Beautiful place to get on a boat or just hang out in Chinatown. It also has great views of the skyline. Ping Tom Memorial Park is one of the bigger parks along with being a stop on the Chicago Water Taxi. Lots of events go on here. There's also athletic fields and a playground. Another park that got made from something that was abandoned. It used to be a railyard. This was quite a transformation. Good location by the river. In 1998 the Park District started changing the railyard into this park, and it opened the next year. It's named after Chinatown's most important civic leader. Ping Tom created the Chinese American Development Corporation, which created the outdoor shopping mall Chinatown Square. Before this park, there wasn't much green space in Chinatown. The park has a fieldhouse that was opened in 2013. It's named after former Advisory Council President Leonard Louie. This has a fitness center, a gymnasium, and pool. Best known feature in the park is probably the boat house. This has a dock than can be used by the public. Also there's a pavilion that looks like a pagoda next to here. The boat house has kayak rentals in summer. Has to be the best outside feature in Chinatown to be honest. It's got some pretty good views of the skyline. This is also a stop on a unique form of public transportation. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Pavilion - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've heard of this park but have never been whenever I'm in Chinatown. Now I know where the water taxi stops. There are bathrooms here. It's hidden away in a corner of Chinatown. It's nice to have greenery & it's very safe with lots of people waiting in line for the water taxi. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Quite a cute park! I didn't know the water taxi stopped here, but it does. I went here to go for a longer walk with my boyfriend and my dog. I wish it was a bit bigger, but what can they do about that? I got 2 miles in, so I was satisfied enough. I loved walking along the river and learning more about the park. If you're in the area and just looking for somewhere to walk around with great scenery, I'd definitely recommend. read more

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Very nice size park and walking nature area., right on the river. Would highly recommend. read more

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This park has some cool features, both physical and cultural. There's a pagoda-like welcome gate on the western entry of the park. Wait--west entrance to the park? But that's the river, what are you talking about? Ping Tom happens to be the last stop on the route of the water taxi system. (I didn't realize the water taxis ran so far south.) There's also a playground here and field house. You can rent kayaks at this park, one of the few in the city where that's an option. The playground is a good size, with a few slides and swings. The park is also a little more hidden than most others... it's under an overpass, about half a block or so from the curbside and located between some of the condos and townhomes in the neighborhood, which is why they have painted directions on the sidewalk from Chinatown Square. Throughout the year there are events held here that celebrate Chinese culture; for instance, annual charity dragon boat races are a tradition. The best view of this park comes from the river, and for that reason I may have to take a water taxi at some point (I don't think any of the architectural tours come this way, so the only other option is your own private boat or kayak). It's just a few blocks from Chinatown's center, and given how tricky parking can be in the neighborhood, taking a water taxi is a great idea. read more

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The park itself is gorgeous! Unsuspecting area with amazing views of the city. I enjoyed the murals as wells. I'm a sucker for a mural and they did a nice job on these. It was a beautiful sunny chilly day. And I wish I had known about the water taxi bc I would have totally taken a ride on it. The playground was okay. My kiddo enjoyed it enough. I was there was a bathroom. It's so hard to find a bathroom anywhere in Chinatown. read more

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Very nice chill place to go to especially after hitting China Town. It can get very hot, so bring sunscreen, umbrella or whateva you wanna protect yourself with and keep yourself cool. You can also catch the water taxi from her to get to whatever location you wanna go to. Make sure to get there on time bc it can get busy. Would love to visit again read more

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Wow!!! What a beautiful park! It might just be my favorite that I've been to in Chicago it felt so peaceful and I didn't even feel like I was in the US. We took the water taxi and got dropped off at this park so it's the first part of Chinatown that you see. The colors of the tree with the river is incredible. I loved the people playing music as you arrive. We didn't have much time to walk around as I'd like, but next time we will take more time here. There's a mural my cousin sent me here that I'd like to see here too. Love this park sooo much! read more

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It's beautiful. People who live in the area get upset as it's a tight knit culture and community. Don't linger too long in the neighborhood on your way. Don't legally park or bother their cars. Don't litter. You will get locked in after hours . !!!!! read more

This is a nice park in the heart of Chinatown along the Chicago River. They have a walking trail around the parameter of the park, a playground, and a structure which I would guess they have ceremonies at (or I imagine you could rent out for a ceremony). The park is named after and dedicated to Ping Tom. Ping Tom was a life long resident of Chicago's Chinatown. He was very active in the community and was the most famous civic leader in the community. read more

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Beautiful park in Chicago, along the Chicago River. It was 5 degrees when I visited, so I didn't get to see all the park offered. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Walkway along the River - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The REI kayak shop is open again! They have clean bathrooms, a single and double kayaks available, and come with a free waterproof bag for our belongings! If you come early in the morning you will need to walk the kayak down to the river, and it's surprisingly quite heavy. The seats are very comfy, they have actual backings to support you. I had not been kayaking in a while and quickly realized I probably should have worn slippers and swim trunks. The water from the paddles do drip down and splash very easily. For $40 for a double and $30 for a single for an hour this was a great deal! There were not too many tourist boats along this stretch of river too. read more

