Union Park

Union Park is a green space on the Near West Side featuring diverse recreational facilities for sports and play. The grounds include ball fields, tennis courts, basketball areas, and a swimming pool for various outdoor activities.

Chicago created this park in 1853 as a symbol of American unity. It later evolved into an important community hub that shaped the neighborhood's social fabric.

The park served as a gathering place where people of different backgrounds attended performances and events together during the early 1900s. This openness made it stand out as a shared community space during a time when many Chicago venues were strictly segregated.

The park is open daily and easily reached by public transportation from nearby Ashland station on Chicago's transit system. Visitors can enjoy free access to all facilities available for different age groups and activity levels.

A statue of Irish independence fighter James Connolly stands at the southwest corner, reflecting the park's connection to immigrant history and labor movements. This monument was commissioned by the city in 2006 as a lasting tribute.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1853

GPS coordinates: 41.88400,-87.66550

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:50