CREATION AND AUTHORITY 



The first Board of West Chicago Park Commissioners was appointed 

 by Governor John M. Palmer on April 26, 1869, in pursuance of an Act 

 of the Legislature under date of February 27, 1869. 



The West Park Board is a distinct municipality in itself, like the South 

 Park and Lincoln Park Boards, independent of the City of Chicago, with 

 absolute control over the parks, playgrounds and boulevards under its jui'is- 

 diction. 



It is composed of seven members, appointed by the Governor of the 

 State. 



It derives its powers from the State, which involves matters of policing, 

 lighting, taxation, maintenance, and the passage of ordinances regarding the 

 use and supervision of its parks, playgrounds and boulevards. 



The Park System is maintained by a yearly tax levy, equal to a certain 

 percentage of the total tax valuation levied upon the property in the West 

 Chicago Park District. No charge of any kind is made, therefore, or per- 

 mitted, in connection with the use of any activity. 



