Riis (Jacob) Park

Description

Located in the Belmont/Cragin community, Riis Park spans 57.30 acres and offers a variety of recreational amenities for all ages. The park features a newly renovated fieldhouse equipped with a gymnasium, an assembly hall with a stage, teen center, and multi-purpose rooms.

Outdoors, visitors can enjoy a water park [opening summer 2025] designed for young children, a large swimming pool with a changing area, and a track for running or walking. Sports enthusiasts can watch a soccer match on the artificial turf field or play on one of the park’s 10 tennis courts. Fishing fans can cast a line in the designated casting pool, complete with a pier.

For generations, Riis Park has served as a central gathering space for the community. The fieldhouse anchors the park, providing a wide range of recreational programs and activities.

Youth will enjoy our Park Kids program, soccer, volleyball, and other seasonal sports. Cultural programs include arts & crafts and ceramics. During the summer, children can join our traditional six-week day camp, packed with fun activities.

Adults/Seniors can get creative by joining one of our cultural programs. Our staff will share their knowledge in photography, ceramics, stained glass, among other programs. For those looking for a little pickleball; we got you covered.

The park’s signature playground features custom play equipment, rubberized soft surfacing, play mounds, a passive water runnel, a water bottle/bucket filler, and natural pathways surrounded by trees and shrubs.

When the weather warms up, Riis Park becomes a popular gathering spot for families. Designated picnic areas are available for reservations—contact park staff for more details.

Come out and explore everything Riis Park has to offer!

History

The Northwest Park District acquired property in 1916 to create this park. During this time the playground movement Riis had helped to inspire had in turn fueled park-building across the nation. The park district designed Riis Park to provide a broad range of recreational amenities for its developing middle class neighborhood. The park remained essentially undeveloped until 1928, however, when the park district installed a ski jump and golf course, and commissioned locally-prominent architect Walter W. Alschlager to design a fieldhouse. In 1934, Riis Park became a part of the Chicago Park District’s portfolio after the 22 park districts were consolidated and the Park District used Works Progress Administration funding to further improve the park. Riis Park developed in two distinct halves separated by a steep glacial ridge, a remnant of the shoreline of Lake Chicago. To the east stood the Georgian-revival fieldhouse, surrounded by various other athletic facilities. Respected landscape architect Alfred Caldwell designed the western portion of the park. Caldwell's plan, fully implemented by 1940, incorporated naturalistic plantings; a stone-edged lagoon; shady, enclosed areas; and a broad, sunny meadow.

Teddy Roosevelt once said that Jacob A. Riis came nearer than anyone to being "the ideal American." Riis (1849-1914), a photojournalist and reformer, drew national attention to the plight of the inner-city poor through his expose, How the Other Half Lives. Riis advocated the creation of small playgrounds to provide "breathing spaces" for densely-populated urban neighborhoods. His 1898 speech at Chicago's Hull House inspired local reformers to petition for city playgrounds.

Additional Information

Parking/Directions

For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.

Advisory Council

Contact: Jose Quiles, President

Contact Email: riispac@gmail.com

Meetings: 1st Monday of the month @ 6pm

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