The land for Jefferson Park was purchased in pieces beginning in 1922, and continuing through 1960.  The Park Board described the state of the land as “covered with a heavy growth of underbrush, ferns, willows, old rotting logs and stumps.” It was called an unsanitary “dumping ground for neighborhood garbage and refuse,” which contained “several large ponds dangerous for the small children of the neighborhood.”

Initially the Park Board had no money for improvements so neighborhood men from the Jefferson Heights Improvement Club donated their services, clearing what they could. With their wives getting together to cook and serve lunch, the community made a picnic-holiday out of the work. As funds became available, tables, benches, piped-in water, and a stove were supplied.

In 1929 the 6^th Ave and Proctor Street Improvement Club formed. The club provided over 500 hours of labor, $100 in funding, and the loan of two trucks for continued clean-up efforts.

In the 1930s, the park fell into the lap of the WPA who graded, leveled and planted the grounds with grass and shrubs. A wading pool, baseball diamond with flood lights, volleyball and tennis courts and playground equipment were also installed surrounding the first Shelter House in the park system. The house contained a meeting hall, fully equipped kitchen, sanitary facilities, and a library.

In 1945, a tableaux depicting five episodes of the Lewis and Clark journey started at Jefferson School and ended at Jefferson Park. Four dogwoods and a pine tree were planted and dedicated to President Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Sacajawea and George Shannon, a member of the expedition.

The Jefferson Playground Association formed in 1948 and were responsible for the installation of six new light stands.

Today Jefferson Park is a reminder of the power of community involvement and dedication.

Visitors to the field house are requested to park on North 9th Street and to avoid using the service road that runs near the children’s playfields. Parking is available adjacent to the building for persons displaying an official disabled parking pass.

• Parking: On street perimeter
• Restroom: Yes
• Water Fountain: Yes – in restroom building
• Surface: Wood fiber with a central paved path
• Swings: Yes – (0) high back support swings
• Ground Play: All ground access arches, seats and spinners
• Adaptive Play: Limited transfer options; no transfer system or ramp
• Sensory Play: Manipulatives, Web, Imagination
• Play Tables: None
• Shade: Limited, outside of playground area
• Accommodations: Picnic tables mixed into play and spray footprint
• Sprayground: Yes – water spray features with zero depth access