Standing in Lorraine Dixon Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Avalon neighborhood, you can feel a sense of history and community unfolding before you. It’s not just a place for picnics and playground fun, it’s a place that tells a story of transformation and honor.
Lorraine Dixon Park started life as Dauphin Park, a name given by Samuel E. Gross, a real estate developer, inspired by the Dauphin County in Pennsylvania, named after the heir to the French throne. He donated a long strip of land to the city, which became the park. It sat largely unimproved for years after its creation in the 1880s but was finally developed by the city in the 1910s. The park saw many changes, including tennis courts, beautiful trees, and even a skating pond that attracted thousands of people during the winter.
In 1957, the park was given to the Chicago Park District. In 1960s a children’s playground was added. A basketball court was added in 1970s. Then, in 2005, the Park District renamed the park in honor of Lorraine Dixon, a dedicated alderwoman. She served the community with passion and worked to improve the lives of her constituents. She served as alderwoman for the 8th ward for three terms, championing clean-up campaigns, leading anti-crime marches, and serving as Grand Marshal of the annual Back-to-School Parade.
Today, Lorraine Dixon Park embodies the spirit of inclusiveness and community service that Lorraine Dixon championed. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of children on the swings, the games played on the basketball court, and the sense of peace that fills the park’s green expanse. It’s a reminder to us all that one person, with dedication and a vision for a better tomorrow, can leave a lasting mark on their community.