Sutton Park
Sutton Park
1939-08-04: A splendid new picnic place is now available in Sutton Park thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club and a committee headed by Dr, Otis Freeman and Dr Mell West. That grove has been cleared, water has been piped in by the city, and a big open-air fireplace has been built--a triple fireplace, really, that offers two cooking grills in addition to the big center fire. The spot had been used for picnics and wiener roasts before, but fire danger from open blaze and lack of water cut down its popularity. The facilities are for the general public use, the Kiwanis committeemen pointed out the only proviso being that each group use it be responsible for caring for their fire properly and cleaning up any refuse.
1945-05-04 - Sutton park on 6th street has become the property of the city and will be a permanent part of the city's park system. The tract of land composed of 12 lots, has been used as a park for several years, Boy Scouts and other organizations making full use of it through the courtesy of the late William J. Sutton. Now, through the actions of Mrs. Elsie Sutton, who has donated the tract to the city, the attractive area will become a city park and will be known officially hereafter as Sutton Park.
1953-08-14 - Cement block 18’ x 24’ building with double lavatories, a concrete floor and glass block windows. The $2,000 building was accepted by the city on June 19th by Dr. Graham Dressler, chairman of Parks & Playground.
Within the last 10 years this piece of weed covered land, situated in what was once considered the outskirts of town, has been developed along with the residential section and now is located in the heart of one of Cheney’s finest residential sections.
A number of organizations and individuals have contributed to the developing, beautification, and promotion of this park and playground. Among the first was Kiwanis, now defunct, whose members erected the huge fireplace. Others donations include the drinking fountain given by Ernest Ruden, lilac shoots planted by the Cheney Grandmothers club, and scores of trees and shrubs donated by the Tilicum club and individuals.
The playground development was begun in 1940 under the supervision of V.M. Hughes, parks & playground chairman of the city council at that time. Additional playground equipment was added in 1951 and 1952 with Ted Stahlborn heading the committee.
The city maintains a full-time caretaker, Christian Sandbak, to keep up the turf and the park in general. Mr. Sandbak has worked with the park from its very infancy and he has donated many hours of labor to bring the park up to its present standard. Many of the trees and shrubs were secured through his efforts.
The park is equipped with slides, swings, and other playground facilities for children, an outdoor fireplace for roasts, tables and benches for picnickers, and shrubs and shade trees to afford comfort and relaxation to those looking for a cool spot.
1958, Mayor Brown and the city council approved the installation of a much needed sprinkler system for Sutton Park.
1967-08-03
From the Tilicum Notes: After the concrete was poured again, a guard was set at the site until the concrete had hardened. The shelter was completed and stained brown. The 12 by 18 foot kitchen shelter has a cement floor, cedar shake roof, and two long shelves. It was dedicated on 14 October 1967 with Park Superintendent Pete Hagelin cutting the ribbon and accepting the shelter on behalf of the citizens of Cheney. The Boy Scouts presented the flag, Camp Fire Girls formed an honor guard, and the Tilicum President and Vice-President spoke on the project and history of the park.
13 July 1967 CFP
1970-01 The Cheney Jaycees installed hibachis at Sutton Park.
3 June 1982
1984-08-16: Cheney's Sutton Park became the new home of the former gazebo from Fort George Wright. The structure was a replica of a bandstand that originated at Fort Sherman in Coeur d'Alene and later stood at the Spokane army post from 1933-1947.
1995-01-05 A new ice skating rink debuted in Sutton Park as recent cold snap allowed Parks & Rec to flood open area.
1997-04-09 A scarlet oak tree and three bushes purchased by the Tilicum Club for $175 (with assistance from Wayne Foland) were planted in appropriate spots in Sutton Park on Washington and 7th Streets across from the EWU Music Department.
2012-07-05
