Otis Park and Golf Course (Bedford, Indiana)

 golf course, park

www.otisparkgolf.com/

Otis Park began as a farm in the 1860s. The original 1865 Italianate house is still located on the grounds. After the farm failed, there were a series of owners. Local newspaperman Fred Otis acquired the property and in 1915 he donated it to the City of Bedford for a park and golf course.

From 1937-1941 the Works Progress Administration (WPA) set out to beautify the approximately 150 acres of the park/golf course. Since limestone was abundant in the area, the WPA used the stone throughout the park for buildings, bridges, picnic shelters, and rock walls/fencing. The most notable WPA-era feature is the 2-story Neoclassical band shell. Designed by Joe Cezar, it was the only limestone band shell constructed by the WPA.

Otis Park is the largest public park in Bedford.