Amundsen and Ellis Parks will host family fun in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Chicago Park District is excited to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at various parks on Monday, January 16, 2023 with family-friendly activities, a resource fair and park destinations to learn more about the civil rights leader.
Several parks feature iconic monuments that pay homage to Dr. King’s achievements and the legacy of the civil rights movement. Residents are encouraged to visit the following works of public art in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Living Memorial Sculpture, Marquette Park, Southwest Corner of S. Kedzie Ave. & Marquette Rd., 6743 S. Kedzie Ave.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center, Martin Luther King Park, 1200 W. 77th St.
- Renaissance Park Sculptural Fountain, Renaissance Park, 1300 W. 79th St.
- Liberated Mural, Barrett Park, 2022 W. Cermak Rd.
Please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/celebrating-mlk for more information about these commemorative pieces of public art.
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the parks, three park locations will host family friendly events in our parks with a focus on sharing resources and access to services and enriching activities.
On Monday, January 16, Ellis Park, located at 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., will offer dance, basketball, double dutch jump rope, swimming and fitness fun activities for free for children ages 5 to 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition, Amundsen Park, located at 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave., will feature a scavenger hunt, crafts, trivia, and other activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Chicago Park District requires eager participants to register here.
In partnership with the office of Rep. Aaron M. Ortiz, Marquette Park will host a community resource fair commemorating King’s historic visit to the park 57 years ago. Rep. Ortiz’s office will offer government, health, and job search resources at 6743 S. Kedzie Avenue, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In observance of the federal holiday and non-attendance day for students, some parks will be offering opportunities to enjoy activities in the parks.
The Chase Park Advisory Council, located at 4701 N Ashland Ave., will run a camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Gill Park, located at 825 W Sheridan Rd., will offer a free Water Polo Clinic from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Chicago Park District’s winter programming resumes after the holiday. Registration is still open. The winter session runs through March 24. Select activities are available for patrons of all ages to enroll. Follow the link to register.