User:Dulufoto/Enger Park

Enger Park is a 129 acre (0.522 km², 0.2016 mi², 52,2 ha) city park, located prominently on a hilltop, near the geographic center of Duluth, Minnesota. The park, named for Norwegian immigrant and local furniture store proprietor Bert Enger, contains an iconic observation tower whose glowing green beacon can be seen for several miles. Skyline Parkway forms the southeastern boundary of the park, and Hank Jenson Drive provides access to the park's entrance as well as separates the park proper from the adjoining golf course. Its setting is nearly all second growth urban forest, although it contains one of the largest stands of mature oak trees in Minnesota. The park is venerated for its landscaped gardens, commanding vistas of the Twin Ports harbor and Lake Superior, numerous hiking paths, and picnic spots. The Superior Hiking Trail bisects the park and offers spur trails to popular areas.

History
Originally included as part of the currently neighboring Central Park, and then later called Zenith Park, the land which Enger Park currently occupies has been public space since the city's founding. In 1920, a generous endowment of $50,000 ($0 in present day terms) from an unknown donor was given to the City of Duluth. The donation was to be used to procure parcels of land neighboring Zenith Park in order to realize the city's longstanding vision of expanding the park and establishing a golf course. However, mayor Clarence R. Magney chose to turn down the donation unless the patron made themselves known. Local businessman Bert Enger conceded to the mayors request; subsequently, the golf course was named in Enger's honor upon opening in 1927.

Twin Ponds
Located near the eastern edge of the park, Twin Ponds has been a popular swimming, fishing, and picnicking destination since the 1890's, when sightseeing Tally-ho parties traversed the newly created Skyline Parkway, known at that time as Terrace Parkway. Formerly called Gem Lakes, these tiny reservoirs exist due an impeded Buckingham Creek which begins in Duluth Heights and empties into Lake Superior near Rice's Point.

Enger Tower
Enger Tower is an 80 ft, five-story, blue stone observation tower near the center of the park. The tower is at an elevation of 451 ft above Lake Superior. Each of the tower's levels has a lookout that is accessible by stairs. A green beacon mounted on top of the tower can be seen for many miles. The tower was dedicated by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway on June 15, 1939. Originally, the second floor contained several balcony sections. The balconies eventually fell into disrepair and were removed. Their former entrances were blocked with metal bars.

Golf Course
Adjoining Enger Park is a 27 hole championship-style golf course. Coffee Creek and Buckingham Creek flow through the course forming natural water hazards.