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Description
Located at 11546 S. Ave. L in the East Side neighborhood, Rowan Park totals 18.52 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.
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.
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