A Public Park for The Neighborhood
May 1st, 2009 -- Posted in Public Park | Comments
The Portage Park in Chicago is one of the central meeting and leisure points for people in the community, to enjoy an evening stroll, a morning walk or a picnic out with the family. It happens to be one of the largest parks in Chicago and offers a wide array of recreational facilities which include six tennis courts and large playgrounds and paths for natural walks along the park. The park also consists of large soccer and baseball fields. A huge attraction is the area that houses the gymnasium and the cultural arts buildings. Senior citizens also enjoy here with fitness and aerobics classes to stay healthy.
The name of the area, The Portage Park Community Area is derived from the name of the Park itself, and not only this, the park also brought together the community that exists around it, by combining some far flung separate communities. The Park now is the center of all activities for the community, providing athletic and other team sports to be played on its open grounds and other cultural and club activities to be carried out in its special buildings.
Originally the Park had a dirt bottomed natural pond that then blended into a cement bottomed pool, the pond portion used to merge with the hill that existed on the Western side of the Park. In 1932 improvements began to be carried out in the Park. Additional plants were being planted to enhance the natural beauty of the place, fountains started to be constructed and Gateways were being put up. The Park authorities thus removed the original natural pool and replaced it with a kidney shaped pool made of concrete. Workers also renovated the long destructed Rock House that used to exist in the South end of the Park. This House also had its own Goldfish pond and pretty flower patches.
In 1959 further improvements were made and the Kidney Pool was replaced by an Olympic Sized Pool. In 1972, with these facilities available, Portage Park had hosted the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials here. There is also an interactive marine play area that has been specially built for children to enjoy. In the summers therefore, the park is ideal for cooling off, with the pool and a large deck for sunning.
The Park is actually older than all the other buildings that are now around it.
