page_title: Recreation in Huntington, West Virginia
section_title: Ritter Park
hierarchical_section_title: Recreation in Huntington, West Virginia / Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District / Ritter Park
caption_attribution_description: English: Self-made photo of the fountain at Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia. The photo was taken from the walking path on the south side of 13th Ave on June 12, 2006.
context_page_description: Huntington is home to eleven parks located in the neighborhoods of Huntington. An amusement park is also adjacent to the city.
context_section_description: Ritter Park is located in Huntington, West Virginia. It is a public park maintained by the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District. It was created in 1913 by Rufus Switzer, a city council member of West Virginia.  It consists of numerous lengthy walking trails along Four Pole Creek, restroom facilities, picnic tables, shelter with grills and electrical outlets, a children's playground, amphitheater that can be used for small concerts and plays, and an award-winning Rose Garden. The park was officially opened in September 1913. Architect Gus Wofford was hired by the city to design the park and its amenities. His works continued till the 1930s and includes bridges that cross streams, tennis courts, greenhouse, and picnic facilities. It is located in the Ritter Park Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  Ritter Park is one of the 2012 Great Places of America listed by American Planning Association (APA).  Every year APA selects great places having true sense of place, culture and historic interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow. The list of “APA Great Places” is a very useful and informative source for local residents and tourists who are looking for an enjoyable public place. Ritter Park is one of the busiest places in Huntington, but still maintaining its peaceful and serene environment.
  The award-winning Rose Garden and the playground are the most popular amenities of the Ritter Park that attracts tourists. The internationally known Rose Garden, including the "Room with a View" is popular for weddings and special occasions. The Rose Garden has more than 3,500 rose plants. The garden bordered by stone walls is designed to place benches for the events. In addition to the weddings, the annual Rose Show and the Summer Nature Programs are presented here. Each year the roses are tested and provided by the American Rose Society.
  The playground in the park has been rated sixth best nationally by “Child Magazine.” The structures in the playground are designed to look naturalistic and include climbing boulders, dinosaur sand pit, swings, and slides.  The playground is situated on the site of the former Lake Chaposcane   The park also provides a non-motorized roadway for bicyclists, skaters, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and joggers. The amphitheater, accommodates approximately 1,500 people, is popular for events, shows, musical concerts, summer programs, dramas, reunions, and weddings.
  It is also the location of the Ritter Park Tennis Facility. This facility is open to the public and has eleven outdoor tennis courts and four indoor courts. The Ritter Park Tennis Center is host to many tournaments including: Huntington Area Qualifier, Ohio Valley Boys 16 & Under Championships, Ohio Valley Boys 12 & Under Indoor Championships and WV Open Indoor Championships. The facility also offers a wide range of instructional programs for the beginner to advanced player. Ritter park is also where the great Jeff Morrsion played his junior tennis before becoming a professional tennis player.
  Some of the special events that have occurred in Ritter Park are:
  •	Annual Ritter Park Easter Egg Hunt held since 1935.
  •	Residents bring their dogs for pledge walk, Walk and Wag 5K, in May.
  •	Graffiti in the Park Car Show in June showcases hundreds of antique automobiles.
  •	Huntington Art and Music Festival held in August.
  •	Numerous tennis tournaments including West Virginia Open Indoor event in December.
caption: The fountain at the entrance to Ritter Park.
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