Stanton (Edwin) Park

Named for Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869) Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln, Stanton Park opened to the public in 1910. Since its 1869 creation, the Lincoln Park Commission's primary responsibility was to improve and manage Lincoln Park and its connecting boulevards. By the turn of the century, however, administrators were concerned about living conditions in congested neighborhoods within their jurisdiction.  In an effort to create new playground parks, the commission put forth a successful bond issue in 1907. This allowed the acquisition of land for Stanton and Seward Parks and improvements to Lake Shore Playground, which was already part of the Lincoln Park System.  The Lincoln Park District acquired land for the park in 1908 and expanded the park from 1925 until 1930.  In 1934, the park became part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio when the Lincoln Park District and 21 other park commissions were consolidated into the Chicago Park District.  The Chicago Park District expanded the park again in 1960 and 1978.  A portion of the park was acquired by the Town of Lakeview, the City of Chicago was the successor and transferred ownership of this property of the park to the Chicago Park District pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act of 1957 completing the park’s expansion.  The District also leases a portion of the park from the Chicago Board of Education.  The original Stanton Park fieldhouse was demolished and replaced with a natatorium and swimming facility. The construction of a gymnasium addition in 1971 allowed for additional recreational programming.