Location:
3736 N. Marshfield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
Supervisor:
Jennifer Runge (Sheil Park)
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 742-7826
Hours
Park Hours
Description
Merryman Playlot Park located in the Lakeview community is a 0.21 acre park.
In July 2013 the park received new soft surfacing, pathway improvements, lighting, site furnishings and landscaping. The new state-of-the-art playground meets or exceeds ADA accessibility guidelines, including providing ramps to play structures where possible.
History
Many of Chicago's neighborhoods experienced tremendous population surges during the post-World War II period. The Bureau of Parks and Recreation responded by creating new playlots and parks in congested areas throughout the City. By 1950, the City had begun constructing 20 new parks and identifying 30 potential sites for additional parks. One of the proposed sites was within the then overcrowded Lakeview neighborhood on Chicago's north side. Condemning and acquiring one fifth of an acre in 1951, the City installed playground equipment, a sandbox, and plantings. In 1957, the City transferred Merryman Park to the Chicago Park District along with more than 200 other properties pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act. After upgrading the playground equipment in the 1960s, the Park District undertook major park improvements in 1982. In 1990, Merryman Park received a new soft surface playground.
The City named the park to honor Theron W. Merryman (1897-1967), who had recently resigned after serving nearly a decade as 45th ward alderman. A veteran of World War I, Merryman was a sanitary engineer by profession and had served as president of the National Association of Master Plumbers of the United States in Chicago.
Map & Facilities
Merryman Playlot Playground
