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Riis Park (Chicago) facts for kids

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Riis, Jacob A., Park
Jacob A Riis Park Fieldhouse.jpg
The park's fieldhouse
Riis Park (Chicago) is located in Chicago metropolitan area
Riis Park (Chicago)
Location in Chicago metropolitan area
Riis Park (Chicago) is located in Illinois
Riis Park (Chicago)
Location in Illinois
Riis Park (Chicago) is located in the United States
Riis Park (Chicago)
Location in the United States
Location 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, Illinois
Area 56.8 acres (23.0 ha)
MPS Chicago Park District MPS
NRHP reference No. 95000483
Added to NRHP April 20, 1995

Riis Park is a large 56-acre park located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois. You can find it in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood. This park is named after Jacob Riis, a famous journalist and photographer. He was known for showing people the difficult lives of poor and working-class families in New York City.

What is Riis Park?

Riis Park is a big green space where people can relax and play. It covers about 56 acres, which is like having 56 football fields put together! The park is managed by the local government. It offers a place for everyone in the community to enjoy the outdoors.

Who Was Jacob Riis?

Jacob Riis was a very important person who lived from 1849 to 1914. He was a writer and photographer. Riis used his skills to tell stories about people who were struggling. He showed how difficult life was for many families living in crowded cities.

  • He was called a "muckraker." This term means a journalist who looks for and writes about problems in society.
  • Riis wanted to make things better for people. His work helped bring about changes to improve living conditions.

A Historic Place

Riis Park is not just any park; it's also a historic site! It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means the park is recognized as an important place in history.

What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it has special historical value.

  • Riis Park's official ID number on the National Register is 95000483.
  • Being on the list helps protect these places for future generations.
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