Rutherford Sayre Park

Rutherford Sayre Park is located in Chicago's Montclare community. The park spans 13.94 acres and is situated near the city's border with Elmwood Park, with Oak Park Avenue marking its eastern edge.

The park's history dates back to before World War I when it was created from three separate parks donated by two local families, the Sayres and Rutherfords, who had previously farmed and subdivided the surrounding area. The western portions were part of the Sayre homestead, purchased by William E. Sayre in the early 1830s, while the eastern section was donated by Thomas A. Rutherford, the area's first postmaster.

In 1916, the Northwest Park District began improving the area north of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul tracks, constructing a fieldhouse with an assembly hall and gymnasium. The park became part of the Chicago Park District in 1934 when the Northwest Park District and 21 other park districts were consolidated. Additional land was acquired from the City of Chicago in 1957, and in 1999, the Chicago Park District combined the three adjacent parks (Rutherford, Sayre, and Rutherford Sayre) to form the current Rutherford Sayre Park.

The park offers a variety of recreational facilities and programming for visitors of all ages. Its fieldhouse contains a fitness center, gymnasium, and kitchen. Outdoor amenities include sports fields, courts, a playground, and natural areas.

Rutherford Sayre Park hosts a range of activities and programs throughout the year. These include sports leagues, fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, and nature programming involving a community garden. During the summer, the park offers a popular six-week day camp for youth.