Happy 100th Birthday Harmon Park!

West St. Paul’s beloved Harmon Park is celebrating a major milestone—100 years of community, recreation, and good old-fashioned fun.

Back in the 1920s, neighborhood playgrounds were not as common as they are today. That started to change thanks to a man named William E. Harmon a philanthropist (pictured to the left) with a vision to bring inspiration and joy to communities across the country. Through his Harmon Foundation, he funded over 100 parks and playgrounds nationwide, including our very own slice of green right here in West St. Paul.

On August 23, 1925, Harmon Park was opened as the city’s first playground. This was made possible with help from a $2,000 grant from the Harmon Foundation—a gift that laid the foundation (literally) for generations of fun. The idea was simple but powerful: invest in places where people gather, grow, and connect.

The Harmon Foundation’s legacy also included funding Black musicians and artists, providing school loans for low income college students, and nursing programs. Harmon, under the pseudonym ‘Jedediah Tingle’, gave rewards to individuals with exceptional skills, kids competing in silly competitions, or those willing to complete a funny task. 

Harmon’s legacy of giving back to the community continues today, as countless individuals and organizations have helped make Harmon Park a special place for ballgames, birthday parties, neighborhood gettogethers, and city events. 

Here’s to 100 years of Harmon Park. And to the next hundred, too!