What began as a small-town festival effort in the mid-1980s ultimately led to the creation of one of the Logan County’s essential and beloved community spaces. Hall-Fawcett Memorial Park was born out of both necessity and personal vision. 

In the early years, organizers worked to bring life and activity to the downtown Zanesfield area with a multi-day event called The Logan Hills Festival. Plans included local crafters setting up booths along downtown streets and an outdoor drama staged near Mad River Mountain. To ensure transparency and cooperation, letters were sent throughout the community outlining the event, including details about overnight security and the extended schedule. 

Despite those efforts, the festival encountered an unexpected setback. After crafters had already set up their displays, a single resident raised a concern with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. The complaint, described by organizers as vague and unusual, centered on fears about privacy. The complainant was worried the vendors would look into his windows.

Acting on the grievance, deputies required all vendors to dismantle their booths and remove materials overnight, only to return the following day and set everything up again. The disruption, while manageable, left a lasting impression. 

“It kind of spoiled everything,” John Horton recalled. “We managed to get through it, but it made you think — what could we do differently?” 

That question led to an unexpected turning point. Shortly after the incident, John had what he described as a vivid dream; one that laid out, in detail, the design for a dedicated space. He envisioned an outdoor drama setting, walking paths, space for shelter houses, and even a parking lot – all contained within a park designed specifically for community gatherings. 

Determined to make the vision a reality, he began searching for land that would match what he had seen. One of the first locations considered was a gravel pit on the edge of town, owned at the time by the Duff family. Conversations began about purchasing the property and transforming it into a festival site.

While the idea was met with enthusiasm, the timing proved impractical. The landowner had already committed to contracts requiring continued industrial use of the quarry site.  U.S. Route 33 was being converted to a four-lane highway. So, this made the sale impossible. 

But the search did not end there. Just days later, an unexpected opportunity arose. A local resident, Naomi Fawcett, whose home bordered what is now the park, reached out after hearing about the search. She owned approximately 15 acres of land and offered it for consideration. 

At the time, the property was an active cornfield. Even so, when the organizer visited the site, he recognized its potential immediately. The land aligned closely with the dream he had been inspired by.  It offered space and accessibility for large-scale community use. 

There was one key factor that made the property especially suitable: it was located within a 100-year flood zone. Because of that designation, the land could not be developed for housing or commercial construction. Its practical uses were limited—primarily agricultural or recreational—making it an ideal candidate for a public park. 

Negotiations followed, resulting in a unique agreement. The 15-acre parcel was purchased for $15,000, structured as annual payments of $1,000, while the original owner continued to cover property taxes. From that agreement, the park began to take shape —transforming from farmland into a community gathering place. 

The name itself carries deep local roots. Hall-Fawcett Memorial Park honors both Naomi Fawcett’s maiden name and married name, recognizing two families with longstanding ties to Logan County. More broadly, the park was dedicated as a space of remembrance. It became a place to honor anyone who has served their community, from teachers and firefighters to volunteers and civic leaders, and to those who have chosen to serve in the military. 

For the man who helped bring the park to life, however, the meaning runs even deeper. Though rarely spoken about publicly, over the years, the park was also created in memory of fellow servicemen from the Vietnam War who did not return home. That personal connection remained a quiet but driving force behind his dedication to the space. 

“I never really talked about that,” Horton said. “But every year I came down here and worked, that was on my mind.” 

That connection came full circle in recent years. During a performance of the Taloga outdoor drama in 2023, two of Horton’s closest friends from his time in Vietnam joined him on stage — turning a place built in memory into a setting for reunion and shared tribute. 

What began as a logistical challenge, during a community festival, ultimately became something far more lasting. A park shaped by resilience, vision and remembrance, rooted firmly in both personal history and community spirit, acquiesced to a Memorial Day weekend celebration that has lasted for decades.  

As we celebrate Memorial Day, and for those who are fortunate enough to enjoy the park made from a dream in Zanesfield, let us be thankful to God for our rich heritage, for our freedom and for our beautiful Logan County.