Budd park, in the northeast section of Kansas City, has enjoyed an enduring popularity through the years. It is one of the oldest and loveliest of the small city parks. Judge Azariah Budd died in 1890 and bequeathed to the city 21 acres of farm land. A stipulation of the will called for the city to pay Mrs. Budd, the widow, $3,000 each year for the rest of her life. This caused considerable controversy over acceptance of the gift, since it made the total price uncertain. However, the ground was accepted as a park. Mrs. Budd lived 18 years, thereby making the cost only $54,000. Mrs. Budd deeded the city five extra acres immediately east of the original park in 1901. A wading pool and tennis courts and two roque courts were built. Roque is a form of croquet requiring more skill than the ordinary game. For years the Budd park roque courts were used by the Missouri Valley Annual Roque tournaments. The well-shaded lawns made the park popular for family picnics, and this 1908 post card shows a Sunday school group enjoying the sunshiny day and a circle game, with a long-skirted teacher in charge. Kansas City Star, October 31, 1970.
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