Warner Park and Gardens Once in a while, an unusual person comes along. One such person was Lois Buenger. Lois was a Chicago Public Schools special education teacher, who mortgaged her home in 1987 to acquire the property at 1446 West Warner to be Chicago’s first private park, Warner Park and Gardens. With unwavering determination the teacher turned a once untended lot into a gracious garden. To serve a wider community, the park was designed to meet a variety of needs—educational, social, and aesthetic. On any given day, one may find students studying, children playing, neighbors strolling, or baby-sitters socializing. Warner Park and Gardens also played host to Park Art 1995 and Park Art 2000. This outdoor art event was yet another dimension to its unique and special offerings to Chicago’s urban landscape. In 2001 with efforts from the City of Chicago, Lois Buenger’s personal interests were bought out by Neighbor’s Space and the private park became officially public. In March of 2003, Lois passed away after a heroic fight with cancer, yet her legacy live on. The Park is maintained by the Warner Park and Gardens Board of Directors. The board consists of many residents of the Graceland West Community and friends to the park. The Park is open everyday from dawn until 9:00 p.m. Warner Park and Gardens plays host to several Graceland West neighborhood activities, including the annual Children’s Halloween Party and the Fairy Tea party. The Park is available for rentals for a fee of $350. It makes a great setting for weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties. For more information, please contact Georgie Yost at 773-929-0290. Warner Park is a non-profit organization 501c3 status and survives solely on the generosity of the neighbors, local business and grants. Anyone interested in contributing to the park, can do so in care of: Georgie Yost 1449 West Berteau Chicago, IL 60613 All donations to Warner Park and Gardens are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law. The Graceland West neighborhood will be forever grateful to Lois on her selfless generosity as we will enjoy this gem of a park for many years to come. |