Howard Park, Ione, California

Today, Howard Park is a multi-use recreational complex which is currently being expanded and upgraded. Completed in January 2001 is the Ed Hughes Memorial Arena, a 200 x 250 ft.covered Equestrian/Multi-purpose Arena for year round events such as equestrian, car and dog shows.

Today Howard Park is also the hub for local soccer and little leagues. Almost every Saturday, the park fields are in use by recreational leagues. Four large soccer fields, plus softball and baseball diamonds are available for leagues and tournaments. A handy snack bar is staffed during the league seasons and offers sodas, water, chips, snacks, burgers and hot dogs. For more information, contact City Hall at 209-274-2412.

In 1876 Ione’s Annual Picnic moved from Shakeley Hill to this location. The 100 acre park is part of an 1840 land grant and was leased to the city by the Howard Estate May 11, 1967. The park during it’s early years hosted many of the important horse events of the day. Today horse shows and horse racing are still part of the celebration held the first weekend in May.

Return to Our Ione Tour or click on our Minor to end the tour

Information, photographs courtesy of the Amador County Archives, The Historical Marker Database, The Chronicling America Database, and Larry Cenotto, Amador County's Historian