Winnemac Park

A Green Haven With History

Located in Chicago's north side, Winnemac Park stretches across 22.38 acres as part of a clever school-park campus collaboration. The land is shared between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District, creating a space where education and recreation naturally blend together.

The park's story began back in 1910 when the City of Chicago's Special Parks Commission established it. Fast forward to 1999, and Winnemac got a serious $2 million makeover with improved landscaping, 200 new trees, and the creation of a gorgeous prairie garden complete with its own nature trail.

Natural Wonders in the Urban Jungle

One of the park's true treasures is its three-acre native prairie habitat. Here, tall grasses sway alongside colorful flowers like black-eyed susans and asters, creating a mini ecosystem that butterflies and birds can't resist throughout the changing seasons.

The prairie area features woodchip trails ideal for a leisurely stroll, lovingly maintained by dedicated community volunteers. The weeping willow trees are particular standouts, creating dreamy shaded spots that seem made for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a sandwich or a good book.

What's amazing about Winnemac's natural areas is how they transport you away from city life. Wander through the mini mazes and winding trails, and you might forget you're in Chicago altogether. If you can, try to visit in spring when the flowers put on their best show, or in autumn when the foliage turns into a painter's palette of warm colors.

Play Your Heart Out

For the active types, Winnemac doesn't disappoint. The park is bordered by Damen, Foster, Leavitt, and Argyle Streets, sitting right next to Amundsen High School and Chappell Elementary School, and offers plenty of space to move.

You can find multiple sports fields, welcoming playgrounds, and walking paths around the grounds. The park hosts various activities including youth programs, sports leagues, and summer camps for local kids.

2024 brought some exciting upgrades, including a freshly renovated baseball diamond, spruced-up tennis courts, and new pickleball facilities for those catching the pickleball fever.

Baseball fans will appreciate the three well-maintained baseball fields where regular games unfold throughout the season. There's also a soccer field for those who prefer their sports with a bit more footwork. Kids gravitate toward the medium-sized playground on the park's west side, with its colorful plastic and metal features providing hours of entertainment.

Where Community Happens

The 2024 renovations didn't just focus on sports - improved lighting and ADA-accessible pathways make the park more welcoming for everyone, whether they're connected to the schools or just live nearby.

Dog lovers, you're in luck! Winnemac is incredibly dog-friendly, with four-legged friends and their humans creating a lively atmosphere, especially during those golden early evening hours. Just remember that your furry companions need to stay out of the natural areas.

Winnemac accommodates many different activities simultaneously. On any given day, you might see people picnicking under trees, joggers circling the paths, readers lost in books, and sports teams practicing - all sharing this versatile green space.

Good to Know Before You Go

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all it has to offer. You'll discover street parking around the perimeter and some additional spots near the high school, although it can fill up quickly during busy times.

One thing to note: there aren't permanent restroom facilities available in the park. That said, the grounds are generally well-kept by dedicated groundskeepers, making Winnemac a clean, inviting retreat in the heart of Chicago's north side.