Madden Park
History
Between 1890 and 1930, as African-Americans left the rural south to seek greater economic opportunity, Chicago's black population grew from less than 15,000 to more than 200,000. There were few parks available to Chicago's African-Americans, most of whom had settled in an area between 24th and 35th Streets known as Bronzeville. In the late 1920s, Ida B. Wells and the Chicago Federation of Women's Organizations urged the South Park Commission to address the recreational needs this underserved community. The commission began to acquire land in the neighborhood in 1927. The park opened shortly thereafter. In 1934, the commission transferred the park property to the Chicago Park District, and the park district began permanent improvements the following year. By 1941, Madden Park offered a wide array of facilities and activities to the community. During the same period, the Federal Government purchased 47 acres surrounding the park, demolishing the deteriorating structures there and constructing the enormous Ida B. Wells housing complex. Today, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Housing Authority jointly operate the Wells Homes Community Center at the park. The park's name honors Chicago Alderman and Congressman Martin B. Madden (1855-1928). Having risen from quarry water boy to stone conglomerate president, Madden used his business contacts to enter politics. As Fourth Ward alderman and particularly as representative for the First Congressional District, Madden proved a fast friend to his black constituents, championing, for example, the hiring of Blacks by the U.S. Postal Service.
