Western Springs families treasure the village’s huge Spring Rock Park. But, if it weren’t for some early residents and the Illinois Supreme Court, it might not be here today.

Spring Rock Park

In November 1923, 100 concerned village residents signed a petition and presented it to the Western Springs village board. The petition noted the village’s absence of outdoor recreational facilities and sought the creation of a local park district. Up to that point, the only public green space was the area surrounding the village water tower.

On December 11, the referendum was held, with only 12 dissenting votes. The following day, a Cook County judge ordered the creation of the park district with its geographic boundaries to be the same as the Village of Western Springs.

The first park district meeting took place on February 6, 1924. The commissioners immediately focused on the need to acquire property for the village’s long-awaited park. After reviewing its options, they chose a 12-acre tract of property located at the southwest corner of Central and Burlington. Although the land was vacant, it would require considerable grading, seeding, and other improvements. But, significantly, this site had been the site of the natural springs from which the village had derived its name.

Spring Rock Wading Pool & Playground – circa 1935

Unfortunately, the owners of the property objected to the sale. As a result, the park district exercised its power of eminent domain, only to end up in a contentious lawsuit.

In 1931, eight years after the formation of the park district, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in the park district’s favor. The court set the selling price at $18,000, or $275,000 in 2013 dollars. Soon after, the park district issued $30,000 in bonds for the purchase and improvement of the property. The board also announced a long-range plan for the park, including the creation of a spring-fed lake suitable for canoeing, three tennis courts, a children’s wading pool, a baseball diamond, and picnic facilities.

All of the preceding plans, with the exception of the lake, came to fruition. And, much, much more. Subsequent land purchases expanded the park to its current 42 acres. And, with it, more ball diamonds, soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, skateboarding, and jogging paths. But, had those 100 residents not bothered to seek a referendum, we would probably not have this wonderful park centrally located within our village.