A tranquil haven awaits. Welcome to Sergeant Means Park. This isn’t just any park. Sergeant Means Park in Olympia Fields holds a unique history. It’s more than just green space.
Originally part of a vast 600-acre farm Sergeant Means Park’s 20 acres have a rich past. The land changed hands several times. Louis Cull bought it in 1949. He and his sons established Cull Nursery in 1955. Ten acres became a park in 1967. The park honors Sergeant Chester Means. He was an Olympia Fields police officer. He died in 1967 from injuries sustained while on duty.
The park isn’t just about recreation. It preserves history too. The Cull House is an 1890s farmhouse. It’s the park’s administration center. See the original square nails and lumber? Full-sized two-by-fours and two-by-sixes were used. This is unusual for its time. A milk house adds to the historic charm.
Nearby stands a 1917 barn. This nearly 100-year-old structure is a marvel. Note the original high beams joined with mortise and tenon. Wooden dowels were used instead of nails. The barn and a silo host community events.
Sergeant Means Park offers much more than historical buildings. It has a playground picnic areas. There are soccer fields tennis courts and a baseball field. An 18-hole disc golf course challenges players. A half-mile walking path winds through the park. A working windmill stands as a unique landmark.
The park’s design is thoughtful. Trees along the edges create a natural amphitheater. The walking trail leads to the windmill. The outer clearing depicts a map of Illinois. Olympia Fields is marked by the windmill.
From its humble beginnings as farmland Sergeant Means Park has transformed. It’s a place for recreation remembrance and community. It’s a treasured green space offering a blend of history and modern amenities. Enjoy your time in Sergeant Means Park.