Avondale Park

A Slice of Chicago History

Established in 1929 by the Irving Park District, Avondale Park was named after the surrounding Avondale community and thoughtfully laid out with lawn, shrubbery, trees, and flowers - a polished look that set it apart from the bare-bones utilitarian feel of many municipal spaces of the era. While it covers just 1.7 acres today, in its early days it was much larger, with tennis courts, a playfield, a wading pool, and separate playgrounds for boys and girls.

The Kennedy Expressway construction in 1959 didn't just reduce the park's footprint - it wiped out the entire northeast portion of the grounds, taking the playfield and tennis courts with it. To make up for the lost outdoor space, the park was redesigned to bring some of that activity indoors, adding volleyball and basketball courts inside the fieldhouse. Shrunk to just over an acre, the park adapted to its new dimensions and continued serving the neighborhood.

What You'll Find There

The brick fieldhouse was designed by architect Clarence Hatzfeld and constructed in 1929 as part of the original 5-acre park plan. It has held up well over nearly a century, and today houses a gymnasium, several clubrooms, two kitchens, and a gymnastics center.

The gymnastics center is one of only nine such facilities in the Chicago Park District. Set in what was formerly an auditorium, it provides instruction for everyone from beginners to experienced gymnasts.

During summer months, the 3-foot deep square swimming pool operates Monday through Saturday, ideal for cooling off when Chicago brings the heat. Kids particularly love the recently renovated splash pad with its turtle and dragonfly sprinklers - a popular spot during hot days. The playground is popular with families, featuring modern climbing structures, several slides, a tire swing, regular swings for different age groups, and a sandbox, all set on a woodchip surface. For the grown-ups, there's a dedicated adult exercise area with fitness equipment right next to the children's play space, so you can squeeze in some reps while keeping an eye on the little ones.

Good to Know Before You Go

The park building has classic Chicago architecture - well-maintained but showing its age. Restroom facilities are available inside, however they're not exactly spa-like in their appointments.

One important note: no dogs are allowed in the park unless they're service animals. The landscaped green spaces around the facilities make for a pleasant atmosphere, creating a welcome splash of green in the urban landscape.

As for parking - well, it's Chicago, so manage your expectations. Street parking requires local permits, and the back lot is staff-only. There are a few paid spots in front of the park, but good luck snagging one during evenings or weekends. You might want to consider public transit or walking if you're nearby.

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Community Heart

Avondale Park offers various community programs, including after-school activities, fitness classes, and seasonal sports leagues for all ages. These programs are known for being both well-run and affordable.

Avondale Park may have decreased in size over the years, but it continues to function as a neighborhood gathering place, offering both historical character and modern amenities for residents of various ages and interests.