Oz Park

Magical Oz-Themed Wonderland

Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Oz Park is a 14.40-acre green space with a unique character. With its Wizard of Oz theme, this charming space offers a touch of fantasy within the city. Named in 1976 to honor L. Frank Baum - the creative mind behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz who once called Chicago home - this park blends whimsy with practicality in the best possible way.

As you wander through, you'll bump into familiar faces from the popular story: Dorothy and Toto, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow stand as statues within the grounds. These aren't just for show - each comes with educational plaques that share cool tidbits about the characters and their Chicago connections. Kids (and let's be honest, adults too) love posing with these iconic figures.

All four sculptures were created by artist John Kearney, and the story behind the project goes back further than most people realize. An elderly woman originally approached Kearney about creating the statues, but she passed away before the park ever formally approved the idea - a delay of about four years. Roughly three decades later, the original documents resurfaced, and in the early 1990s the Oz Park Advisory Council commissioned Kearney to finally bring the project to life.

The Cowardly Lion bronze sculpture next to the tennis courts

Photo: Ingrid Richter (CC BY 2.0)

Family Fun and Recreation

Families will find Dorothy's Playlot at the center of the park, a recently revamped playground designed for kids of all ages. The younger set (ages 2-5) has their own area, while older children (5-12) can enjoy wooden castle-like structures that seem pulled from a storybook. With swings, slides, and climbing equipment all within a fully enclosed space, you can relax a bit while the little ones explore. The name carries a double meaning, too: beyond the obvious nod to the fictional Dorothy of Oz, the playground also honors Dorothy Melamerson, a retired Chicago gym teacher whose generous donations funded the park's athletic facilities. That area is now officially named Melamerson Athletic Field in her honor.

Need a moment of calm? The Emerald Garden delivers just that. This serene spot showcases beautiful English roses, lavender, and other blooms, all lovingly maintained by dedicated neighbors. It's a great place to catch your breath or enjoy a quiet moment with a book.

For the more active visitors, the park offers several facilities. Well-kept tennis courts, basketball courts, and a baseball field with an all-dirt infield offer plenty of options to break a sweat. The paved walking paths and open green spaces are well-suited for morning jogs, bike rides, or just stretching your legs while taking in some fresh air.

Vibrant tulips bloom in the park

Photo: Ingrid Richter (CC BY 2.0)

Community Spirit and Seasonal Delights

Summer brings additional activities to Oz Park. The community gathers for free outdoor movie screenings (yes, including The Wizard of Oz), while kids participate in day camps, T-ball, and soccer classes. Those sprawling grassy areas transform into picnic spots and impromptu frisbee fields.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the paths. Just note that while there aren't permanent restrooms, you'll come across portable toilets near the tennis courts when nature calls.

What makes this park special isn't just its literary nod but how it represents a genuine community hub. The Oz Park Advisory Council and local donors help maintain and develop the park. It's both a celebration of Baum's imagination and a practical, popular neighborhood space.

The Scarecrow statue surrounded by spring greenery

Photo: Ingrid Richter (CC BY 2.0)

Planning Your Visit

Oz Park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM. If you're driving, you can try your luck with street parking in the surrounding area, but spaces can be scarce during peak times and weekends. Public transportation is often your best bet, and the park's location not far from Lincoln Park Zoo makes it easy to include in a day of Chicago exploring.

Looking for those character statues? The Tin Man - the first to arrive, installed in October 1995 - stands at the northeast corner near the intersection of Lincoln, Webster, and Larrabee. Unlike the other three bronze sculptures, Kearney built it from old automobile parts, his signature medium. You'll find Dorothy and Toto near the playground along W Webster Ave, the Scarecrow guarding the east gate of the Emerald Garden, and the Cowardly Lion keeping watch at the southeast corner where Larrabee meets Dickens.