Union Park

Union Park is a 13.77-acre municipal park located in the Near West Side community area of Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1853, the park has a rich history and has played a significant role in the city's cultural landscape.

The park is situated just south of the Ashland/Lake station on the Green and Pink lines of the Chicago 'L', bordered by North Ashland Avenue on the west, West Lake Street on the north, the diagonal North Ogden Avenue along most of the east border, and West Washington Boulevard on the south.

Union Park has been an important site for both recreation and social gatherings throughout its history. In the 1910s, it became one of the only racially integrated parks in the city, reflecting the changing demographics of the surrounding neighborhood. Between the 1920s and 1950s, the park gained renown as a venue for cultural and social events, hosting performances by notable musicians such as gospel pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey, trumpeter Sunny Cohn, and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis.

Today, Union Park continues to serve as a vital community space, offering a variety of recreational facilities and hosting numerous events. It is perhaps best known as the site of the annual Pitchfork Music Festival, which attracts thousands of music fans each summer. The park also hosts other music festivals and political demonstrations throughout the year.

The Chicago Park District, which has managed Union Park since 1934, maintains the park's facilities and oversees its programming. The park offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages, from sports and fitness to cultural events and community programs.