Location:
2106 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Supervisor:
Taqui Dufelmeier (Skinner Park)
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 746-5560
Hours
Park Hours
Description
Located in the Near West community area, Touhy-Herbert Park totals 3.91 acres and features baseball fields, basketball courts, an interactive water spray feature and a playground that was renovated in 2016 as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program. The park's small fieldhouse is currently closed.
Park programs are conducted seasonally out of the neighboring James Jordan Boys & Girls Club & Family Center, 2102 W. Monroe St.
History
In 1917, the Chicago City Council authorized the purchase of land at the corner of West Adams and South Hoyne Streets. By 1928, the City had acquired enough additional property to create Touhy-Herbert Park, constructing a playing field, a skating pond and an office building/shelter house. Twenty years later, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation built a fieldhouse there.
In 1957, the City transferred the park to the Chicago Park District pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act. In 1993, the City transferred additional land to expand the park.
As early as 1930, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation referred to this site as Touhy Park, a name that recognized the public service of local resident John J. Touhy (1888-1974). Touhy served as a City alderman from 1917 until 1926, when he was elected a trustee of the Sanitary District of Chicago. In 1950, he left the Sanitary District to become a Cook County Commissioner. Touhy retired from office in 1970.
In 1999, the Chicago Park District officially designated the site Touhy-Herbert Park, a name commonly used by neighbors. The new name, of course, mirrors that of the nearby school, which honors American musician, composer, and conductor Victor Herbert (1859-1924). The New York Times eulogized Herbert as "America's Leading Composer of Light Opera."
Advisory Council
Contact:
Randy Carter, President
Meeting Details:
1st Wednesday of the month at 6pm.
Out of an abundance of caution Park Advisory Council Meetings will be held virtually for the near future. Please contact the Touhy Herbert PAC for details.
Map & Facilities
Touhy-Herbert Park Fieldhouse
Touhy-Herbert Baseball/Softball Fields
Touhy-Herbert Water Spray Feature
