1965
The Worth-Palos Park District was formed by referendum to have a separate government body to provide park and recreation services to the community.

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1966
A 5-acre parcel of land at 107th Street and Oak Park Avenue was donated by contractor, Wayne Peak. This land was developed and is known today as Peaks Park.

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1967
The Village of Worth turned over 2 half-acre parcels of land to the Park District for development.  These parcels became known as Worthwoods Park at 109th Street and Oketo Avenue and Penny Park at the intersection of Home and Normandy Avenues. 

Penny Park received its name for the early promise given to taxpayers that the Park District would only cost them pennies each year. 

A 2-car garage was given as a gift to the Park District and was located in Peaks Park and was later converted into a community building. 

 

1970
The triangular piece of land across the street from Peaks Park was purchased and became the site of two maintenance and storage garages. 

A 5-acre wooded tract of land at 109th Street and Nordica Avenue was purchased for park development.  It was dedicated and named to the memory of Gale Moore. 

 

1975-1976
The development of Smile Park at 114th Street and Neenah Avenue; and Stahlak Park at 112th Street and Natchez Avenue began. 

 

1977
In honor of his son, Jack Baldwin donated to the Park District Baldwin Park at 109th Street and Nashville Avenue. 

 

1982
The Park District entered into a 50-year lease with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) for an approximate 12-acre parcel of land at 116th Street and Oak Park Avenue. 

 

1983
The 12 acres at 116th Street and Oak Park Avenue was named Homerding Park after Frank Homerding, a long-time Park Board Commissioner who was instrumental in the new park development. Mr. Homerding served as a Park Commissioner for 32 years (1968-2000). 

 

1985
The Worth Terrace School at 11500 Beloit Avenue was purchased by the Park District. The building would become the main Park District facility, serving as its administrative offices and for a variety of recreation programs, services and rentals. 

 

1989
The Worth Terrace School was renamed the Charles M. Christensen Terrace Centre in honor of Mr. Christensen, a long-time Park Board Commissioner. Mr. Christensen served as a Park Commissioner for 16 years (1973-1989).

 

1990
The official name of the Park District was changed from the Worth-Palos Park District to the Worth Park District. 

The popular Recreation After School (RAS) program began and was developed to serve the before and after school needs of children and their families. Hundreds of wonderful children have participated in this program which still exists today.

 

1993
The Veterans Memorial Park at 111th Street and Harlem Avenue was unveiled. The Veterans Memorial Park honors veterans who served in all wars and conflicts. The park was developed entirely through donated funds.

 

2003
An addition to the Terrace Centre (Bus Barn) was completed to house parks and recreational vehicles. 

 

2008
The Park District became a member of the South West Special Recreation Association 
(SWSRA). 

 

2009
The Park District enters into a lease agreement with SWSRA for the use of the Helen Goy Building for office space and programming. 

 

2013
The Park District was recognized with the “Exceptional Workplace Award” by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The Park District has continued to receive this recognition in 2018 and 2023.

 

2014
The Park District enters into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Worth for the management of the Worth Days Festival, held in August. (ended agreement in 2018). 

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Smile Park received a new look with the installation of a new modern playground and seating area.

 

2015
The Park District received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The Park District has continued to receive this certification annually.

Happy Birthday! The Park District celebrates 50 years in 2015. The celebration concluded in the summer with a small festival in Gale Moore Park.

 

2016
The Park District Comprehensive Master Plan was developed with input from the community, Park Board and staff. The Master Plan was updated in 2021.

 

2017
"Sensory Depot," a multi-sensory room for individuals with disabilities to relax, play and learn was opened in the Helen Goy Building and is operated and managed by SWSRA. 

 

2019
The Worth Park District was named a Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

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The Park District received a $60,000 grant from the IPRA Statewide Initiative program in partnership with Playcore and GameTime playground companies. This grant allowed the Park District to replace the playground equipment at Peaks Park.

 

2020
The Park District unveiled its new logo which is proudly displayed on park signs, buildings and all publications.

 

2021
The Park District Board of Park Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-02, which established the “Adopt-A-Park” program. The Adopt-A-Park program invites and trains residents and business community members who wish to assist in the general care and maintenance of parks and park amenities by selecting a specific location to care for, show pride in the community and work hands-on to assist the Park District in helping to keep the parks clean and safe.

 

2022
The Park District is awarded a $146,500 Opens Space and Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) matching grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant funds will be used for improvements to Peaks Park.

The Board of Park Commissioners form a committee and partnership with the Marr-Meyer American Legion for the purpose of focusing and acting on continual improvements to the Veterans Memorial Park.

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The Board of Park Commissioners approves Resolution No. 2022-03 to submit to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) the Park District’s intent to enter into a lease agreement with the same for land commonly known as Altman Park.  

 

2023
The Park District is awarded a $325,000 Opens Space and Land Acquisition and Development 
(OSLAD) matching grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The grant funds will be used for improvements to Homerding Park.

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The Park District successfully passed a tax rate increase referendum for the purpose of securing funds for future capital projects, park development and the maintenance of all Park District properties. 

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The Peaks Park improvements are completed. These improvements include a new park shelter, half-court basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a ¼ mile walking path around the perimeter of the park.