chicago large chicago park district park serves cultural community center west chicago illinois named senator died originally named south_park acres km2 community area chicago illinois united_states official address history illinois state legislature established responsible large parks later year november commissioners named southernmost park honor best remembered pre civil war presidential defeat abraham_lincoln despite superb skills douglas united_states senator helped bring chicago designer baron completed plans entire included douglas parks engineering expertise especially helpful transforming poor natural site sand added site process brought acres km2 land grade level center landscape created picturesque lake small section park formally opened inflated construction costs post tax collection difficulties resulted phased projects improvements park 1880s like parks replaced greenhouse members german clubs petitioned outdoor gymnasium following year chicago public facilities constructed outdoor gymnasium pictured right swimming pool 20th century redevelopment turn century political parks dilapidated reform effort appointed general superintendent chief landscape architect entire recognized dean prairie style landscape architecture improved deteriorating sections parks added new features improvements semi circular marshall boulevard formal garden corner avenue sacramento drive time designed garden avenue diagonal roadway major later route constructed road divided park separate landscapes creating busy intersection junction sacramento avenues solution long garden southeast intersection providing avenue playing fields south demolished parks favor grand park entrance garden area closest busy roadway intersection placed monumental garden shelter known flower hall formal reflecting pool designer structure unknown possibly friend prairie school architect hugh garden east building garden included perennial beds lily pool unique prairie style benches constructed structure designed architects responsible notable buildings including park gold dome building park city independent park commissions merged single agency today park served central location recreation built currently houses miniature golf course outdoor swimming pool soccer fields basketball courts oval running track park retains original wide variety trees original designed stone bridge greenhouse attracted visitors city torn statue czech patriot moved today vicinity chicago olympic bid included plans host olympic cycling competitions park including course beginning park new home
Douglas Park (Chicago)