In 1970, the Chicago Park District acquired a vacant lot on South Ellis Avenue in the Oakland community with a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Improving the property with a shelter house, a spray pool, and playground equipment, the park district made some improvements in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, the park was upgraded with a soft surface playground for tots and older children.

Officially designated Holly Park in 1973, the park was one of a number of properties named for trees and plants at the time. The holly is a berry-producing tree or shrub that may be either evergreen or deciduous, depending on the variety. The most widely-known, the American Holly, is an evergreen. For centuries, the deep green, spiny leaves and red shiny berries of this holly have been associated with the Christmas season. American Holly was common to the colonial gardens of Virginia. George Washington grew this variety at Mount Vernon, mentioning it frequently in his journal.

This small playground is located in the Oakland community. The park totals 0.45 acres and it features a playground and spray pool that were renovated in 2016 as part of the Chicago Plays! program. 

While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Mandrake Park.