Washington Park, Chicago facts for kids

Washington Park is a cool neighborhood located on the South Side of Chicago. It's named after the huge green space called Washington Park. This park is really big, covering about 372 acres! That's like 280 football fields! It stretches from Cottage Grove Avenue all the way to the Dan Ryan Expressway, and from 51st Street down to 63rd Street.

This area is also home to the DuSable Museum of African American History, which is a fantastic place to learn about history. Washington Park was even considered as a possible location for the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Aquatics Center when Chicago tried to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Discover Washington Park

Washington Park is more than just a park; it's a whole community area. Think of a community area as a big section of a city that has its own unique feel and history. Washington Park is one of 77 such areas in Chicago. It's a vibrant place where people live, work, and play. The park itself is a central part of the neighborhood, offering lots of space for outdoor activities and relaxation.

A Park with History

The park was designed by famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They also designed Central Park in New York City! They planned Washington Park in the late 1800s. Their goal was to create a beautiful, natural space for city residents to enjoy. The park has wide open fields, peaceful lagoons, and lots of trees. It's a great spot for picnics, sports, or just a quiet walk.

Why is it called Washington Park?

The park, and the community area, are named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. Many places across America are named after important historical figures. This helps remember their contributions to the country.

The DuSable Museum

One of the most important places in Washington Park is the DuSable Museum of African American History. This museum is dedicated to sharing the history, culture, and art of African Americans. It was founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs and her husband, Charles Burroughs. It's one of the oldest museums of its kind in the United States.

What can you see at the DuSable Museum?

At the DuSable Museum, you can see amazing exhibits. These exhibits cover everything from the history of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. You can also see beautiful art, learn about famous African American leaders, and understand their impact on American society. It's a powerful and educational place for visitors of all ages.

Olympic Dreams

Back in 2009, Chicago was hoping to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Washington Park was chosen as a key location for this big event. The plan was to build the main Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Aquatics Center right inside the park. This would have brought athletes and visitors from all over the world to the neighborhood.

What happened to the Olympic bid?

Unfortunately for Chicago, the city was not chosen to host the 2016 Olympics. The games ended up going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Even though Chicago didn't win, the idea of hosting the Olympics showed how important Washington Park is to the city. It highlighted the park's large size and its potential for major events.