What we support
Our History
Holstein Park has been an active community gathering place in Bucktown since homes were built here in 1854. The area was named after laborers and craftsmen from Schleswig – Holstein, a region of Germany. The land was transferred to the West Chicago Park System in 1901. The historic field house, designed by Illinois State architect William Carbys Zimmerman, opened to the public in 1912, and was soon joined by the formal playing fields and a public pool. Holstein Park was incorporated into a unified Chicago Park District in 1934. When the nearby Logan School burned down, the adjoining property to the north was added and renamed Senior Citizens Memorial Park in 1979.
Our Parks
Friends of Holstein Park supports both Holstein Park and Senior Citizens Memorial Park. Holstein Park sits on 3.25 acres. The fieldhouse is equipped with two gymnasiums, an assembly hall with stage, and clubrooms. Outside, the park offers a swimming pool with a wading pool and a playground with a spray water feature. There is also a baseball/softball diamond and a green open space. Senior Citizens Memorial Park is a shady 1.10-acre park located just north of Holstein Park. The park is perfect for picnics, community gatherings, and laying amongst the trees.
FOHP Board
Michael Barry - President
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Mike and his wife Becky have been Bucktown residents since moving into the neighborhood in 2010. Now raising a family of three active children, Mike and his family are frequently at the neighborhood parks and can often be seen (and heard) strolling around the neighborhood. Professionally, Mike has been practicing as a litigation attorney
Mike and his wife Becky have been Bucktown residents since moving into the neighborhood in 2010. Now raising a family of three active children, Mike and his family are frequently at the neighborhood parks and can often be seen (and heard) strolling around the neighborhood. Professionally, Mike has been practicing as a litigation attorney for 14 years defending professional negligence matters. Mike's interest in FOHP was spurred on by his desire to see a return of the Bucktown Apple Pie Fest and help create and organize events to bring this wonderful community together.
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Maureen’s work in Chicago for the last fifteen years has included roles in both non-profit and public sector. Prior to Chicago, she was in Tijuana, Mexico and Cochabamba, Bolivia. Born in the Philippines, Maureen moved to the United States with her family as a child and grew up mostly in Rhode Island. She has a Bachelor of Arts from N
Maureen’s work in Chicago for the last fifteen years has included roles in both non-profit and public sector. Prior to Chicago, she was in Tijuana, Mexico and Cochabamba, Bolivia. Born in the Philippines, Maureen moved to the United States with her family as a child and grew up mostly in Rhode Island. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Notre Dame and Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. She has lived in Bucktown since 2010. Swimming at the Holstein pool with her husband, Patrick, and their 4-year old twin daughters is a favorite activity. Maureen is grateful to have the neighborhood park for building and sustaining community.
Sara Cherney - Secretary
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Chelsea Heintschel- Treasurer
Sara is an excited new member of the Bucktown community. Originally from New York, Sara moved to Chicago in 2018 with her husband Mike to find the right spot to raise their children. Bucktown was the place! Since moving to the neighborhood, Sara has helped to start a parent/caregiver meetup group and worked with community members to hos
Sara is an excited new member of the Bucktown community. Originally from New York, Sara moved to Chicago in 2018 with her husband Mike to find the right spot to raise their children. Bucktown was the place! Since moving to the neighborhood, Sara has helped to start a parent/caregiver meetup group and worked with community members to host an annual Halloween Parade. Sara looks forward to getting to know everyone in the community, organizing family events, and finding ways to come together to support each other. Before moving to Chicago, Sara was a partner at a commercial litigation firm in New York. These days, Sara can usually be found at Holstein Park or Senior Citizens Memorial Park with her husband and two children, Max and Cora.
Chelsea Heintschel- Treasurer
Maureen Fitzpatrick -Vice President
Chelsea Heintschel- Treasurer
Chelsea has lived in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago since 2009, but in 2021, Chelsea and her husband, Ted, decided Bucktown was where they wanted to plant roots and raise their two children.
From park picnics and playground playdates to spending hot summer days at the pool - Holstein and Senior Citizens Park soon became a stap
Chelsea has lived in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago since 2009, but in 2021, Chelsea and her husband, Ted, decided Bucktown was where they wanted to plant roots and raise their two children.
From park picnics and playground playdates to spending hot summer days at the pool - Holstein and Senior Citizens Park soon became a staple for their family. Chelsea was introduced to Friends of Holstein Park at a Wacky Wednesday event in June and felt this organization was a great way to give back to the neighborhood and bring the community together in various, meaningful ways.
Professionally, Chelsea is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PALNNER™, Registered Investment Advisor, co-owner and managing partner of MPM Wealth Advisors. So, when Chelsea learned Friends of Holstein Park was looking for a Treasurer, she jumped on the opportunity.
She’s excited to explore ways to bring neighbors and local businesses together to celebrate our wonderful park and community.