Located along Market Street in what most people consider the “downtown center” of Camp Hill, Willow Park extends from 24th Street to 25th Street along Market Street. This frontage along “The Great Road,” boasts a large flagpole, a glass enclosed Community Bulletin Board, a bricked plaza including a water fountain; and a flower garden. At the corner of Market and 24th Streets, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has erected an historical marker to commemorate Col. Hendricks and his Militia of Revolutionary War times.

Willow Park borders 24th Street from Market Street to Logan Street and occupies a space equivalent to 14 home sites, or, about 4 acres. On the 25th Street side, the Park borders the Street until it aligns with Walnut Street. The Park’s border then turns east and coincides with the property of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church and the back yards of 5 home sites, continuing to Logan Street.

Central and unique to the Park is Willow Run; an ever-flowing creek that originates in the vicinity of Lincoln Street and runs underground until midway between Willow Avenue and 24th Streets. Willow Run then traces under Logan Street and resurfaces at the Park where it meanders to Market Street and beyond.

Willow Run and its natural, environmental habitat is a favorite of children and students. Aside from young children who enjoy playing along the banks of this beautiful waterway, students from nearby Camp Hill High School are often seen studying its creatures and examining trees and plants that shade the Park.

Willow Park is a pleasant, garden-like setting with benches, picnic tables, a gazebo, paved pathways and numerous unobtrusive monuments by trees and shrubs which serve to memorialize or honor residents. A special granite monument commemorating “The Sixteeners,” is located near the gazebo. The “Sixteeners” were young orphans of Civil War veterans who were housed in an academy setting, The White Hall Orphan School, then located along Market Street nearby. The caption, “Sixteeners,” relates to the age those young residents had to leave the Academy. Presently, the former Orphan School site which was raised in 1985, is occupied by a town house apartment complex as well as a separate bank building.

The history of Willow Park traces to the early 1900’s when a portion of land stretching from Walnut Street to Logan Street was set aside by the Zacaharias family to serve as a wooded, park-like buffer to homes that were to be built along 24th Street. In the 1940’s land from the area of Walnut Street to Market Street was acquired from the Traub family, Rupley and Brinton; and, the Lemoyne Trust Company to The Camp Hill Park Association and set aside to complete this small nature-park setting. At one time, a small pond, fed by water from Willow Run, was located near the bridge that connects 24th and 25th Streets. It was a place for wading as well as small water craft. A wooden, shelter or gazebo-like building was located near the pond. Fear of accidents and dangers, especially for young children, caused the pond’s concrete dam to be removed.

Presently, Willow Park proudly serves Camp Hill residents with its quiet, pleasant, garden-like setting that invites casual gatherings, walkers and joggers, as well as a place for family or student photo-portraits. The gazebo, envisioned by the late Mayor, Ruth Wrye, and supported by contributions from community organizations and residents, was constructed in the mid-1980’s. It serves as a place where musical concerts can be enjoyed, as well as a favorite place to relax and enjoy conversation.