The Chicago Park District acquired this once-vacant lot for parkland in 1969, officially designating it Poplar Park in 1973. The park was one of a number of park district properties named for trees and plants at this time. Poplar trees are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, mostly in the temperate zone. In North America, trees known as cottonwood, quaking aspen, and poplar are all poplar species. Poplars can reach heights of 40 to 100 feet. Hardy and fast-growing though short-lived, they are often planted as windbreaks. In the natural landscape, poplars provide winter and spring diets for many animals. Moose and deer eat the twigs and leaves. Beavers and hares consume bark, leaves, and buds. Birds dine on buds and young flower stalks or catkins.

This small playground is located in the Grand Boulevard Community. The park is 0.28 acres and it features a playground and water feature. For structured programming or afterschool activities, visit nearby Anderson Playground Park.