Garfield Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Talking Tree Project
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 5, 2025
1. Talking Tree Project Marker
After 31 years, Jim Hobson retired from the Chicago Park District. Mr. Hobson dedicated most of those years to Garfield Park, where he was the fieldhouse supervisor. The celebrated organizer of Midnight Basketball lives a life of service and is a Vietnam veteran.
Listen to Jim, Ms. Britton and Rev. McFadden by downloading the free app, 'OTOCAST' onto your smart phone. Search for the 'Talking Trees Project' or scan this QR code.
This project was created by community leaders in partnership with the Natural Area Community Stewardship Program and The Nature Conservancy, working together to connect residents with their park, nature, and each other.
Erected by Chicago Park District; The Nature Conservancy.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield series list.
Location. 41° 52.956′ N, 87° 42.926′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Garfield Park. It is on Central Park Avenue 0.1 miles north of Washington Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in front of the Garfield Park Field House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago IL 60624, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Garfield Park Fieldhouse (here, next to this marker); Habitats: Home for Wildlife (within shouting distance of this marker); Garfield Park Natural Area (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Garfield Park Natural Area (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Talking Tree Project (about 500 feet away); Garfield Park (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Garfield Park Natural Area (about 600 feet away); The Boulevard System (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. A similar marker about Donald McFadden (referenced on the sign as "Rev. McFadden") was found near the lagoon west of the Field House, but one for Annette Britton ("Ms. Britton") was not spotted.
Also see . . . Talking Trees Project flyer.
Excerpt: "In 1869, the West(Submitted on February 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)Park Commission was established. Its Central Park, later renamed Garfield Park, was linked to Humboldt Park and Douglass Park by broad boulevards. Danish immigrant Jens Jensen was appointed as the General Superintendent and Chief Landscape Architect. Jensen introduced the prairie style landscape to the unfinished sections of the park."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 5, 20252. Talking Tree Project MarkerThe marker is on the left side of the photo. Another historical marker, about the Field House, is on the sign with the park's name on it.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
