GARFIELD PARK — Authorities spent Sunday searching the lagoon in Garfield Park after a child's head and other body parts were discovered earlier in and near the water.
The local alderman asked for the public's help, telling reporters "this is someone who should be missed [if] they're not around."
Police were alerted to the remains after someone called 911 Saturday afternoon, officials said.
Around 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, the caller told police they saw a small foot near the 200 block of McCrea Drive, a small road inside the park, according to Officer Janel Sedevic, a Chicago Police spokeswoman.
Police closed off the area to conduct a search, and they later found other remains around the lagoon, Sedevic said. The Tribune said the parts included a child's head, right foot and hands.
A portion of the park, between Lake and Washington streets, and between Hamlin and Central Park avenues, was closed to the public, police said.
Television news crews were camped out at the park and neighbors flocked to the site. One local resident, identified as Derrick Glenn, told reporters that "we just want peace," adding, "this is ridiculous."
Another neighbor told reporters, "Kids are supposed to come to the park to play. Not be found dead."
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) said authorities told him the child appeared be between the ages of two and four.
"I am not aware of any missing children right now," Ervin told reporters. "I would just hope that people in the community or across the city would know that if a child is not around — from a relative, a family member or a neighbor — make that call to 911."
The alderman said there is no need for alarm in the community. He called the situation "a tragedy" and "reprehensible" but said "it is not a reflection of the Garfield Park community."
Police were seen diving into the pond throughout Sunday and used dogs to search it pond's perimeter. Police could be seen pulling objects from the pond into evidence bags and removing them from the area. A 20-pound weight was reportedly among the objects found.
The 185-acre park is best known for its Golden Dome field house, its floral gardens and its plant conservatory, which hosts a number of special events and flower shows. Ball fields, a swimming pool and tennis courts are also attractions.
The Chicago Park District said afterschool programs are offered throughout the school year as well as a day camp during the summer months. The park dates to the 1880s.
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