Ebb and flower

COLUMBUS PARK
History The only Chicago park to receive National Historic Landmark status, this West Side gem is Jensen’s masterpiece, according to Park District historian Julia Bachrach. Jensen designed an outdoor theater, a stream with two waterfalls, a “swimming hole” (really a natural-looking pool) and a golf course—all encompassed by raised ridges on the park’s eastern and southern borders. After WWII, construction of the Eisenhower Expressway lopped off the south edge of the park.
What remains today The waterfalls’ beautiful stratified stonework was restored in 1995, and the “council ring”—a storytelling area meant for kids—received a recent rehab.

DOUGLAS PARK’S FORMAL GARDEN
History Although this park has an architectural feel, Jensen was never a “formal” landscaper. “He did not care for very formalistic French gardens. Growing up in a Dutch gentry-class farming family, he had a lot of feelings about being close to the land,” says Bachrach. At this West Side park, Jensen created gardens bordering Ogden Avenue and a small pond lined with weeping willows. He also erected a garden shelter called Flower Hall (possibly designed by Jensen himself).
What remains today A high school moved onto park grounds in the 1970s, permanently altering the landscape. The formal gardens’ row of concrete benches was recently restored, and some of Jensen’s lantern-shaped light fixtures still exist.

HUMBOLDT PARK
History Jensen gave this West Side park a gentle stream and lagoon bordered by a lovely Prairie School boat house. In the 1960s, the Park District choked off the stream to create a swimming beach with chlorinated water and lifeguard. “In the ’60s, there was a perception that wild-looking things were deteriorated,” says Bachrach of the decision to dam the stream.
What remains today The stream and lagoon were rehabbed in 2004. Jensen’s rose garden still exists alongside a herd of bison sculptures.

Bachrach leads tours of Jensen’s parks on Saturday 28 and September 25.

• More Around Town articles