Normandy Park

What You'll Find Here

Situated in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood, Normandy Park spans a cozy 2.90 acres, offering a little green retreat from city life. It's one of those classic neighborhood parks with simple amenities that serve the local community.

Inside the fieldhouse, you'll discover a multi-purpose room that transforms throughout the week to host various community gatherings. Step outside and you can find a softball field where competitive leagues and casual weekend players alike share the dirt, plus a volleyball court for those who prefer their sports with a bit more jumping.

Kids gravitate toward the playground area, which features modern equipment set on a rubberized surface (a relief for parents who've dealt with the dreaded wood chip in the shoe). The playground is thoughtfully designed to be accessible for children of all mobility levels.

Things to Do

All year long, Normandy Park keeps a steady calendar of activities. When Chicago finally thaws out, the softball leagues come alive, bringing a competitive but friendly vibe to the park.

Little ones can join in on preschool and playschool activities that are excellent for burning energy and making first friends. For the school-age crowd, after-school programs provide a place to hang out, get homework help, and participate in organized activities during the academic year.

One of the park's highlights is the six-week day camp that runs during summer break - a sanity-saver for working parents and an adventure-filled stretch for the kids who attend.

The park also hosts special events tied to holidays during the year, creating those small-town moments that make a big city feel more like a community.

A Bit of Background

Normandy Park came to life in the mid-1950s, responding to the post-World War II boom that saw Garfield Ridge growing faster than facilities could keep up.

Since 1957, the Chicago Park District has taken care of this local park, maintaining the grounds and facilities while adapting to the community's changing needs over the decades.