LARAMIE PARK

Laramie Park was purchased in 1955 following a successful referendum, which resulted in the addition of 17 park sites. Development of the 11.6-acre park soon followed. In 1962 Laramie Neighborhood Community Center was constructed to serve the area. In 1974 a lighted diamond was added, preceding lights at Wrigley Field. In 1981 the Park Board decided to change Laramie Neighborhood Community Center into a day care facility, and Tot Learning Center (TLC) was born. In 1991 the park was redeveloped as part of a major upgrading of parks undertaken by the District. Redevelopment included drainage improvements, new playgrounds, picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, new drinking fountain and other site amenities, new walks and enlarged parking lot, new basketball court and sand volleyball court. Landscape improvements included trees, shrubs, sodding. Diamond improvements included new fencing and backstops. Redevelopment costs were $288,000. The ball field lighting system was replaced in 1996 and the parking lot and north pathway lighting system was replaced in 2000. A new Tot Learning Center was constructed at another site in 1997, and in 1999 the old Tot Learning Center at Laramie Park was demolished. Future plans call for a new park shelter at the old Tot Learning Center site. Film buffs may be interested to learn that portions of the movie “A League of Their Own” were filmed at the Laramie Park ball diamond.