Wildwood Park

A Serene Location in Forest Glen

Located on Chicago's Far Northwest side, Wildwood Park spans nearly 9 acres within the Forest Glen Community Area. This green space reflects the character of the surrounding Wildwood neighborhood, with its distinctive curb-less streets and tall trees creating an interesting urban escape. Just a heads-up - parking can be limited, so you might want to plan your visit accordingly.

Gateway to Nature Adventures

A notable feature of Wildwood is how it connects you to the broader natural world. The park is an entrance to the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve and links directly to the North Branch Bicycle Trail - an amazing pathway that stretches all the way to the Botanical Gardens in Glencoe. It serves well as a starting point for outdoor adventures.

We really like the park's nature space designed for kids - it's a different approach from typical playgrounds. Here, children can let their imaginations run wild as they build and create with sticks and logs, connecting with nature in a hands-on way.

Sports for Everyone

Whether you're a serious athlete or just looking to move your body, Wildwood offers several options. The park houses four baseball fields, a soccer/football field, and two tennis courts. There's even a small walking track (about 1/3 mile around) excellent for getting in some light exercise.

Local sports are a big deal here, with the Wildwood Seminoles Junior Bears football team offering programs for 6th-8th graders. During summer, the park comes alive with multiple activities happening at once, and weekend games bring out neighbors and create that warm community feel that's becoming increasingly rare these days.

Playgrounds That Actually Impress

The playground setup at Wildwood is designed with different age groups in mind. Younger kids can enjoy the padded-surface small kids zone, while older children have their own dedicated big kids zone with more challenging equipment.

You can find all the playground classics - swings, slides, and climbing structures - plus some nice additions like balance bars, chin-up, and parallel bars for the fitness-minded. The sand play area is a particular hit, giving kids a chance to dig, build, and get gloriously messy (bring a change of clothes!).

Where Community Happens

Wildwood functions as both a park and a community gathering place. The annual Independence Day celebration is a neighborhood highlight, featuring a parade that winds through local streets before culminating in a lively gathering in the park.

On any given day, you'll come across families connecting, dog walkers chatting, and neighbors catching up. It's a place where neighbors often know each other by name.

Beyond the Green Space

The park's fieldhouse (shared with the adjacent Wildwood World Magnet School, formerly Wildwood Elementary) houses a touching "wall of fame" created by long-time park director Bob Cole. This collection of photos and news clippings celebrates community members who've contributed to the park over the years.

And for the Pokémon GO players out there, the park features a gym and a couple of nearby PokéStops, adding another layer of fun for the digitally inclined visitor.