April 8, 2026
THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT HAS RECEIVED A REQUEST TO NAME THE UNNAMED PLAYGROUND WITHIN WASHINGTON PARK LOCATED AT WEST 53RD STREET AND KING DRIVE IN THE WOODLAWN COMMUNITY, IN THE 20TH WARD, AS RONALD “RONNIEMAN” JOHNSON PLAYGROUND.
THIS NOTICE INITIATES A PERIOD OF 45 DAYS TO ENCOURAGE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE NOTICE PERIOD, THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OR DESIGNEE MAY RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD THAT IT APPROVE THAT THE PARK NAME BE CHANGED BASED ON COMMUNITY INPUT PROVIDED FROM THE 45-DAY NOTICE PERIOD.
TO SUBMIT COMMENTS, YOU MAY:
- Call (312) 742-0067
- Write to the Chicago Park District, Department of Legislative & Community Affairs,
4830 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60609 - Email us at LCA@ChicagoParkDistrict.com
- Or submit your comments through the form below.
About the Proposed Naming
The Chicago Park District has numerous park features within its parks. It is proposed that the Board initiate the 45-day notice period to solicit public input to name the currently unnamed playground at 53rd St. and King Dr. within Washington Park to Ronald “RonnieMan” Johnson Playground. Located in the Washington Park/Woodlawn neighborhood, Washington Park totals 345.67 acres and contains numerous park features, including a lagoon, three playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and baseball, football, soccer, cricket, and softball fields. The playground at 53rd and King is located in the northwest side of the park.
The proposed name of Ronald “RonnieMan” Johnson Playground recognizes the extraordinary contribution Ronald Johnson made to civic betterment locally, including posthumously contributions made in his name through advocacy and charitable efforts. Ronald "RonnieMan" Johnson, was a beloved son, father, and community member whose life was tragically cut short on October 12, 2014 after he was shot in the back and killed by police while running towards Washington Park. The naming of this playground, which was near where Mr. Johnson was shot, highlights his contributions to his community and serves as a broader acknowledgment of lives lost to police and state violence.
The requestors of this playground naming, Mr. Johnson’s mother – Dorothy Holmes, and the Executive Director of the Chicago Torture Justice Center – Aislinn Pulley, recognize that this playground that is a symbol of tragedy that can be transformed into a space of hope and remembrance by honoring Mr. Johnson and reclaiming the land as a place of healing for the community. Simultaneously, the naming will highlight the broader issue of lives lost to police violence, the urgency to address systemic injustices, and the hope that communities can build a better future for everyone. Since Mr. Johnson’s death, Ms. Holmes launched the RonnieMan Foundation in honor of her son and continues to give back to her community. She hosts annual toy, winter clothing, and back-to-school drives in the Washington Park neighborhood. She also organizes Easter giveaways near 53rd and King Drive, and has helped maintain a food box nearby. Through the foundation, Mr. Johnson has impacted the lives of hundreds of young people through donations, advocacy, celebrations, and healing.
This proposal to officially name the playground at 53rd St. and King Dr. within Washington Park has the support of Alder Jeannette Taylor, community members, and the Chicago Torture Justice Center. The Chicago Torture Justice Center seeks to address the traumas of police violence and institutionalized racism through access to healing and wellness services, trauma-informed resources, and community connection. The Center is a part of and supports a movement to end all forms of police violence.
Learn more: View the Washington Park Playground Naming Request Presentation
The comment period for this naming ends on May 24, 2026.
Comment Form