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South Deering

Chicago’s Veterans’ Memorial Park: A South Deering Landmark Since 1954

By Tom Barnas
7/4/2025

Located at the corner of East 98th Street and South Muskegon Street in Chicago’s South Deering neighborhood, Veterans’ Memorial Park is a historic green space dedicated to the veterans of the United States armed forces. Established in 1954 by the Chicago City Council, this four-acre park reflects the post-World War II patriotism that shaped many public projects during that era.

Originally developed by the City’s Bureau of Parks and Recreation, the park served the rapidly growing South Deering community, offering athletic fields, a playground, and a brick recreation building. In 1957, the park officially became part of the Chicago Park District, which later added a spray pool (1966) and a soft-surface playground (1989).

🎖️ Whether you’re interested in Chicago history, exploring memorial parks, or discovering hidden gems on the South Side, Veterans’ Memorial Park offers both a place of reflection and recreation.

title: “Chicago’s Veterans’ Memorial Park: A South Deering Landmark Since 1954” slug: chicago-veterans-memorial-park pubDate: 2025-07-04 description: “Veterans’ Memorial Park is a historic green space dedicated to the veterans of the United States armed forces” image: public/images/veterans-park-war-memorial.jpg youtube: BN4m5J1rI6g place: South Deering author: Tom Barnas

Located at the corner of East 98th Street and South Muskegon Street in Chicago’s South Deering neighborhood, Veterans’ Memorial Park is a historic green space dedicated to the veterans of the United States armed forces. Established in 1954 by the Chicago City Council, this four-acre park reflects the post-World War II patriotism that shaped many public projects during that era.

Originally developed by the City’s Bureau of Parks and Recreation, the park served the rapidly growing South Deering community, offering athletic fields, a playground, and a brick recreation building. In 1957, the park officially became part of the Chicago Park District, which later added a spray pool (1966) and a soft-surface playground (1989).

🎖️ Whether you’re interested in Chicago history, exploring memorial parks, or discovering hidden gems on the South Side, Veterans’ Memorial Park offers both a place of reflection and recreation.

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