John P. Parker Memorial Park

John P. Parker (1827–1900) was born into slavery, bought his freedom at the age of 18, became an Underground Railroad conductor who helped hundreds of freedom seekers, and served as a mentor to Colonel Charles Young. Quiet symbolism in this 1 acre green-space park reflects that history: ornamental feather reed grass represents the varied and wild terrain through which escaping slaves had to travel, winding walkways represent the trails escapees followed on their road to freedom, individual trees and small groups of trees symbolize slaves traveling together in groups or alone, and footprints in the central walkways represent Parker walking in the center of the street to avoid attacks from his enemies.

Ripley, Ohio · United States