Piotrowski (Lillian) Park

In 1946, the Chicago Park District began developing a sizable new park for the South Lawndale community as part of its Ten-Year Plan to increase recreational opportunities after World War II. By 1949, seven temporary ball diamonds filled the large tract of land. During the next few years, the park district made permanent improvements, including a playground, a comfort station, and a field house. A large outdoor swimming pool was constructed south of the fieldhouse in 1984. In recent years, the park district added a new soft surface playground. Originally known as Lawndale Park for the surrounding community, the site was renamed in 1974 to honor Lillian Piotrowski, a life-long neighborhood resident. Piotrowski devoted much of her life to politics and public service, and served as a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners at the time of her death.