Chicago Parks - Holstein Traditional Cache
k'wren: Opening up the park for another hider
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magnetic - you can reach from the sidewalk
In 1854, real estate speculators Sherman, Clark, and Westmore reserved two acres of their subdivision as Holstein Park to enhance the area and its property values. The surrounding area was known as Holstein, an enclave of laborers and craftsmen from Schleswig - Holstein, now a region of Germany. Although the developers expected the city to beautify Holstein Park, it remained unimproved for more than 40 years. Finally, in 1901, the city transferred the park to the West Park System, which made initial improvements. By 1910, the West Park Commissioners had created several new neighborhood parks. These included the earliest west side field houses, offering residents of the surrounding congested neighborhoods important services and programs such as public bathing, English lessons and other classes, and athletics. Efforts soon began to build field houses in some of the existing small parks, including Holstein Park. A handsome brick field house, designed by Illinois state architect William Carbys Zimmermann, opened to the public in 1912.
In 1917, the park commissioners enlarged Holstein Park by purchasing 16 lots north of what is now Palmer Street. Visionary designer Jens Jensen, then consulting landscape architect to the West Park Commission, conceived a plan to cooperatively operate Holstein Park with the adjacent Logan School. He hoped to combine the two properties, build a new school, a separate gymnasium, and an indoor swimming facility. He also wanted to create prairie-like playfields, council rings, an outdoor theater, and school gardens. Although the commissioners began negotiating with the Board of Education, the plan was never realized. Jensen's innovative idea was ahead of its time. A recent collaboration between the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Board of Education has resulted in approximately 100 campus parks throughout the city.
This spring extensive renovations were made to the play area.
Just north of this park is Senior Citizens Memorial Park. It has interesting mosaic decorated border walls and concrete game tables and chairs to spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the outdoors.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
pbeare ol jbzra'f ybpxre ebbz, fbeel thlf!