Today , Jackman Park boasts a children ’ s playground , inviting seating areas , walkways , and a gazebo . It stands as a vibrant focal point for a wide array of community events and gatherings , serving as a joyful symbol of the close-knit Glenview community . ▪
GLENVIEW 125 ( continued from page 1 )
THE FOUNDING OF THE GLENVIEW PARK DISTRICT
It wasn ’ t until July 1927 when voters approved the formation of the Glenview Park District as a separate , distinct governmental unit with its own mission : to acquire open space for parks and to develop recreational opportunities for the people it serves . The vote was 170 “ yes ” to 120 “ no ”.
The community spirit of sharing and celebrating the beauty of nature in Glenview truly began in 1917 , when local entrepreneur and philanthropist Edwin Jackman donated an infamous “ Jackman Children ’ s Fountain ” to the Village of Glenview , beautifully constructed and decoratively carved with plants and animals , featuring the heads of lions spitting water and topped with the carving of a bear .
In terms of practical function , a water fountain offers a drink to passersby . To us , this may seem a small convenience on a hot day . But in 1917 , this was more necessity than convenience .
In that time , most people traveled by horse and buggy . Surrounding neighbors would come from miles away to visit the Rugen Store for all of their essential needs . A place to stop for a cool drink of water was a needed amenity for the whole community .
Before the bear fountain was installed , a well with a pump provided a place for visitors and residents to get a drink of water . A tin cup was tied to the handle of the pump , and shared by everyone . In contrast , the beautiful fountain that Jackman had designed provided two spigots from which children and adults could sip a drink of water .
Where the lion ’ s head pours water into a shallow bird bath today , a large basin provided water for horses . A smaller basin near the bottom provided water for dogs and other small animals .
In his dedication speech , Jackman said nature communicates with us in a common language . And He asked the residents of Glenview to make it their mission to appreciate the world around them each and every day , which continues to be the vision that inspires the Glenview Park District to this day .
Twelve years after the fountain was donated to the community , and two years following Jackman ’ s death , the Park District developed and named the community ’ s very first park in his honor , where the Jackman Bear Fountain now sits .
In 1928 , the area that we now recognize as the Glenview Public Library was purchased by the thennamed Civic Association , which later evolved into the Glenview Days Community Association . They deeded this land to the Village of Glenview , which subsequently leased the property to the Park District under a 99-year lease agreement . In the following year , September 1929 , the Glenview Park District extended its reach by acquiring an additional 1.9 acres of land , located at 1930 Prairie Street , which we now fondly refer to as Jackman Park .
Today , Jackman Park boasts a children ’ s playground , inviting seating areas , walkways , and a gazebo . It stands as a vibrant focal point for a wide array of community events and gatherings , serving as a joyful symbol of the close-knit Glenview community . ▪
SPECIAL EVENTS
Glenview History Center Art Exhibition May 16-July 16 Glenview Public Library
Step Back in Time : Exploring Historic Downtown Glenview Saturday , June 29 Downtown Glenview
Fourth of July Celebration Thursday , July 4 Downtown Glenview
Heritage Trees Walk Thursday , July 25 • 7 pm Glenview New Church Parking Lot
PARK VIEWS + NEWS