Wolfe Playground Park
History
In 1928, the City of Chicago purchased a full city block in an expanding residential section of the heavily industrial East Side neighborhood. A 1929 park plan called for a playground, a ball diamond, a wading pool, and a recreational building with an office, shelter, and sand court. Construction began in 1930. That same year, the city named the park for Richard W. Wolfe. Born in Limerick, Ireland, Wolfe found success in Chicago's real estate and loan business. Wolfe served as the city's Commissioner of Public Works from 1927 through 1931, overseeing the straightening of the Chicago River. The city transferred Wolfe Park to the Chicago Park District in 1959.
