As summer arrives in Chicago, residents are eager to enjoy the warmer weather outdoors. However, many may be unaware of the intriguing historical narratives surrounding their favorite parks in the city. Recent research uncovered fascinating details about several Chicago parks, revealing their unexpected pasts and unique stories that paint a broader picture of the city’s history.
**A Legacy of Law Enforcement in Parks**
In parks with lagoons, Park District officers had a critical role in monitoring poachers who fished illegally without permits. Notably, several parks, including Lincoln, Garfield, and Washington, had field houses equipped with holding cells for these infractions. It was only after 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 1959, that the Park District police merged into the Chicago Police Department, marking the end of an era for park law enforcement.
**Indian Boundary Park (West Ridge)**
Located at 2500 W. Lunt Ave., Indian Boundary Park carries a name that pays homage to the historic territorial agreement between the Pottawattomie tribe and the U.S. government. The park once featured a zoo, the first resident being a black bear named Teddy, who was a gift from Frank Kellogg, the then president of the now-defunct Park Avenue Park District. Subsequent inhabitants included a variety of birds, ducks, and even an opossum, before transitioning to more exotic animals. Today, while the zoo no longer exists, the park hosts a nature center and a designated bird migration area, reflecting its continued importance for local wildlife.
**Washington Square Park (Near North Side)**
Washington Square Park, known as the oldest park in Chicago, has a rich historical significance. Covering three acres, it served as a refuge for many who lost their homes in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. During the early 1900s, the park became known as “Bughouse Square,” a term derived from American slang referring to mental health facilities. Here, individuals passionately shared their ideologies from soapboxes, and among these speakers were renowned figures like Carl Sandburg, Emma Goldman, and Eugene V. Debs, alongside anonymous voices advocating for change or simply sharing their thoughts with the public.
**Lincoln Park and Its Buried Past**
Extending along Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park is a multifaceted space that houses attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago History Museum. However, the park’s history includes its earlier role as the site of the Chicago City Cemetery, located north of North Avenue. Over time, the cemetery faced challenges due to city expansion, health concerns about rising lake levels, and legal disputes. Many bodies were relocated, yet research conducted by Helen Sclair suggests that as many as 12,000 bodies may remain buried beneath the park today. The most notable reminder of this history is the tomb of innkeeper Ira Couch, a relic of the cemetery’s existence.
**From Sanatorium to Theatre on the Lake (Lincoln Park)**
The area where Theatre on the Lake now stands has undergone remarkable transformation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it featured open-air “floating hospitals,” offering respite for those seeking relief from ailments. A significant shift occurred in 1921 with the construction of a permanent sanitarium funded by the Chicago Daily News. Designed by notable architect Dwight H. Perkins, the facility aimed to provide care for children suffering from tuberculosis and other illnesses, providing free health services to over 30,000 children until its closure in 1939. After serving various purposes throughout World War II, the structure was repurposed as Theatre on the Lake in the early 1950s, now a popular venue for concerts and theater.
**Douglass Park (North Lawndale/Pilsen)**
Douglass Park, historically named after Stephen A. Douglas, was officially renamed in honor of abolitionists Anna Murray Douglass and Frederick Douglass in November 2020. The park holds the title of being the first in Chicago to have a public outdoor swimming pool, an initiative prompted by local immigrants in the mid-1890s. When it opened in August 1896, the pool’s opening ceremony attracted an impressive 15,000 attendees despite inclement weather, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm and support for recreation in the area. Today, the pool continues to serve the neighborhood with day camps, classes, and open swim sessions.
**The Historical Transformation of Washington Park**
Washington Park, located along King Drive, is known for its rich history, particularly its conservatory that debuted in late 1897. This structure, referred to as the “floral castle,” was heated using steam from a facility nearby and featured tropical palm trees alongside various exotic plants. Despite its initial success, the conservatory faced demolition in 1936 due to structural weaknesses, leading to the introduction of a police station nearby. In 1973, the location became home to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, marking a significant shift towards honoring Black history and culture within the community.
**South Shore Cultural Center Park**
Previously known as the South Shore Country Club, the South Shore Cultural Center Park at 7059 S. South Shore Drive reflects a dramatic social transformation. Once an exclusive private club that denied membership to Black and Jewish individuals, the club operated under a “members only” sign until its closure in 1974. The magnificent clubhouse featured impressive architectural details in the Mediterranean Revival style and housed various amenities, including a nine-hole golf course and a summer band shell. Following a series of negotiations, the Chicago Park District acquired the property and later transformed it into a cultural center, now hosting events like jazz festivals, art exhibitions, and even the wedding reception of Michelle and Barack Obama in 1992.
The evolution of these parks reflects not only their physical transformation but also the complex social dynamics that have shaped Chicago over the decades. With their rich histories, these parks serve as a reminder of the city’s past, infused with stories of resilience, community, and change that are waiting to be explored by those who visit them this summer.
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/12/vintage-chicago-tribune-unexpected-chicago-parks/
