The Chicago Park District is authorized to permit the laying of tracks and the operation of electric surface car lines by electric surface car companies or public authorities through any park or parks under control of said district for the purpose of connecting with electric surface car lines outside of said park or parks: Provided, however, that such tracks may be laid only through such parks on a highway which heretofore has been in use as a highway for general traffic purposes and is sufficient in width to accommodate street cars, vehicles and pedestrians using the highway at the same time; and provided further, that such use shall be for the sole purpose of connecting existing facilities necessary for the good of the public service.
70 ILCS 1535/1