Clyde-Brummel Park Reopens With New Play Equipment

Renovated South Evanston park reopened Friday with new play areas for children up to age 12, funded in part by a $200,000 donation.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Wide view of a new wooden and steel play structure with curved slides and a rope climbing net in a grassy park, lined with mature trees. — Clyde-Brummel Park in South Evanston reopened Friday with new play equipment for children up to age 12, funded partly by a $200,000 donation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Clyde-Brummel Park reopened Friday morning after renovations that added new play equipment installed last week. The project was completed by the city's parks and recreation department, KaBOOM!, and the Purpose and Calling Foundation, which donated $200,000.

Why it matters

The playground had become used mostly as a dog park and hangout for the unhoused, and the city aimed to make the park welcoming and inclusive for others and usable as intended by children. The reopening restores the space for its intended play function in South Evanston.

The Purpose and Calling Foundation, operated by Dansby and Mallory Swanson, donated $200,000 to the project, which was built with help from about 120 volunteers on Oct. 29. The park's two play areas are designed for children up to age 12, and the total renovation cost beyond the donation was not stated.

The players

KaBOOM!

KaBOOM! is a non-profit organization that promotes play space equity in underserved communities and partnered with the city on the park renovation.

Purpose and Calling Foundation

The Purpose and Calling Foundation is a charitable foundation operated by Dansby and Mallory Swanson that donated $200,000 to the Clyde-Brummel Park project.

Ald. Matt Rodgers (8th)

Matt Rodgers is the Evanston alderman for the 8th Ward who cut the ribbon at the renovated park's reopening.

Audrey Thompson

Audrey Thompson is the director of Evanston's parks and recreation department, which oversaw the park renovation.

The details

KaBOOM!, a non-profit that promotes play space equity in underserved areas, worked with the city's parks and recreation department on the renovation. The official opening was delayed so equipment could set in concrete and pass a city inspection, and Ald. Matt Rodgers (8th) cut the ribbon at the Friday ceremony attended by longtime South Evanston resident Carmen Frost, 90.

Oct. 29: About 120 volunteers assembled equipment, spread mulch, and poured concrete.
Last week: New play equipment was installed at the park.
Friday, Nov. 6: Clyde-Brummel Park reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Civic Engagement Context

The renovation follows KaBOOM!'s national mission to expand play space equity in underserved areas, with the city partnering with the non-profit on a local park. The project also shows the city's parks department working with volunteers and a private foundation to reclaim a park that had shifted toward informal uses.

Families with children up to age 12 in South Evanston now have a renovated park with two play areas to use. The reopening means the park is meant for children's play again rather than mainly as a dog park or gathering spot.

The takeaway

Community volunteering and private donations can restore neighborhood parks to their intended use for children. Residents who want to support similar projects can look for local volunteer opportunities through the city's parks and recreation department.