Palmer Square Park to Host First Winter Arboretum Festival Following Historic Designation

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Palmer Square · November 26, 2025

Palmer Square Park, which received Level I arboretum accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program in October, is planning its first winter celebration as Chicago's first officially designated arboretum. The park, located at 2200 N. Kedzie Ave., earned this prestigious recognition from the program administered by the Morton Arboretum in suburban Lisle, making it the first Chicago Park District property to receive such accreditation.

This achievement represents decades of community effort that began in 1980 when homeowner Steve Hier moved to the area and founded the Homeowners Association of Palmer Square. At that time, the park had only about 37 trees, but through consistent planting efforts every spring and fall, funded by donations and neighborhood fundraisers, the park now boasts over 200 trees. "The glue that held the neighbors together was a common commitment to make this park green," Hier noted about the community's dedication.

The arboretum classification now gives more weight to tree preservation and education for the Palmer Square area. With more species in the park now labeled, the arboretum can host educational tours, walks, and special park district events focused on its diverse tree collection. Residents are encouraged to join the inaugural Winter Arboretum Festival, where they can learn about winter tree identification and participate in guided tours highlighting the park's unique status as a living tree museum in the heart of Chicago.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/palmer-square-park-named-chicago-park-districts-first-arboretum/
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/palmer-square-park-logan-square-arboretum/
3. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/palmer-john-mcauley-square-park