History of the Park District of Oak Park

A hill was removed from Lindberg Park allowing construction of baseball diamonds on this land.

Mills Park House, now known as Pleasant Home, was used as a senior center.

The street was closed between Carroll Park and Lincoln School to allow for the playground to be connected.

Playgrounds opened for use on Sundays.

Barrie Park land was purchased from Northern Illinois Gas Company.

650 balloons were released at the annual balloon flying contest on July 4.

75 children, ages 8-16, registered for tennis instruction.

An intergovernmental agreement was reached with the Village concerning closure of streets and connecting playground areas at Lincoln School/Carroll Park and Mann School/Field Park.

The Swimming Pool Investigating Committee was established.

Pools and skating rink were opened at Ridgeland Common and Rehm Park. Daily rates were 35 cents/weekdays, 50 cents/weekends for children under 14 years.

Renovation of Field and Andersen center buildings took place.

Wenonah Tot Lot was dedicated.

The Lighted School House program began using public school buildings after hours for recreational activities.

The Barrie Park sled hill was created using the earth from the reservoir excavation at Barrie.

The tunnel connecting Ridgeland Common to South Boulevard at Elmwood Avenue was closed off.

The Playground Department’s name was changed to “Recreation Department.”

Rehm Park pools hosted the AAU swimming and diving championships (and again in 1967!)

143 children were registered for Recreation Department preschools at 5 centers.

The Recreation Department sponsors the Village Band composed of 25 non-professionals and 20 professionals from 1964-66.

Randolph Street tot lot was completed.

The “Rec in the Streets” program begins.

Barrie & Rehm Park playgrounds were renovated.

Construction began on new center buildings at Stevenson, Longfellow and Fox Parks.

Chicago Blackhawks practiced at Ridgeland Common ice rink.

Memorial tree planting proposed to replace trees lost to Dutch Elm disease.

“Save the Conservatory” Committee was established after the Conservatory was closed due to public safety issues.

The Memorial Trust Fund was established.

The Park District logo was established.

The first summer gymnastics program was offered.

The first Festival Theatre performance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was held in Austin Gardens.

Cheney House (now known as Cheney Mansion) was presented as gift to the Park District although it remained the private residence of Elizabeth Cheney until 1985. Cheney Mansion was designed by Charles E. White, Jr. in 1913 and boasts many handsome reception rooms, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and separate servants’ quarters. The two acres of beautifully-landscaped grounds also include a coach house and greenhouse.