordinates | 32°28′31″N84°57′58″W / 32.475148°N 84.966222°W |
| Established | 1890 (Wildwood Park) 1924 (Weracoba Park) |
| Managed by | Columbus Georgia Parks and Recreation Department |
| Open | Year round |
Weracoba Park is a public park in Columbus, Georgia. The park is located in Midtown, Columbus, [1] within the Weracoba-St. Elmo Historic District. [2] [3]
In 1890, the Columbus Railroad Company first built the park in order to enhance the nearby housing development. [3] [4] The park consisted of a man-made lake containing four islands adorned with picnic shelters surrounded by grassy fields. The railroad company made the lake by damming Weracoba creek. [2] The islands were connected back to shore by way of tall "Japanese-like" bridges adorned with small electric lights. [4] A dance pavilion was also constructed and hosted local bands and orchestras. [4] The park was initially called "Wildwood Park" but was renamed to "Weracoba Park" after the land was purchased by the city government in 1924. [3] [5] [4] The Muscogee word "Weracoba" translates to "Big Water". [6] As a result of the purchase,16 acres of the park was separated in order to construct Columbus High School. [3] [5] [7] In 1926, the park's lake was drained, giving the park the nickname "Lakebottom." [5] [1] [4] The park has been renovated many times since its purchase. [5]
The park includes amenities such as Tennis Courts, a Baseball Field, a Soccer Field, a Playground, Walking Trails, and Basketball Courts. [1] [8] [9]