06/24/2026
June 24 – In 1971, the 106-acre Sawyer-Ludwig Park opened to the public. Located on the former Sawyer Sanatorium at White Oaks Farm property, the park was acquired in large part through the generosity of Marion businessman Cleo Ludwig and his wife, Dorothy, who donated $100,000 ($890,000 in 2026 dollars) toward its purchase. Funds from the City of Marion and public donations raised the remainder of the $227,000 total. Ambitious plans for the park’s development were revealed that included field games areas, a swimming pool complex, two lakes, an arboretum, camping facilities, shelter houses, an activities center, roadways, walkways, parking lots, a sledding hill, a children’s zoo, ice skating area, boating, tennis courts, and a nature center. Numerous sanatorium buildings were leased for $1-per-year to service clubs and other organizations for their usage. Over time, lack of maintenance and decreased utilization by the groups led to the deterioration of the buildings. The final one was razed in 2023. Although the original plans were never developed, several amenities were including ball fields, a playground area, a disc golf course, a community garden, and walking trails.
America 250-OH: Marion is a community-wide commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary, co-led by Marion Community Foundationnd and Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureauo to showcase the remarkable ways Marion has shaped the American story. Learn more at http://visitmarionohio.com
