Filson Park

When a community suffers a significant loss, it can be easy to dwell on what is no longer possible. With vision, initiative, and cooperation, new possibilities can come alive.

For decades, the Town Mall shopping center was a fixture in downtown Rensselaer. Previously a Sears department store and then the home of several small businesses, the Town Mall was destroyed by a fire in 2019. Rensselaer lost not only half a block of commercial space, it lost a local landmark and several murals that had been part of the REN ART WLK public art project.

Out of this loss, Town Mall owners and Rensselaer residents Steve and Doris Filson saw an opportunity to give back. They donated the Town Mall property to the City of Rensselaer so it could be transformed into an art park for the enjoyment of those who live and work in Rensselaer and for visitors who come to experience downtown attractions.

Filson Park, as it is now known, opened to the public in fall of 2024. Sidewalks, benches, and a central fountain fill the once-empty space, along with a variety of flowering trees, sculpture art, and vibrant murals. The park also includes a public restroom, a pavilion for impromptu gatherings and planned events, and an amphitheater for private and public events, like weddings, music performances, and community festivals. Located just a half block off the downtown business district and the Jasper County courthouse, Filson Park is a cohesive connection between main street businesses and Rensselaer’s recreational and cultural offerings.

The creation of Filson Park was a true collaborative effort. Local nonprofit organization Main Street Rensselaer led the design, planning, and fundraising efforts. Organizations and individuals made financial gifts to spur on the project, including the Filson family and the Rensselaer Central Class of 1970. Rensselaer Parks and the Prairie Arts Council were valuable partners, and several local contractors gave in-kind donations to make the park a reality.

The Filson Park project received support from Jasper Newton Foundation through a Driving Home Grant. JNF recognized the project’s potential for meeting existing community needs. Adding a park in the downtown district would address several Driving Home objectives aimed at creating a more vibrant community and serving kids and families:

Life – Vibrant Community

Family – Kids & Families

Chances for residents and visitors to enjoy Filson Park have continued to increase since the park first opened, and new ideas for events and activities at the park are cropping up all the time. The visual landscape of the park continues to evolve, too. In summer 2025, nationally-acclaimed mural artist and founding REN ART WLK contributor Cameron Moberg worked with local artists Addy Cain, Kaya Zak, and Ryan Preston to create a mural titled “Art Unites.” The title fits the collaborative nature of the artwork and also speaks to the spirit of the Filson Park project as a whole, which required the talents and gifts of many contributors to come together.

If you haven’t visited Filson Park yet, this is your invitation! The park is located at 223 W Kellner Blvd in Rensselaer, and it’s open to everyone from dawn to dusk, every day of the year. Visit the Facebook pages for Main Street Rensselaer and Rensselaer Parks for announcements about upcoming events and activities at the park.

To learn more about collaborative Driving Home Grant opportunities for your community organization, visit https://www.jaspernewtonfoundation.org/grant/driving-home-community-collaboration-grants/