6020 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630
Hours
Park Hours
Description
This park totals 4.97 acres and contains a junior baseball field, softball field, and playground. It is located in the Jefferson Park Community Area, right at the juncture of Austin and Foster Avenues.
While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Dunham Park.
History
In 1934, the Board of Education acquired land at Austin and Foster Avenues, which would eventually become a park. As early as 1960, residents of the Jefferson Park Community Area expressed the need for a playground and softball field in their community. In 1965, the Chicago Park District began leasing an almost 5-acre site in the neighborhood owned by the Board of Education. Playground equipment and a ball diamond were installed the following year. In early 1991, the Board of Education formally transferred the site to the Chicago Park District, which promptly constructed a new soft surface playground. Installation of new trees and plantings followed in subsequent years. For nearly three decades, the site was known only as Park No. 285.
In 1993, the Park District officially designated the property Austin-Foster Park, a name commonly used by area residents. The name makes reference to the two adjacent streets, Austin Avenue and Foster Avenue. Austin Boulevard recognizes Henry W. Austin (1828-1889), who purchased prairie land west of Chicago in 1865 and laid out the town of Austinville (later the City's Austin community) not long thereafter. Foster Avenue honors John H. Foster (1796-1874), a physician and landowner who arrived in Chicago around 1835. Foster served on both the Chicago and Illinois Boards of Education.