Description

Located at 11546 S. Ave. L in the East Side neighborhood, Rowan Park totals 17.62 acres and features a gymnasium and multi-purpose clubrooms. Outside, the park offers an ice rink, ball fields, and a playground. Many of these spaces are available for rental including our gymnasium, fields, and multi-purpose clubrooms.

Park-goers can participate in seasonal sports and preschool activities. After school programs are offered throughout the school year, and during the summer, youth can participate in the Chicago Park District’s popular six-week day camp. Play Camp, a specialty camp for preschool age children is also offered during the summer.

In addition to programs, Rowan Park hosts fun special events throughout the year for the entire family, including Winter Wonderland and other holiday-themed events.

11/20/2012
Opening of Citywide Ice Rinks Delayed Due to Weather
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SPRING PROGRAMS:

Register online or in-person for spring programs now. Spring programs run the week of April 1 through the week of June 3.

SUMMER PROGRAMS:

Online registration for our park’s summer programs begins Tuesday, April 16 at 9 am, and in-person registration begins Saturday, April 20. The standard 6-week summer camp program runs July 1 through August 9. Most other summer programs run the week of June 17 through the week of August 19.

FACILITIES

FACILITY TYPE	ADDRESS	QTY	NOTES
Baseball Field	11546 S. Avenue L	4
Fieldhouse	11546 S. Avenue L	1
Football / Soccer - Grass	11546 S. Avenue L	1
Gymnasiums	11546 S. Avenue L	1
Ice Rinks	11546 S. Avenue L	1	773.646.1967; Open Skate Hours: Wed. - Sun., 12:30 - 7:30 pm, Admission: Free, Skate Rental: $6
Meeting/Event Space	11546 S. Avenue L	4
Playgrounds	11546 S. Avenue L	1
Water Spray Features	11546 S. Avenue L	1

History

The Chicago Park District purchased this long-vacant property in 1948, hoping to give East Side residents relief from the starkness of surrounding steel mills and manufacturing plants. Despite these good intentions, the 17-acre site remained unimproved for at least a decade. Improvements began in 1959. The park district has since installed athletic fields, a running track, a fieldhouse, and, quite recently, a combination ice skating and roller skating rink. The park honors former 10th Ward Alderman William A. Rowan, who served the area in the 1920s and 1930s. Rowan was also a two-term Representative to the U.S. Congress. While in office, he sponsored much legislation to improve the health, welfare, education, and recreational opportunities of children.