Under the guidance of superintendent J. Frank Foster, the commission opened ten new neighborhood parks, including Palmer Park, in an effort to create breathing space and recreational areas in the city's crowded tenement districts.

[2] The park is named for Potter Palmer, a successful businessman and real estate investor concerned with the development of Chicago.

[2] Palmer was responsible for reclaiming the acres of swampland north of the city's business district, which were developed into the Lake Shore Drive area.

[2] The park, located just south of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy is open daily from dawn to dusk, with free admission.

Facilities at the park include baseball fields, an indoor gym, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and tennis courts.