In Chicago during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s there was only one playground in the city, and approximately 12,000 children lived in the city. The population of children in the city was high due to the influx of immigrants during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Chicago has approximately 570 parks, which includes about 90 playgrounds.
The Chicago Commons playground size was only 20 x 160 feet. It was open every afternoon and all day on Sundays. These were largely immigrant children of factory workers and attendance varied from 50 to 175 children at one time. The playground was supervised by adults. It was located on the Near West side of Chicago, and was built by the Chicago Commons settlement house.
The Chicago Commons Association is a social service organization and former settlement house in Chicago. The Chicago Commons was founded in 1894 by Graham Taylor.
That was very interesting. When we were small, played in back yard or in front of the house. There was a play ground at school but we never went back.
Thanks Suzette. I’m surprised you didn’t have neighborhood playgrounds or play lots. We had two parks very close and farther ones we’d venture to once in awhile. We mostly went to Avondale Park (the Park you saw when we went to my old neighborhood).
Thanks Suzette. I’m surprised you didn’t have neighborhood parks or play lots. We had a few, but mostly went to Avondale Park. That’s the Park you saw when you visited my old neighborhood with me.