About the place
Located in the heart of Lincoln Square at Lincoln and Montrose Avenues sits the 15.84-acre Welles Park, a gathering place for musicians, sports, and fitness enthusiasts. Many residents enjoy the park’s indoor pool year-round for lap swims, instruction, and aqua exercise. Others visit Welles Park’s fitness center for a workout, while some prefer a leisurely game of horseshoes at the park’s outdoor pits.
Additional Information
One of five parks created by the Lincoln Park Commission and named for a member of President Abraham Lincoln's cabinet, Welles Park honors Gideon Welles (1802-1878), Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. Since the Lincoln Park Commission's formation in 1869, its primary responsibility has been to improve and manage Lincoln Park and its connecting boulevards. By 1908, the commissioners were impressed with new neighborhood parks on Chicago's south and west sides and began efforts to create similar parks on the city's north side.
In 1910, the Lincoln Park Commission acquired and transformed an initial 8-acre site into Welles Park. The commissioners began leasing a large property just east of the park in 1922, and several years later it would be purchased to permanently enlarge Welles Park. In 1934, the park became part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio when the Lincoln Park Commission and 21 other park commissions were consolidated. In 1942, the Park District purchased the leased portion of the park and acquired City-owned land in 1957, according to the Chicago Park and City Exchange of Functions Act.
Hotels near this place
2333 W Sunnyside Ave, 2333 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
