We like to think of playgrounds as harmless places where kids and families can go to have a good time and enjoy the outdoors, but not all of these places are completely innocent. There’s one public park and playground that’s said to be home to many unrestful spirits.
Today, Barnard Park in Fremont is known as a wonderful outdoor destination for everyone in the family. There are lots of wide open spaces, playground equipment, and lush trees (in the summer, anyway).
Google Local/Mike Dannevik
The park has long been a beloved part of the community and a centerpiece of family gatherings and community festivals. But it had a whole other life previously.
Google Local/Jeremy Goodwin
This land was once known as Green Grove Cemetery. Many of the town’s founders and influential early residents were buried here, as were plenty of regular citizens. Not long after the cemetery was dedicated, the city decided that the land would be better utilized as a green gathering place for citizens.
NE Historical Society
The bodies buried in Green Grove Cemetery were dug up and moved to the new Ridge Cemetery just west of town. But if you believe the local legends, the city crews missed several bodies. The graves weren’t well marked, so some were simply never found.
Google Local/Mike S.
People who have lived near the park or spent time here have reported seeing all kinds of haunting figures, from men to a young girl to a crying mother and plenty more. The park is a popular place for ghost hunters, and the legend is so enduring that some locals simply accept the hauntings as a fact.
Google Local/Mike Dannevik
Google Local/Jeremy Goodwin
NE Historical Society
Google Local/Mike S.
Have you ever seen a ghostly presence in Fremont’s Barnard Park? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
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