Location:
4201 S. Champlain Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
Supervisor:
Kisha Taylor (Kennicott Park)
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 747-7138
Hours
Park Hours
Description
This small playground is 0.87 acres and it is located in the Grand Boulevard community. It is an active community park that features a renovated and accessible playground with benches for seating.
While there is no structured programming offered at this location, after school programs, sports and other recreational opportunities can be found at nearby /parks-facilities/kennicott-fieldhouse
History
The City of Chicago transferred this park property to the Park District pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act of 1957. The Chicago Park District acquired additional land to expand this park from the City of Chicago in 2012 and 2013.
Officially designated Sumac Park in 1973, the property was one of several parks named for trees and plants at this time. Fast-growing sumacs appear in the form of small trees, shrubs, and vines. Most of the more than 100 species of sumacs are found in southern Africa. At least two sumacs, the staghorn sumac and the poison sumac, may be found in the Chicagoland area.
The staghorn sumac takes its name from its thick, wooly twigs, which in winter give the appearance of deer antlers in velvet. The oils of the poison sumac can cause serious rashes. Poison sumacs can be identified using the "black spot" test. The oil from a fresh leaf crushed on white paper will gradually turn the paper brown and then black within 24 hours.
