Picture Simons Park a vibrant green space in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community. It’s more than just a park. It’s a living testament to a family’s legacy and a neighborhood’s evolution. Simons Park sits on land once farmed by Edward and Laura Sprague Simons. They were early settlers. They planted crops where today children play. Their daughter Almira Simons Winkleman is honored in the park’s name.
The park wasn’t always a park. For years it was farmland. Then in 1916 the Fullerton Avenue Business Men’s Association had a vision. They wanted a public park to serve the community. World War I delayed their plans. Finally in 1920 the Northwest Park District bought the land. Eight years later a fieldhouse stood proudly. Architect Walter W. Ahlschlager designed it. It’s been remodeled and renovated over the years. The fieldhouse stands as a symbol of perseverance and community investment.
Simons Park is more than just brick and mortar. It’s woven into the very fabric of the neighborhood. A notorious street gang the Simon City Royals took their name from it. The park was the heart of their territory in the 1950s. As the area changed so did the gang. They eventually moved on. The park however remains a constant. A quiet witness to the changing times.
Simons Park offers a variety of activities. There are baseball fields boxing facilities and outdoor basketball courts. Inside the fieldhouse there’s a gymnasium and meeting rooms. Children enjoy the playground and spray pool. The spray pool is open in summer. The park is a place for everyone. From toddlers to seniors from athletes to artists. It provides recreation and community building. It’s a place for relaxation and connection.
Today Simons Park thrives. It’s a green oasis in a bustling city. It reflects the enduring spirit of the Simons family. It reflects the enduring spirit of the Humboldt Park community. It shows the power of community vision and hard work. It’s a place where history and recreation meet. Come visit Simons Park. Experience its rich history and enjoy its many amenities.