Vogle Playlot Park (c/o Gross Park)
History
Vogle Park is one of 16 neighborhood parks established by the Chicago Park District in 1970. Four years after identifying the Lincoln Square property for development, the park district purchased the site using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant funds. The vacant lot was soon transformed into a well-equipped playlot. Fifteen years later, the park district updated the site, replacing the original playground equipment with a soft surface playground. Ornamental fencing has enclosed the property since 1997.
Vogle Park honors neighborhood resident Henry Vogle, Jr. (1912-1973). Shortly after arriving in Chicago from Pennsylvania, Vogle became involved in various civic and community organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, the Ravenswood Conservation Commission, the Knights of Columbus, and the 47th Ward Democratic Organization. He also supported area youth programs, serving as a volunteer basketball and football referee at nearby Winnemac Park. Vogle died of multiple sclerosis in 1973, at the age of 61.