Harold Washington Park

Can you imagine a telephone booth submerged in a lagoon? That’s exactly what divers found during a Jackson Park cleanup sponsored by Friends of the Parks in 1975. This quirky discovery highlights the state of Chicago’s parks before organizations like Friends of the Parks stepped in. Harold Washington Park, right here before us, is part of a larger story of park preservation and revitalization in Chicago. Harold Washington Park, officially renamed in 1992, honors Chicago’s first African-American mayor. Before bearing his name, this land had a long history, beginning as East End Park in 1904. Landscape architect Jens Jensen recognized its value but lamented its condition due to severe lakeshore erosion. Transferred to the South Park Commission in 1919 and later incorporated into Burnham Park in 1927, the area finally received the needed shoreline protection. By the 1930s, a wading pool, model yacht harbor, and tennis courts graced the former East End Park grounds. Eventually, the park became part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio in 1934. Fast forward to the 1990s, and Harold Washington Park saw significant improvements. The old wading pool was replaced with a modern spray pool, and a new playground was installed. This revitalization mirrors the broader efforts of Friends of the Parks to improve park conditions throughout the city. They advocated for everything from soft surfaces in children’s playgrounds to the closing of the Lincoln Park Gun Club due to environmental concerns. Harold Washington himself, during his mayoral campaign, endorsed the organization’s “Agenda of the 80s,” emphasizing the need to eliminate the patronage system within the Chicago Park District. Harold Washington Park today offers tennis courts, a picnic area, a motorboat pond, chess tables, and volleyball poles. It’s a hub for recreation, enjoyed by families and individuals alike. As you explore the park, remember its journey. From a neglected shoreline to a vibrant community space, Harold Washington Park stands as a testament to the power of advocacy and community involvement.