May Theilgaard Watts was a well-renowned naturalist and author from Highland Park. Her writings include The Winter Tree Finder and Ravinia Her Charms and Destiny. In 1980, three fifth graders from Ravinia School with their principal, Mrs. Falkoff, had the idea to rename the school’s wooded area.

They presented a petition to the Park District so the woods could be dedicated to May T. Watts. Ravinia School was instrumental in restoring The May T. Watts Park through stewardship programs and volunteering.

May T. Watts Park is made up of two parcels, one acquired in 1928 the other is a portion of a vacated street. The Park was originally named Roger Williams Park for the adjacent street but was rededicated in 1980 to honor May T. Watts. Ms. Watts was a naturalist of national renown and a one-time resident of Highland Park. She worked with the children of Ravinia School to develop this park for nature study.