Cheney Mansion
Continued investment in our parks and facilities is critical to the District’s mission. The Park Board’s policy states that each park site plan will be revisited and updated within a 10-year period. The Park District is in the process of revisiting each park site plan per this policy in order to identify additional park amenities desired by our residents, to budget strategically for these improvements and to be prepared for grant opportunities.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on park plans currently in progress, please contact Bill Hamilton, Superintendent of Parks & Planning.
Current Plan
Past Plans
Cheney Mansion was designed in 1913, by Charles E. White, Jr. for the Sharpe family. It has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, many reception rooms, a ballroom, coach house, and greenhouse on two acres of landscaped grounds. It was purchased in 1922, by Andrew and Mary Dole and inherited by their niece, Elizabeth Cheney, who deeded it to the Park District in 1975. The Park District took ownership of the property in 1985. It was designated an Oak Park Landmark by the Village of Oak Park in 2004. Cheney Mansion is currently used for Park District programs such as cooking classes, special events, and as a rental facility for the public. The mission of Cheney Mansion is “to provide a unique venue for recreation programs, special activities, and community events for the enjoyment of Oak Park residents and is a distinctive locale for private meetings and celebrations.”
