Lights Over Seminary Event Set For December 6
Photography Provided
Many people assume that the property was once the location of a religious school of theology, but Hamilton County Historian, David Heighway, says that’s not the case.
“The term seminary seems to be used at the time for any building for secondary education,” he says. “The first seminary building was built there in 1851 – the same year that the town was incorporated, and the railroad built.”
Heighway continues, “That structure was replaced in 1870 by a building also called the seminary, but changed to the high school by 1880, and later to Second Ward School. It was torn down in 1969. The park was established in 1984 in Mayor Patricia Logan’s administration. That was when the original gazebo was built. I think that it was rebuilt twice over the years. Noblesville Shakespeare in the Park was performed there between 1993 and 2016.”
In 2017, the city was approached by a developer who was interested in purchasing a portion of the acre and a half property. A small residential development was proposed. Public opinion against the offer was strong and instead of selling the land, it was decided to improve it.
Improvements include modernizing some elements while keeping in mind the past traditions of the park. The trademark gazebo was replaced with a larger one that includes a plaza area and a mini-performance space to accommodate small concerts or weddings. Walkways have been updated and Edison lights were installed to coordinate with the lighting in the nearby downtown area.
Bennett adds, “There is some new fencing, and the playground has been refreshed. Benches, water fountains and a new gateway into the park have been added. We improved the landscaping which includes lots of peonies. And I kept my promise to Aaron Head, Noblesville Economic Development Specialist, that I’d have the renovations done on time for the Lights Over Seminary Powered by Duke Energy event!”
This year’s opening day for Lights Over Seminary Powered by Duke Energy will be Friday, December 6. The lighting will take place at 6 p.m. and is in conjunction with other organized events as part of downtown Noblesville’s Main Street’s First Friday. The lights will continue to delight the public throughout December from 5 to 11 p.m. daily.
A new feature to the event this year will be 10 themed Christmas trees decorated by sponsors. During the December 6 lighting event, the community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. The sponsor of the winning tree will be awarded a prize.
For more information about Lights Over Seminary Powered by Duke Energy and other Noblesville Parks events, visit CityOfNoblesville.org.