In celebration of Black History Month, the City's Parks and Recreation Department invites you to explore five City parks, each proudly named after Black Evanstonians whose community contributions have left a lasting impact.

William H. Twiggs Park, 1901 Simpson St.

William H. Twiggs (1865-1960) was born in Davenport, IA. At seventeen, he moved to Evanston, where he established roots. Now home to a brand new skatepark, Twiggs Park was dedicated in 1986 in honor of William H. Twiggs and his contributions to the Evanston community. Twiggs was a founding member of the Ebenezer AME Church and the Emerson Street YMCA, a barber, printer, historian, and City Sealer (City Clerk) of Evanston.

Isabella Garnett-Butler Park, Hartrey Avenue & Foster Street 

Isabella Garnett Butler (1872-1948) was one of seven children. Her family resided in the "Ridgeland Valley" of Evanston. During the annual Zombie Scramble event, participants run through Butler Park. This park was established in 1930 to honor Dr. Isabella Garnett-Butler for her contributions to the health and wellness of Evanston's Black community. 

Dr. Isabella Garnett and Dr. Arthur Butler were the founders and operators of the Evanston Sanitarium. In addition, Dr. Isabella Garnett-Butler opened the Evanston Community Hospital, one of the four hospitals in the Chicago area that admitted Black residents at the time.

Harbert-Payne Park - Betty Jean Payne, 3220 Main St.

Betty Jean Payne was a resident of Evanston for 40 years. She graduated from Evanston Township High School and also attended Evanston Business College. Betty was an active community member and passionate about promoting wellness and financial literacy. She was a loan officer at Horizon Federal Savings Bank and Loan, where she approved housing loans. In addition, Betty served as a board member of the YWCA of Evanston. 

Elizabeth Boynton Harbert was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement. She founded the American Woman's Suffrage Association and actively participated in discussions related to women's rights. Harbert-Payne Park, a long tree-lined park bordered by a canal, was named after two community-oriented women of Evanston, Elizabeth Boynton Harbert and Betty Jean Payne.

Adam Perry Park, 1741 Hovland Ct. 

Adam Perry was a prominent figure in the Evanston community. He generously supported the Evanston Emmerson Street YMCA and the Community Hospital to improve community member well-being. Mr. Perry played a crucial role in establishing the Evanston Chapter of the NAACP and was a member of one of the first Black Boy Scout Troops.

Eugene Beck Park, Between Church and Emerson Streets

Eugene Beck was born to Anna Mitchell Beck, the first Black female police officer in Evanston. Public service runs in Eugene's family and he chose to follow in his mother's footsteps. Eugene was elected as the Alderperson of the 5th Ward in the City of Evanston in 1947, and he served six terms in office.