Roosevelt Park

A Glimpse of Green in the South Loop

Tucked along Roosevelt Road in Chicago's Near South community, Roosevelt Park might be small at just 2.26 acres, but don't let its size fool you. This green pocket in the South Loop neighborhood offers a welcome breather from the urban hustle.

The park's story begins in the mid-1970s when the Chicago Park District snagged the land during the development of the Dearborn Park residential area. By 1985, it officially became part of the Park District and was named after Theodore Roosevelt - the 26th President who was big on conservation and creating urban parks long before it was cool.

What You'll Find There

Roosevelt Park contains several amenities despite its modest footprint. Kids can burn off energy at the small playground, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy the recently updated two tennis courts and two dedicated pickleball courts - the latter have become quite the hit lately.

The open lawn surrounded by a running track is good for throwing a frisbee, stretching out with a book, or simply lounging while taking in downtown Chicago views. If you're into fitness, you'll appreciate the calisthenics workout equipment with pull-up and dip bars - essentially a free outdoor gym not far from Millennium Park.

While Roosevelt Park itself doesn't host structured programs, nearby Maggie Daley Park offers plenty of additional activities if you're looking to round out your day.

Bringing Your Four-Legged Friends

Local dog owners often flock to Roosevelt Park for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Though there's no fenced dog park section, the open areas give pups plenty of space to explore alongside their humans.

Note that some neighbors have raised concerns about off-leash dogs, so it's best to keep your furry friend on a leash to ensure everyone enjoys their park experience.

Beyond a Park

There's something fitting about this space bearing Theodore Roosevelt's name. The president was a passionate advocate for urban parks, believing they contributed to community wellbeing and environmental health.

Today, Roosevelt Park provides a calm spot within Chicago's bustling South Loop. With mature trees suitable for hanging hammocks and various options to relax or get active, this relatively quiet park within the Dearborn Park neighborhood is well-known to locals but often missed by tourists heading to the city's more famous attractions.