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The ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ began land acquisition in 1945 to create this park and completed it in 1948, hoping to give East Side residents relief from the starkness of surrounding steel mills and manufacturing plants. Despite these good intentions, the 18 plus acre site remained unimproved for at least a decade. Improvements began in 1959. The Park District has since installed athletic fields, a running track, a fieldhouse, and, quite recently, a combination ice skating and roller-skating rink.

In 1959, the park was named to honor former 10th Ward Alderman William A. Rowan, who served the area in the 1920s and 1930s. Rowan was also a two-term Representative to the U.S. Congress. While in office, he sponsored much legislation to improve the health, welfare, education, and recreational opportunities of children.