What’s not to love about Victory Park?

This jewel in the City of Stockton has history, entertainment, sports facilities, a rose garden, two ponds and, at one time, a totem pole.

That 46-foot totem was carved out of red cedar in Alaska by Charlie Joe Tagcook back in the 1930s. From 1932 to 1999, “Tagcook” stood at the corner on North Pershing Avenue and Argonne Drive before being condemned due to dry rot.

But real relic of Victory Park was housed in Haggin Museum, where a 2,300-year-old mummy often captured the attention of visitors.

The mummy – very few knew the name “Iret-net-Hor-irw” – was on loan from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, staying in Stockton, from 1944 through 2009.

Folks on yelp.com consistently gave Victory Park high marks.

“I grew up just a few blocks away in ‘60s and ‘70s and have fond memories of many summer days spent there,” said Bret S. “I learned to swim at the Park’s small public pool.”

He and his friends used to catch minnows and crawdads in the pond.

Maureen G. enjoys the free “Concert in the Park” series during the summers. But that’s just for starters.

“A beautiful city park right smack dab in the middle of town,” she said of the 22 acres of green grass surrounded by plenty of shade trees and palm trees.

Like many Stocktonians, she’s spent countless hours walking around the park, feeding the ducks, and picnicking.

“Picnics are highly underrated,” Maureen said. “My parents used to do a picnic once a week (at Victory Park) during the summer months.

“For kids and parents, it was a great and economical way to connect and create lifelong memories.”

Baby boomers, in particular, remember the steel-framed rocket equipped with the slide on the playground.

“Now it’s a stale playground like any other,” said Monica H., who now takes her son to the park to run off some energy while she takes in a jog.

She added: “This seems like a nice place to take the family – definitely not typical Stockton.”

Victory Park, in addition, offers free yoga session every Saturday, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Those interested are encouraged to bring a large towel or yoga mat.

The park is also home to the annual Earth Day celebration. This admission-free event is held in mid April.