Civic Park is 4.14 acres. It is located in downtown Clewiston. The park is landscaped with walkways, a playground, picnic tables, benches, and a gazebo that can be used for weddings.
The park is the site of Clewiston's Veterans Day celebrations. It has statues and plaques paying tribute to the men and women of the armed forces. In the center of the park is a memorial honoring the WWII British cadets that were among the 15,000 British troops trained in aerial warfare during WWII in the United States. 23 Royal Air Force Cadets who trained at Riddle Field in Clewiston are buried in Arcadia. British soldiers are buried where they fall so they were buried near where they trained. Nineteen of the airmen were killed in training crashes, two died in car accidents, one died of meningitis, and one from pneumonia. The memorial in the park records the sacrifice made by these soldiers who died so far from home. Their graves are lovingly cared for by the people of Arcadia who honor them every Memorial Day. I had previously learned about the British airmen on a trip to Arcadia so it was very interesting to find the memorial to them in this park.
Other events held at the park include the Meet at the Pole celebration, the City Market held the second Saturday of the month from November through April, Sugar Festival Arts and Crafts, and Concerts in the Park. I grabbed a Hawaiian ice from across the street and enjoyed it at the park before heading home. This is a charming place to enjoy an ice or to attend a festival. read more