Houston Playground Park
Houston Playground Park
Houston Playground Park
Houston Playground Park
'Feed Your Child the Truth' Mural
'Feed Your Child the Truth' Mural
Location:

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615

Supervisor: Miasar Kittaneh (Kenwood Park)
Phone Numbers: Main (312)747-6286

 

Hours

Park Hours
Day Time slot Comment
Sunday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Monday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Wednesday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Saturday: 6:00 am-9:00 pm

Description

This small playground is located in the Kenwood Community. The 4.01 acre park features a playground, basketball courts and mural honoring civil rights activist Jessie ‘Ma’ Houston. It is an active community park. The playground at Houston Park was renovated in 2015 as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! Program. 

While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Kenwood Park for recreation.

History

The Kenwood neighborhood, once known as the prestigious "Lake Forest" of Chicago's south side, experienced major changes between 1940 and 1960. African-Americans began moving in during World War II and the area's population had grown significantly by 1960. As the more affluent residents moved out, large mansions and elegant apartment houses were divided into many smaller units and the neighborhood began to decline. To reverse this trend, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference formed in 1949. In the early 1960s, urban renewal efforts began when a Hyde Park-Kenwood Conservation Area was established. Among the revitalization initiatives within the conservation area was the creation of a 4-acre park. The Chicago Housing Authority conveyed property to the Chicago Park District in 1963. The Park District installed volleyball and basketball courts, a playground, lawn, and plantings. The park received a new soft surface playground in 1990.

In 1991, the Park District officially named the site in tribute to Rev. Jessie "Ma" Houston (1899-1980). After overcoming a case of childhood paralysis, Ma Houston settled in Chicago in her 20s, and began helping other disabled people. In addition to actively participating in the civil rights movement, Ma Houston was instrumental in prison reform. She was the first woman allowed to serve as a minister to prisoners on Death Row in Illinois. Under three administrations, she served on the governor's correction advisory panel. In addition, she provided support to families of incarcerated people. The Ma Houston Prison Outpost and the Washington Park Advisory Council suggested the park name.

Advisory Council

Contact: Alex Breland,   President
Meeting Details:

1st Saturday of the month at Hall Branch Library, 4801 S. Michigan Avenue 3:30pm- 4:30pm

Parking/Directions

For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.

Map & Facilities

Feed Your Child the Truth | Artwork

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Houston Playground

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Houston Basketball Courts - Outdoor

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Feed Your Child the Truth | Artwork

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Show on Map
Houston Playground
Houston Playground

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Show on Map
default image
Houston Basketball Courts - Outdoor

5001 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

Show on Map