Douglas Park (Chicago) facts for kids

Douglass Park is a large Chicago Park District park. It is also a cultural and community center on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. This park covers about 173 acres (or 0.7 square kilometers). You can find it in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Its official address is 1401 S. Sacramento Drive.

The park was originally named South Park. For many years, it was called Douglas Park, named after U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas. However, on July 22, 2020, the park's name was changed. It is now called Douglass Park, honoring the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

About Douglass Park

Douglass Park is more than just a green space. It is a vital part of the Chicago Park District. This district manages many parks across Chicago. Douglass Park offers a place for people to relax, play, and connect. It serves as a community hub for the North Lawndale area.

What is a Park District?

A park district is a special local government group. Its job is to create, manage, and protect parks and recreation areas. The Chicago Park District is one of the largest park systems in the United States. It provides many services. These include sports fields, playgrounds, and community programs.

Location and Size

Douglass Park is located on the West Side of Chicago. It is in the North Lawndale community area. This area is known for its rich history and strong community spirit. The park is quite large, covering about 173 acres. That's like 130 football fields! This size allows for many different activities and features within the park.

The Park's Namesake: Frederick Douglass

The park's current name honors Frederick Douglass. He was a very important person in American history. Douglass was a leader in the movement to end slavery. He was also a powerful speaker and writer.

Who was Frederick Douglass?

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818. He escaped to freedom and became a famous abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who works to end slavery. Douglass fought for equal rights for all people. He wrote books, gave speeches, and advised presidents. His work helped change America for the better. The park's renaming celebrates his legacy of freedom and justice.

The Park's Original Namesake: Stephen A. Douglas

Before 2020, the park was named after Stephen A. Douglas. He was a well-known U.S. Senator from Illinois. Douglas lived in the 1800s. He was famous for his debates with Abraham Lincoln. These debates were about slavery and the future of the United States.

Why the Name Change?

The decision to rename the park was made in 2020. This change reflected a desire to honor figures who fought for equality. Many people felt that Frederick Douglass was a more fitting namesake for a community park today. This change also recognized the park's role in a diverse community.

Activities and Features

Douglass Park offers many things to do. It has sports fields for baseball and soccer. There are also basketball courts and tennis courts. Kids can enjoy several playgrounds. The park also features a lagoon. This is a great spot for fishing or just enjoying nature.

Community Programs

The park is a center for community activities. The Chicago Park District often hosts events here. These can include summer camps, sports leagues, and fitness classes. These programs help bring people together. They also provide fun and healthy activities for all ages.

Images for kids

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  The park was named for Illinois politician and presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas for over 151 years

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  In 2020 the park was renamed for the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna Murray Douglass

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  This stone bridge pictured in front of the old Greenhouse is one of the few remnants of Jenney's original park designs.

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  This 1916 photo depicts the outdoor gymnasium.