Merrimac Park

Park Overview

Tucked away in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood, Merrimac Park spreads across 9.30 acres near Irving Park Road and Narragansett Avenue. This green oasis offers something for everyone - regardless of whether you're looking to break a sweat or simply find a peaceful spot to unwind. With its generous open spaces, you can always find a quiet corner to call your own for an afternoon.

History

Before becoming the park it is today, this land belonged to hotel owner Henry Kolze back in the late 1800s. While mostly known for positive community gatherings, the park does have one controversial chapter in its past - on June 18, 1939, it was the site of a neo-Nazi rally that drew thousands, a somber reminder of different times in American history.

Facilities and Amenities

Merrimac Park blends indoor and outdoor attractions seamlessly. The fieldhouse is the park's indoor centerpiece, complete with a gymnasium where various programs run throughout the year. It's where neighborhood energy concentrates when Chicago weather isn't cooperating.

Families particularly appreciate the well-maintained playground where local kids burn off energy and make new friends. The park also features a solemn Veterans Memorial, offering a quiet space to honor those who served our country.

Recreation Areas

The open grassy areas are perhaps Merrimac's greatest charm - meant for impromptu picnics, tossing a frisbee, or just lying back and cloud-watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There's always enough room to spread out, even on busy summer days.

For the more actively inclined, the baseball field hosts everything from casual games to organized leagues, while walking trails provide a pleasant route for your morning stroll or evening jog. When summer heat hits, the splash pad becomes the neighborhood's favorite cooling station, filled with the sounds of children's laughter.

Programs

The park really comes alive through its sports and fitness programs that cater to all ages and ability levels. From youth basketball to senior yoga, the fieldhouse staff coordinates activities that keep the community moving year-round. Check with the park office to see what's currently running - programs tend to change with the seasons.