Willard Park

Willard Park is a public green space located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Situated at the northwest corner of East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue, the park is adjacent to Cleveland City Hall and falls within the boundaries of the Cleveland Mall historic district.

The park's most notable feature is the "Free Stamp" sculpture, an enormous outdoor artwork created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. This massive aluminum and steel structure, measuring 49 feet long, 28 feet high, and weighing 70,000 pounds, depicts a giant rubber stamp with the word "FREE" visible on its side. Originally commissioned for display at the nearby BP America headquarters, the sculpture found its permanent home in Willard Park in 1991 after a series of controversies and negotiations.

Willard Park is named after Archibald Willard, a renowned artist. A copy of Willard's famous painting "The Spirit of '76" hangs in the rotunda of the neighboring Cleveland City Hall, connecting the park to the city's artistic heritage.

The park serves as a quiet urban oasis, offering a respite from the bustling downtown environment. It features shaded areas provided by trees, open green spaces, and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Its location near prominent Cleveland landmarks such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the football stadium, and the waterfront makes it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists to take a break and appreciate the city's outdoor spaces.