DEVONSHIRE PARK

Devonshire Park was purchased and developed as part of a 1955 referendum passed by the citizens of Skokie. The site that is now Devonshire Park at one time served a national defense purpose. During the cold war era anti-aircraft batteries were constructed in the western portion of the park. During the 1960’s Devonshire Community Center and Devonshire Pool were constructed. Devonshire Center served many years as the District’s major community center as well as the administrative offices for the District. In 1992, in cooperation with the Village of Skokie, an underground storm water storage vault was constructed under the parking lot at the north end of the site. This structure helps reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods. Devonshire Park and Pool underwent a major renovation in 1995 at a cost of almost $4,000,000. The twin steel tanks at Devonshire Pool had served the community well from their construction in 1963. The 13.0-acre site is home to a rare grove of swamp white oaks, which were carefully preserved during the park renovations. Meandering through this grove of trees is an elevated boardwalk and a small gazebo, giving park visitors a glimpse of other native plants. In 1996 Devonshire Community Center was reconstructed and enlarged. A second floor was added, the entry was moved to the south end of the building, and the facility was converted into the Devonshire Cultural Center. During the same year the basketball courts were renovated with fencing and landscaping improvements.