Jefferson – Once upon a time, Jefferson’s Russell Park was a wetland, home to muskrats and bullrushes. More than a century ago, that swath of swamp in the middle of Jefferson was transformed into a peaceful park named after the judge who donated the land.

Mikki Schwarzkopf of Jefferson will relate the story of Russell Park at a Greene County Historical Society meeting on Friday, Aug. 2.

The free program begins at 12:45 p.m., following a noon lunch at Jefferson’s Central Christian Church, 108 N. Elm St.

The park, which covers 20 standard city lots between Madison and Park Streets, Wilson Avenue, on the west and Chestnut Street on the east, was named for Judge J.J. Russell who gave the land to the city in 1901. The swamp was drained by 1903, and an Omaha landscape architect was hired to design and plant it.

Toward the northwest edge of the park is a raised triangle-shaped berm, which has long puzzled passersby.

“I found the answer to the mystery,” says Schwarzkopf. “You’ll have to come to the program to hear the explanation!”

The noon lunch, prepared by members of the Christian Church, costs $12. Please call a Historical Society community contact or 515-386-4408 by Tuesday, July 30, to reserve a seat at the table.