One block from Southwest High School, Pershing Park attracts a youthful crowd. That's partly due to the fact that the east side of the park hosts the schools' track and stadium facilities.
However, the park also hosts tennis, basketball, soccer and softball fields that are open to the public. The recreation center makes available a craft room, meetings rooms and kitchen. It also offers tons of activities for young children.
The park was named for General John "Blackjack" Pershing, who commanded American troops in World War I, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's account of the city's public land by David C. Smith.