By Jocelyn Martinez
After revisiting Riis park, I was surprised at the changes. Interested in the vast history of the park, and remembering my time at the park as a child. The next park I visited was Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park. I was excited to visit Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park as I passed by it on my commute. However, I rarely visit it. Smaller than Riis park, yet I spent more time here as a kid. I visited relatives who lived nearby.
Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park is named after the third President of the USA. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) who signed the Declaration of Independence.
The city began planning and acquiring the land for the park in 1921. It was finished in 1929. In 1930 the Park District built a field house. In the same year they also built an athletic field. This field now has a basketball, tennis court, volleyball, and baseball. The field house was designed by Clarence Hatzfeld. In 1934 Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park became a part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio.
During 1999 Memorial was added to Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park’s name, so it does not get confused with another Jefferson Park.
Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park is across the street from a Chicago Public Library and a Postal Service. Also nearby is a McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Jewel Osco, Jefferson Park transit center, Starbucks, and more.
Sometimes my family and I would go to McDonald’s or Subway after playing in the park. It was a nice little surprise. Though it could also have been a treat for the adults. After they had to make sure four to seven kids behaved themselves. Instead of fighting one another.
Mainly my family would start off at one of our Aunts houses, and then go to the park. We would then go back to our aunt’s house and eat. This would end our day. This was a typical outing. With eating out being an occasion. We would go to Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial park during the spring and summer breaks, during days off of school, or during the weekends.
My sister also did ballet there, so while we waited my brother and I played at the park. The playground has changed from when I was a kid. With a new paint job, perhaps? That or it feels like it changed as I have grown older.
I remember we went to the pool here with other family members. It was not often my siblings and I went there. My family has always preferred the beach to pools.
What I appreciate most about Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park is that we had a lot of family time here. Not just with my intermediate family. Rather with my extended family. Even though I cannot remember everything we did, I am still happy that my mother took us there. Although I did not always appreciate it at the time. Also I did not want to go as I became a teenager.
Last Sunday, October 5th, my mother and I went to the City Wide Orchestra. This orchestra was held in the field house. Andrew Wolfking was the Conductor. Andrew Breig was the Assistant Director.
They played two musicals Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera. Then the orchestra played three movies: Jurassic Park, How to Train your Dragon, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Lastly the orchestra played two traditional music Hansel & Gretel and In the Hall of the Mountain King.
After each performance there would be an explanation of the history or the importance of what the composer and the music does. What stuck out to me was the importance of story telling. How music can tell a story. Also the feeling music can give. Like a whimsical feeling, that feels like flying.
My mother and I enjoyed the show. My favorite was The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. My mother’s favorite was Jurassic Park. On the way home we talked about it. This was an event I did not know would exist at Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park. It definitely is something worthwhile to visit.
They have an upcoming holiday concert at the Copernicus Center. Saturday, December 13th, 2025 at 5pm. https://copernicuscenter.org/the-city-wide-symphonys-holiday-concert-2025/
Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park now has many other events. These events are marketed around the park. Some of these events are songwriting, girls flag rugby, Sunday market, and costume donations/swap (Sunday October 12th). These are all advertised at Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park.
On the Chicago Park District, Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, website has other upcoming events in the weeks ahead. Sunday market (October 12th and 26th 9:30am-1:30pm), fall fest (October 12th 11:00am-2:00pm), community bonfire (October 22nd 5:00pm-7:00pm), and puzzle exchange (November 16th from 12:00pm-3:00pm).
Not only does Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park have all of these events, but it also has many programs. These programs range from adult, early childhood, teen, and youth. Some programs are free. Others cost money. Some free programs for adults are chair exercise, strength and conditioning, song writing, chair yoga, and city wide orchestra. The cheapest is $5 (Pickleball for adults), and the most expensive is $316 (Karate Partnership for youth).
These programs and events at Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, to me, are a great way to help build a community. For more information:
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/jefferson-thomas-memorial-park
