In the summer of 1913, River Forest residents voted in favor of establishing a Park District to provide small parks and recreation grounds for their growing village. The election saw 395 votes in favor and 249 against. Judge John E. Owens canvassed the election and the District was officially established, with Robert L. Benson elected as the first Board president. Since then, the Park District has seen tremendous growth, both in terms of park acquisition and development projects, and in its variety of programming opportunities for children, teens, and adults.