Holstein Park

In 1854, real estate speculators Sherman, Clark, and Westmore reserved two acres of their subdivision as Holstein Park to enhance the area and its property values. The surrounding area was known as Holstein, an enclave of laborers and craftsmen from Schleswig - Holstein, now a region of Germany. Although the developers expected the city to beautify Holstein Park, it remained unimproved for more than 40 years. Finally, in 1901, the City transferred the park to the West Park System, which made initial improvements. By 1910, the West Park Commissioners had created several new neighborhood parks. These included the earliest west side fieldhouses, offering residents of the surrounding congested neighborhoods important services and programs such as public bathing, English lessons and other classes, and athletics. Efforts soon began to build fieldhouses in some of the existing small parks, including Holstein Park. A handsome brick fieldhouse, designed by Illinois state architect William Carbys Zimmermann, opened to the public in 1912. In 1917, the West Park Commissioners created Holstein Park by purchasing 16 lots north of what is now Palmer Street. Visionary designer Jens Jensen, then consulting landscape architect to the West Park Commission, conceived a plan to cooperatively operate Holstein Park with the adjacent Logan School. He hoped to combine the two properties, build a new school, a separate gymnasium, and an indoor swimming facility. He also wanted to create prairie-like playfields, council rings, an outdoor theater, and school gardens. Although the commissioners began negotiating with the Board of Education, the plan was never realized. Jensen's innovative idea was ahead of its time.  In 1928, streets and alleys were vacated for park expansion and from 1928-1929, the City of Chicago acquired control of some park land.  In 1934, the park became part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio when the 22 park districts were consolidated.  In 1949, the Chicago Park District acquired more land for the park.  The Chicago Park District acquired land for the park from the City of Chicago pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act of 1957.  In 1995, the Chicago Park District transferred part of the park to the City of Chicago.  A recent collaboration between the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Board of Education has resulted in approximately 100 campus parks throughout the city.