2820 E. 98th St.
Chicago, IL 60617
Hours
Park Hours
Description
Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Veterans' Memorial Park totals 4.81 acres and features a multi-purpose clubroom. Outside, the park offers four multi-purpose fields, a playground, and a spray pool.
Park-goers can participate in seasonal sports, arts & crafts, Cubs Care T- Ball. After school programs are offered throughout the school year, and during the summer, youth can participate in the Chicago Park District’s popular six-week day camp.
In addition to programs, Veterans' Memorial Park hosts fun special events throughout the year for the entire family, such as a Memorial Day ceremony, Bicycle Rodeo, and holiday-themed events.
History
On March 10, 1954, the Chicago City Council decided to honor veterans of the United States armed forces by naming a new southside park Veteran's Memorial Park. This tribute was a natural extension of the patriotic attitude that prevailed across the country during and after World War II. Developed by the City's Bureau of Parks and Recreation the previous year, the four-acre park was intended to meet the increasing recreational needs of the South Deering Community Area, whose population had nearly doubled between 1940 and 1950. Initial improvements included outdoor athletic facilities, a playground, and a small brick recreational building. In 1957, the City transferred Veterans' Memorial Park, along with more than 200 other properties, to the Chicago Park District pursuant to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act. The Park District installed a spray pool in 1966 and a new soft surface playground in 1989.