5558 S. Green St.
Chicago, IL 60621
Hours
Park Hours
Description
Located in the Englewood community, Luna Park is an ideal location for families to spend a portion of their day relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. This 0.22 acre park contains a climbing apparatus for children.
History
The Chicago Park District acquired land for this park in 1972. The park was officially named Luna Park in 1998. The playlot is located about a half-mile from the former site of Luna Park, a defunct amusement park at the corner of 50th and Halsted Streets. The amusement park opened in 1907. James ("Big Jim") O'Leary (1869-1925), "king of the gamblers" (and son of the Mrs. O'Leary associated with the Chicago Fire) purchased Luna Park the following year, intending to make it "a high-class amusement resort." Luna Park remained open only until 1911, when "Big Jim" closed it after making a fortune in a 1910 championship fight between Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries.