Abbott Park Path

The Chicago Park District acquired the site of Abbott Park as part of a ten-year plan to increase recreational opportunities in under-served neighborhoods in post-World War II Chicago. In 1947, the Citizens Advisory Committee on Park Sites recommended the creation of a park to serve the rapidly growing African-American community near 95th Street and Michigan Avenue. The park district purchased the property southeast of that intersection in 1949, and built a swimming pool and recreational facility the following year. In 1956, the park district sold a portion of the parkland to the Board of Education for use as Harlan High School.