What is dubbed Centennial Park, on the
eastern edge of Congress Park, at the intersection
of Union Avenue and Circular Street, was
officially opened June 1.
Marylou Whitney and her husband John
Hendrickson presided over the opening ceremony.
They donated the money for the park in
honor of Saratoga Springs’ 100th anniversary
as a city.
The park was built by Bonacio Construction
and the design was by Mike Ingersoll of The LA
Group. It was commissioned as part of the city’s
Centennial celebration.
It features a “Welcome to Saratoga Springs”
sign that is carved in black granite, surrounded
by South Bay quartzite.
Referred to as a “pocket park” it features
statue of Storm Cat, as well as ornate landscaping
with fountains. The Storm Cat statue
is temporary, until a custom statue of Native
Dancer is completed and placed in the park.
Native Dancer won the Saratoga Special
Stakes in 1952 and was undefeated at all races
in Saratoga and once featured on the cover of
Time magazine in 1954. His completed statue
will feature a jockey atop the horse.