Lerner Playlot Park

Lerner Playlot Park 7000 N. Sacramento Avenue sits on a remnant of the West Ridge community's once-thriving brick-making industry. Drawn by the area's natural deposits of clay and sand, brick-makers increasingly located in the western portion of the community after 1900. Their workers soon followed, building bungalows in the surrounding area. By mid-century, the local brick industry had faded, but population was surging.

To meet the recreational needs of West Ridge residents, the Chicago Park District purchased this former clay pit from the Illinois Brick Company in 1962. The Park District improved the 8-acre site in 1964 and 1965. The Park District and the Chicago Board of Education agreed to jointly operate the new park and adjacent Stephen Decatur Classical Elementary School, but the project was short-lived. In 1966, the park was named for Leo Lerner (1908--1965), an eminent author, publisher, and public-spirited citizen. Publisher of the Lerner neighborhood newspapers, Lerner also served as Chairman of the Board of Roosevelt University and as a member of the Illinois State Parole and Pardon Board.

Photos

RPWRHS photo C035L2-001 shows Lerner Playlot Park, 7000 N. Sacramento Avenue, looking east toward Sacramento Avenue, circa 1950. This photo was taken before the construction of the Lerner Playlot Park. The land was purchased from the Illinois Brick Company in 1962 and the park district improved the 8-acre site in 1964 and 1965. The park was named for Leo Lerner (1908-1965), in 1966.