Robert Taylor Park

A Piece of Chicago's Heritage

Situated in the Grand Boulevard neighborhood of Chicago sits Robert Taylor Park, a nearly 10-acre green space with a story as rich as the community it serves. This park is located where the Robert Taylor Homes once stood - formerly America's largest public housing project.

Named after Robert Rochon Taylor, the first African-American chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority, this park carries significant historical weight. It came to life in the early 1960s when the Chicago Housing Authority began leasing the community building and surrounding land to the Chicago Park District, creating what would become a lasting community anchor.

What You'll Find Here

If you're looking to cool off on a sweltering Chicago summer day or shoot some hoops year-round, Robert Taylor Park offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The swimming pool is a summertime haven for locals seeking relief from the heat. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple sports facilities - from baseball diamonds to basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. If you're working on your fitness goals, you'll find fitness equipment available for public use across the park.

Kids have their own space too, with a well-maintained playground that serves both parkgoers and students from the nearby school. Need a pit stop? Clean restrooms are available inside the facility. While there's no official picnic area, the open grassy spaces welcome impromptu picnics and family gatherings.

Programs That Make a Difference

This isn't just a place of swings and sports fields - Robert Taylor Park runs programs that truly impact the community, especially its youth. During school breaks, the park's kids' camps give local children a safe and engaging place to spend their time.

Perhaps most notable is the park's boxing program, which champions the powerful message of "Gloves Up, Guns Down" - channeling young energy into discipline and sport rather than street life. When school's out for summer, the park steps up with free lunch programs for children who might otherwise miss nutritious meals.

Heart of the Community

Even as the surrounding landscape has transformed - with the Robert Taylor Homes now demolished and the neighborhood reimagined - this park continues to be an important part of the community.

It continues to be a gathering place for residents of all ages, hosting fitness programs for health-conscious adults and movies in the park for families seeking affordable entertainment. Community events like Police Night Out help build bridges between residents and law enforcement through games, music, and performances - including appearances by the impressive Jesse White Tumblers.

For those who've called this neighborhood home through years of change, Robert Taylor Park holds not only recreational value but is also a place where memories have been made, where families still gather for celebrations with music and food, and where the community's story continues to unfold.