Location:
2636 N. Kimball Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Supervisor:
Rebecca Tirado (Kosciuszko Park)
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 742-7546
Hours
Park Hours
Description
This 1.42-acre park is located in the Logan Square community (2 ½ blocks south of Diversey Parkway and three blocks west of Kedzie Boulevard).
As part of ChicagoPlays! Unity Park has a newly remodeled playground. During the warmer Chicago weather children can enjoy the water spray feature. Park users can also utilize a comfort station [open seasonally] and a newly furnished gazebo for community functions, which can accommodate about 15 people.
The park space is also home to a 10-foot by 20-foot ornamental garden featuring perennials like hostas and day lilies, as well as lilac and sumac shrubs. While there is no year-round structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs at nearby Avondale or Kosciuszko Parks.
History
In the late 1960s, residents of the Logan Square community asked the City of Chicago convert its under-used Kimball Avenue parking facility into a much-needed playlot. In 1968, the City agreed to turn over an L-shaped, quarter-acre section of the parking lot to the Chicago Park District, which installed playground equipment at the site. By 1987, neighborhood residents had again banded together, this time to form "Citizens for a Decent Playlot." The Park District began working with the community group to develop a plan for upgrading the park with additional playground equipment and plantings. Improvements were completed in part through the "sweat equity" contributions of residents, who also pledged to keep the park clean and crime-free. The rehabilitation was a great success, and the park became a haven for neighborhood children. Unfortunately, some urban problems persisted in an adjacent city parking lot. In 1994, the City transferred the park to the Park District. Further cooperation between the City, the Park District, and Logan Square residents led to the transformation of that parking lot into an attractive expansion for Unity Park. The Park District acquired this privately owned property in 1996. The Chicago Park District installed a new playground in the park. In 2001, the District acquired additional land for another expansion of Unity Park. Unity Park's name recognizes the persistent efforts of the diverse Logan Square community in making the park a reality.
Advisory Council
Contact:
Bethanie Omiecinski and Bhaskar Manda , Co-Chairs
Email:
info@unityparkchicago.org
Meeting Details:
1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Map & Facilities
