Scoville Park is Oak Park’s “Village Green” serving as the gathering place for various community activities, both organized and spontaneous. The World War I “Peace Triumphant” Monument is the park’s focal point and is surrounded by a plaza area. Park visitors enjoy the three tennis courts and tot lot and large meadow is a popular destination for Frisbee enthusiasts. Scoville is home to many Oak Park traditions including weekly summer concerts, the Art in the Park Art Fair and the annual Day In Our Village event. We invite you to visit Scoville Park and enjoy this beautiful touch of nature in the center of our bustling community.
History
Purchased in 1912, Scoville Park was the first parcel of land purchased by the Park District of Oak Park. Originally designed by noted landscape architect Jens Jensen, the Park turned 100 years old in 2012. Scoville Park was named by the National Park Service to the National Register of Historic Places. The focal point of the park, the majestic World War I “Peace Triumphant” Monument statue, was unveiled on November 11, 1925 in the presence of General C.G. Dawes, Vice-President of the United States. As part of the Park District’s Capital Improvement Program, the Memorial was restored in 2009-2010 and a complete renovation of Scoville Park was completed in June 2013.
Located near the War Memorial is the Percy Julian Memorial Bust, unveiled in 2003 to celebrate the life and contributions of this world-renowned chemist, humanitarian, and long-time Oak Park resident. A plaque recognizing Joseph and Betty Kettlestrings, the first settlers in Oak Park, is located in the southwest corner of Scoville Park. The main gateway to the park, located at one of the busiest intersections in historic Oak Park, features a replica of the Horse Show Fountain, also known as the Wright-Bock Fountain named for its designers sculptor Richard Bock and famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The original fountain was built by the Oak Park Horse Show Association in 1909 and located on the curb of Lake Street. Due to severe deterioration, the fountain was completely reconstructed and relocated in 1969 to replace the badly deteriorated original.
