Get to know your parks
SWAIM PARK: a quiet respite
As one of Montgomery’s oldest and most popular parks, Swaim Park is well known to Montgomery residents and non-residents alike. They know it for its picturesque pond, overlooked by a quaint, two-tiered gazebo and surrounded by detailed landscaping. They know it for its multi-purpose lodge, a popular gathering place for celebrations and meetings.
Swaim Park’s most alluring features are Todd Pond and Swaim Lodge. Vestiges of times past, Todd Pond and Swaim Lodge are remnants of a golf course upon which the Swaim Field subdivision now stands.
Todd Pond maintains the same configuration as it did when the park was a golf course. On the paved walkway that divides the pond, golf carts once drove. The smaller, northern most pond is 6 feet deep in the middle, while the larger pond is 13 feet deep.
The pond is stocked annually, and the Kiwanis Club hosts a fishing tournament there each June. This year Jones Fish Hatchery located in Newtown, Ohio, stocked the pond with 35 bluegill sunfish, 50 adult channel catfish, and 25 largemouth bass. Rumor has it, a 40 pound catfish was caught in the larger pond several years ago, but the fisherman released the fish to be caught again some day.
The plant life around the pond represents artistry in landscaping. But do not assume its purpose is purely aesthetic. The plants were specially chosen to help control the geese population and prevent them from interfering with the enjoyment of Swaim Park.
When Swaim Park came to be in 1979, the golf course clubhouse was converted into Swaim Lodge. The garage doors were removed and sliding glass doors were installed. In 1990, the lodge again underwent a major renovation, and was remodeled into its current form.
Swaim Lodge remains to this day as an excellent venue for celebrating graduations, birthday parties, and conducting business. The lodge can be rented through the City for these and many more events.
Todd Pond and Swaim Lodge have come a long way from their golf course roots. While seasons change and time passes, two of Swaim Park’s most recognizable features keep bringing people back.