“Did you know that Blackhawk Park wasn’t always Blackhawk Park?” The Northwest Park District started acquiring land for what was then known as the Cragin site back in 1916. Let’s stroll through this park. Blackhawk Park is more than just a green space.
In 1921, Jens Jensen began developing a plan for the park. He was a renowned landscape architect. He designed much of the West Park system. Early improvements to Blackhawk Park included a wading pool. There was also a playground plus tennis courts and electric lighting. Land acquisition was completed in 1922.
Also in 1922, the Northwest Park District honored the 86th Division. It was a World War I Army unit. They were known as the Blackhawk Division. This division was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force. It was made up of volunteers and draftees from Illinois. The Division got its name from the Sac Chief Black Hawk. He lived from 1767 to 1838. In 1832, Black Hawk led Sac, Fox, and Kickapoo Indians west across the Mississippi into Illinois. They tried to reclaim their ancestral lands. They had been forced from these lands in the 1820s. His forces were defeated on August 2 1832. Chief Black Hawk is still revered for his bravery and perseverance.
In 1926, a small brick field house was built in the park. It had a gambrel roof. Albert Schwartz designed the building. He designed six field houses for the Northwest and Old Portage Park Districts. Two years later, Walter W Alschlager designed a major addition. It included an indoor swimming pool and a gymnasium. There were also locker rooms, offices, and a boardroom. The fieldhouse offered indoor activities. These activities included swimming, gymnasium games, and social dancing. Music, crafts, dramatics, and cooking classes were available. You could even take citizenship lessons here.
In 1934, Blackhawk Park joined the Chicago Park District system. The twenty-two park districts were consolidated into one. Today, Blackhawk Park sits on nearly seven acres. It is located in the Belmont Cragin Community Area. This is just south of Fullerton Avenue. It sits between Cicero and Laramie avenues.
The fieldhouse features an indoor pool and a gymnasium. There are several meeting rooms and a kitchen too. Outdoors, you will find a quarter-mile walking path. There are two junior baseball fields and a softball field. A combination football or soccer field is available. Five tennis courts and a basketball court are here. Kids can enjoy the playground with its spray pool.
Blackhawk Park offers fitness classes. Aquatic programs are available for all ages. Teens can enjoy basketball. Men can join volleyball and basketball leagues. Many programs are offered for youth. These include soccer, football, and cheerleading. You can also participate in basketball, wrestling, and tumbling. T-ball and Little League baseball are popular. The Park Kids after school program is a signature offering. Spring and Winter Break Camps are available. A six-week day camp is offered. In August, there is a two-week Gymnastics Camp.
Parents bring preschoolers for classes. These include Art and ABCs, Play Group, Preschool, and Storytime. The playground has two play structures plus two sets of swings. One area is for younger children. It has a small play structure. Low monkey bars and toddler swings are available. The other area is for older children. This area includes a larger structure. It features larger slides and advanced climbing elements. Circular monkey bars and other swings are here. Both areas are covered in wood chips. Benches and picnic tables are scattered around for seating. The fieldhouse is near the playground. Bathrooms are accessible when the building is open.
From its humble beginnings as the Cragin site to its vibrant present. Blackhawk Park continues to serve. It is a vital part of the Belmont Cragin community. It is a testament to the vision of Jens Jensen. It honors the bravery of Chief Black Hawk. Blackhawk Park is a place for recreation. It is a place for learning and community. Take a moment to appreciate this park’s rich history. Remember its ongoing role in shaping the lives of Chicagoans.