Welcome to Johnson County Conservation Department - Walker Park


Information


The mission of the Johnson County Conservation Board is to improve the quality of natural resources and native species for Johnson County residents through programs emphasizing conservation of natural resources, conservation education, and natural resource based recreation.

Conservation Banner
Walker Park
Walker Park This little park is located 6 miles west of Lone Tree and one half mile south of Highway 22 in the ghost town of River Junction. The park actually predates the existence of the Conservation Board in Johnson County by more than fifty years. It is named in honor of Henry Walker, an early settler of the county. Walker donated the land for the site of the former River Junction Methodist Chapel and the adjoining 3 acres for a park. The church building was removed many years ago.

Walker donated what was described in an old account as "the beautiful grove for the use of the Old Settlers of Johnson County. Where, under the shade of the great oaks, maples and hickories, the first settlers of Johnson County, with their wives and descendants, could fittingly celebrate the anniversaries of their yesterdays and meet together in neighborly feasting and conversation." A concrete block building, known as the Henry Walker Memorial Building, was erected there in 1912. It was paid for by public conscription. The building originally housed artifacts and antiques of the pioneer era.

In 1916 a replica log cabin was built south of the memorial building as "a rustic monument to pioneer days." The Old Settlers Picnics were an annual event for many years and the Old Settler Organization maintained the park. As the older generation passed on and families moved away, interest in the organization waned. Walker Park was deeded to the JCCB in 1971 by the South Iowa Conference of the Methodist Church. Over the next decade and one half, the Conservation Board maintained the area as a park but usage declined.

In 1988 the JCCB voted to reclassify Walker Park as a Conservation Area and reduce the level of maintenance. The residents of the vicinity received this action with a less than enthusiastic response. Within the next five years, interest in the Old Settlers organization was rekindled and the Old Settlers Picnic, once again, became an annual event. The Board reversed their position and returned to maintaining the area as a park. Old Settlers' events have now been held the second weekend in September for the last several years. There is, now, a significant community spirit in the River Junction vicinity. Conservation staff erected a small picnic shelter on the site in the fall of 2000. New latrines were recently installed and a flagpole was added in September of 2001.

The park and memorial building was nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2001.

The Old Settlers Association host spring and fall festivals which are an integral part to the success of this little park.