Park No. 567

A Tiny Green Gateway

Tucked away at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt Street in Chicago's West Town community, Park No. 567 might be small (just 0.33 acres), but it serves a mighty purpose. This pocket-sized green space provides access to the 606 park and trail system - an elevated greenway that has become a distinctive feature of Chicago's Northwest Side.

We love how this elevated trail connects several neighborhoods - Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square - making it super easy to explore different parts of the city on foot or bike. For locals, this little park has become an essential access point to this innovative urban pathway.

What You'll Find Here

Despite its compact footprint, Park No. 567 offers a peaceful escape from city life. There's a simple walking path bordered by artistic rock arrangements, some decorative rock seating (not the most comfortable, but definitely unique), and a modest patch of green to enjoy.

One of the standout features has to be the vibrant mural on the adjacent wall. It adds a splash of color that makes the space feel more alive and has become something of a local landmark. There's also a small picnic area where you can take a breather and maybe enjoy a coffee from one of the nearby cafés.

While it may not be massive, this park connects to the broader Bloomingdale Trail (The 606), which repurposes old railroad infrastructure for community use. The elevated trail offers space for walking, biking, and running - a valuable amenity for nearby residents.

The Visitor Experience

Many people use Park No. 567 as their jumping-off point for activities along the 606 trail. It's a nice spot to catch your breath before or after a run, with convenient trash and recycling bins (always appreciated!).

At night, the bridge connecting to the 606 lights up beautifully, adding a bit of magic to evening visits. During summer, you might stumble upon community events happening here - nothing huge, but nice opportunities to connect with neighbors.

Dog owners, take note: this is definitely a pet-friendly area, making it a popular stop on daily walks. Just be aware there aren't any public restrooms in the park itself, but you can find facilities in nearby restaurants and coffee shops if needed.

A Bit of History

This little glimpse of green came under the Chicago Park District's care in 2011, transferred from city ownership. Since then, it's been developed into a thoughtful pocket park that complements the larger vision of the 606 project.

What we find most interesting is how this whole area represents urban transformation at its best - taking what was once an industrial rail corridor and reimagining it as a vibrant community connector. Park No. 567 continues this tradition, offering a serene gateway to one of Chicago's most innovative urban amenities.