Altgeld (John) Park

Established in 1873 as Congress Park, the land for this park was originally owned by local real estate developers Frank W. and James L. Campbell and donated to the City.  The City conveyed this park to the West Park Commissioners in 1915. The West Park Commissioners expanded the park by acquiring an additional four acres in 1916. The following year the expanded park was named in honor of John P. Altgeld (1847-1902), Illinois' governor from 1893 to 1897, and an early proponent of neighborhood playgrounds. The controversial Altgeld, a strong supporter of labor, is best known for pardoning several of the Haymarket conspirators.  Pursuant to the Chicago Park District Act of 1934, this park became part of the Chicago Park District inventory.

The Altgeld Park Fieldhouse, an English Georgian Revival style building designed by the architectural firm of Michaelson and Rognstad. The fieldhouse was completed in 1929 and included a first-floor community hall with foyer, two gymnasiums, dressing and locker rooms, showers, physical director’s quarters, spectator’s balcony, storage space, bathrooms, offices, and a skaters’ room.