WASHINGTON PARK Compiled by Jacqueline Foreman, Neighborhood Captain
K.L.E.O. COMMUNITY FAMILY LIFE CENTER. PHOTO BY JASON SCHUMER
T
he Washington Park community is well-known for its historic development during the late nineteenth century on Chicago’s South Side, and its vibrant music scene during the mid-twentieth century. Seven miles south of the Loop, it takes its name from the recreational area situated along the eastern border of the community, stretching from 51st to 60th Streets along Cottage Grove Ave. Hosting one of the largest and most historic parks in the city, it is an important public amusement space for the entire South Side. The Washington Park community takes advantage of its convenient location, its transportation, its great greystones, its vibrant, creative churches, its historically significant structures, and its most important asset: its people. Our residents work to strengthen their families and their community. The Washington Park Chamber of Commerce works to attract and maintain economic opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. And the Washington Park Neighborhood Watch Group has organized to be responsive to the needs of local families. Our churches and organizations reach out to serve the identified needs of the families and children around them and to strengthen the community as a whole. We have new restaurants and eateries that have opened up along 55th St., and they promise a unique vibrancy to the historic boulevard. You will not be hungry or thirsty in Washington Park, with The Park Supper Club, The Retreat Coffee House, a new Harold’s Chicken, along with the return of neighborhood treasure Ms. Biscuit. (Yvette Legrand) Neighborhood captain Jacqueline L. Foreman is a first-time homeowner who took on an 84 SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY
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immediate sense of community pride since moving to Washington Park right before the pandemic in December of 2019. From volunteering at a local church food pantry to playing Double Dutch with community members, Jacqueline looks forward to being a continued helping hand in one of the best up-and-coming communities on the South Side.
BEST PLACE FOR SOLACE AND CREATIVITY
K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center
When I was in high school, K.L.E.O. (Keep Loving Each Other) was known for its poetry slams and meetings of like-minded, community oriented people. Immersed in the creativity of my peers, you saw early acts like Dometi Pongo (who now works for MTV), K Love The Poet, and much more. It was a place of safety and solace and birthed a lot of creativity. That’s what makes this place the BEST. Founded by Torrey L. Barrett in 2008 to help eradicate domestic violence after Barrett’s younger sister, Kleo, was killed by her boyfriend, the organization offers afterschool and mentoring programs for youth, a mobile food pantry, and job training and placement services for adults. (Kia Smith) K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center, 119 E. Garfield Blvd. Monday, 10 am–6pm; Tuesday, 10am–12pm; Wednesday–Friday, 10 am–6pm; Saturday–Sunday, closed. (773) 363-6941. thekleocenter.org
