Dvorak Park turns 100
Release Date: 03/07/08
Dvorak ParkReaches a Milestone
Community Park Turns 100 years old in 2008
DvorakPark, located at 1119 W. Cullerton in the Pilsen community will turn 100 years old this year and plans are already underway for a year-long celebration to mark the occasion. The park staff is in search of former athletes, patrons, coaches, volunteers and anyone who may have shared part of their history at DvorakPark, Old photographs, trophies and other memorabilia are now on display at the park as part of the commemorative celebration.
Other fun events scheduled include a benefit Dinner/Dance on April 5, 2008 from 5pm until 10pm at the National Museum of Mexican Arts, sponsored by the park advisory council, 1852 W. 19th St..
In 1907, during an era of major political reform, the West Park Commission began creating its first three neighborhood parks, Dvorak, Eckhart, and Stanford Parks. These were inspired by a revolutionary system of parks which opened in 1905 to provide breathing space and social services to overcrowded immigrant neighborhoods on Chicago's south side. The need for such facilities was even greater on the west side. Because of the population density, the Commissioners could only acquire small pieces of property. DvorakPark was originally only 3.85 acres in size. In recognition of the area's large Bohemian population, the West Park Commission named the park for Anton Dvorak (1841-1904), the famous Czech composer.
Jens Jensen, then the West Park Commission's general superintendent and chief landscape designer, developed the original plan for DvorakPark. Jensen included all of the major components introduced in the south side neighborhood parks: swimming and wading pools, changing rooms and shower baths, an athletic field, a playground, outdoor gymnasiums, and a fieldhouse. Unlike the south side parks, Jensen's neighborhood parks included children's gardens and Prairie-style architecture. DvorakPark's fieldhouse and bathhouse were designed by William Carbys Zimmerman, who then served as State Architect.
In 1999, the Chicago Park District expanded the park by acquiring an adjacent parcel of land. The expansion included a new walkway and soccer fields.
Anyone with information regarding DvorakPark is asked to contact the Park Supervisor, Chula Ortiz at 312.746.5083.
- Contact: Chula Ortiz
- Contact Phone: 312 746 5083