In the mid-1940s, the City of Chicago's Bureau of Parks and Recreation began negotiations to purchase 1.2-acres of an old dairy company to create a small park in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. Opened to the public in 1947, the park included playground equipment, a small brick recreation building, and a playing field that was flooded in the winter for ice skating. On June 11, 1949, the city dedicated the site as Memorial Park in honor of the servicemen who fought in World War II. The most destructive war in history, World War II was fought between 1939 and 1945 in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. Between 35 and 60 million people perished in the war, including 300,000 American servicemen. In 1959, the city transferred ownership of Memorial Park to the Chicago Park District along with more than 250 other city properties. The following year, the park district began working with the city's Urban Renewal Department to enlarge the park. The park district acquired two acres just north and west of Memorial Park in 1966. The expansion project included relocating and upgrading the park's playground, installing basketball courts, and enlarging the athletic field, which allowed for junior league baseball and football instruction and practice. In subsequent years, Memorial Park's fieldhouse and playground were improved and rehabilitated.

Located in the Englewood community area, Memorial Park is 2.99 acres and it is an ideal location for families to spend a portion of their day relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. This park contains a playground with swings, slides, climbing equipment, along with a basketball court and a baseball/softball field.Park patrons that visit Memorial Park participate in basketball, softball, and other activities.