West Ridge Nature Park

The fairy houses found in the West Ridge Nature Center.

The fairy houses found in the West Ridge Natural Area

Fishing pond at West Ridge Nature Park

Lush green view from the outdoor classroom.

Outdoor classroom at Park 568 West Ridge Natural Area

Our awesome outdoor classroom!

Overview of the fishing pond at West Ridge Nature Park.

A nice overview of the fishing pond.

Location:

5801 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659

Supervisor: Michael Colon [Green Briar Park]

Phone Numbers: Main 773-761-0582

Hours Notes

Open daily from dawn to dusk.

Description

West Ridge Nature Park located along the northwestern edge of Rosehill Cemetery is a proud addition to the community.

The approximately 21-acre park was developed into an amazing natural space filled with native plants, boardwalks, and a fishing area. Check out the restored woodland, 4.5-acre pond, multipurpose trail around the park with an elevated overlook, educational and interpretive signage, wildlife viewing opportunities, nature play space, and more!

Please note: There is no ice skating on the pond and no dogs are allowed within the park.

Visit westridgenaturepreserve.org to learn more about the Park Advisory Council.

History

In 2015, the Chicago Park District and City of Chicago dedicated Park #568 which is now known as West Ridge Nature Park. The 21-acre site lies at the northwest corner of Rosehill Cemetery. One of Chicago’s oldest burial grounds, Rosehill Cemetery was dedicated in 1859. Landscape gardener William Saunders, a national leader in the Rural Cemetery Movement, created Rosehill Cemetery’s original design which included curving drives, swaths of lawn, and several water features. Through the cemetery’s history, the area at the northwest corner included a pond. Until its recent conversion to parkland, however, the 21 plus acre site remained an undeveloped part of the cemetery that had never been used for burials. That heavily wooded corner had been used as a dumping ground for excess dirt and debris. After acquiring the site in 2012 from the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District hired Hitchcock Design Group to create a plan that combines ecological restoration goals with park enhancements. The improvements include a multi-purpose trail that loops throughout the park, boardwalks that cross over environmentally sensitive areas, removal of invasive plants, the addition of more than 500 native trees and shrubs, overlooks and fishing access points. The multi-million-dollar project was funded through a combination of federal grants, TIF funds, and Chicago Park District funding.