Russell Square Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Roots
Established in 1905, Russell Square Park was part of a visionary project by South Park Commission Superintendent J. Frank Foster, who conceived it along with nine other revolutionary parks to provide social services and recreational spaces for overcrowded tenement neighborhoods on Chicago's south side.
The park is named after Martin J. Russell (1845-1900), a native Chicagoan who served as a Lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War and later had a career in journalism. Russell also served on the Board of Education and the South Park Commission.
Park Features
Spanning 9.99 acres in the South Chicago neighborhood, Russell Square Park offers both indoor and outdoor facilities for visitors to enjoy.
The park's fieldhouse, which replaced the original building in 1967, contains a gymnasium, fitness center, and multi-purpose rooms. These spaces are available for rental, including the gymnasium and multi-purpose clubrooms.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoors, the park offers a variety of recreational facilities for all ages and interests.
Visitors can enjoy a swimming pool, multi-purpose ball fields, a walking trail, and basketball and sand volleyball courts. The park also includes a playground with a rubberized surface for added safety.
Programs and Events
Throughout the year, Russell Square Park hosts various programs and events for the community.
These include the Park Kids after-school program, seasonal sports, Inter-City Basketball/Baseball, badminton, and Junior Bears Football. During the summer, the park offers a six-week day camp and specialty camps, including Sports Camp.
The park also organizes special events for families, such as the Park Showcase and Turkey Trot.
Community Hub
Russell Square Park serves as a vibrant community hub, providing diverse recreational opportunities and green space for residents of the South Chicago neighborhood.
Its mix of indoor and outdoor facilities, along with its varied programming, makes it a valuable resource for physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement.