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A park dedicated to Ping Tom who greatly expanded Chicago's Chinatown by converting a 32-acre rail yard site into Chinatown Square, a now-bustling outdoor shopping district. The park itself is pretty peaceful as it overlooks a section of the Chicago River. There's an oriental shrine as well as a playground. Not the biggest of parks by any means, but if you're already planning to check out Chinatown Square then check this spot as well if you still have a little extra room on your itinerary (a little under 10 min walking time)! read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Perfect place to take a walk and just chill while in between meals. This place even has benches which have been scarce. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful park with amazing skyline views in Chinatown. There are walking trails along a branch of Chicago River. You can also rent a kayak. A lot of events take place at this park, especially during summer. Great place to relax! read more

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I had read about this forever but didn't take the time to walk over and experience it until recently. This is a unique view on the loop, so very attractive for photographers, with a lot of interesting foreground. Here you are also right on the river so you can see the tour and recreation boats, this is a point where they usually turn around and go back downtown. Plenty of space to lie down and enjoy the good weather, next time I will do take out from Chinatown and hang out here. There are some recreational companies but they weren't open when I went. There is a lot of interesting street art and graffiti. A nice Chicago gem that everyone should visit! read more

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So, just went out explored and want to check it out. In the heart of chinatown, it is a small walk with some nice scenery. Nothing big, so if you want to exercise, go to navy pier or the riverwalk to get your steps in. Overall, check it out on an easy day after eating some noodles. That's the best thing to do if you want a lazy adventure. read more

I'm surprised I didn't know about this place earlier. As you walk pass the rail yard entrance, a very scenic background unfolds. As you walk beside the Chicago River, nature and industrialism clash. But somehow that's aesthetically pleasing. There's a lot of geese and several ducks hanging out. They seemed to be desensitized to having people around them. The ducks started following us for food and I cried internally because they were so cute. Everything was really nice, but the one thing I didn't like was that there was a lot of duck and geese poop. Would probably come again to say hi to the ducks! read more

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The park is a hidden gem in chicago. Secluded near Chinatown, seating options are abundant ie park benches and under shaded trees. There's also amazing views of the city skyline, butterfly and prairie gardens, the Chicago River, Asian statues and Asian structures as well as instragrammable wall art under the overpasses. This place is great for picnics, jogging, walking, and kids running around in the fresh air. Chinatown restaurants are nearby. There's paddling boat options. In the summer a boat travels to and from the park to downtown. Annually, there are dragon boat races and sometimes festivals. Last year, the park was the featured cover for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. I love the shady willow trees near the tranquil river. Its tricky to find winding down the streets. There's a swimming pool nearby. read more

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This is a wonderful park, if not for the dog poops everywhere. I love dogs, but man I wish dog owners were a little more sensitive about their dogs in public places. With pagoda-style entrance architecture and a huge space right beside the Chicago river, this public park is very beautiful on a cool, summer day. It has lot of benches to sit, good locations for fishing, nice shady trees to read books under and it even has Chicago water taxi service to Oglivie and Michigan Avenue for $6. There is a children's play area too. I brought my friend here, because this gives a closer look at the house on the train bridge. Somehow, my weird friend likes to look at this particular house on the not-in-use train bridge. What a weirdo! read more

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The park is a great addition to the city. Allows you to enjoy the space in so many ways. Huge playground for children. You could jump into the Chicago river if you'd like. Views of the city are gorgeous. Most of the walking path with filled with bird poop. Not sure of Chicago's procedures to clean the parks, but this park/park goers would benefit greatly from a park clean up of bird poop and trash pickup. A bit of a maze to get to the park itself from Chinatown but you do get to see the neighborhood in its totality. Beautiful displays of art along the way (photo of myself in front of a mural in the neighborhood) This would be an amazing place for a picnic. I'd come back and give it a second chance. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What an absolute GEM on the near S Side on the outskirts of Chinatown. So ima bit bias and still think Humboldt Park is the best, most beautiful Park in Chicago but this place is dynamite ntl! The Chicago River has a lot to do w it but that aside, the serene, quiet beauty of Ping Tom Park will at once allure you in with its sprawling gardens, gentle pathways, and unique one of a kind Chinese architecture. [X] One of Chicago's Best ! read more

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Beautiful place to take engagement photos. Really good view of the Chicago skyline for photos.

Ok, whether you're just visiting or you call Chicago home, Ping Tom Memorial Park should be at the top of your list of places to visit this summer. This park provides the absolute best view of the Chicago skyline from a clean, quiet, beautiful park south of the city. Bring a picnic at sunset and enchant your significant other at this perfect date spot, or bring your family and friends and enjoy the playground, open fields, and walking paths. To reach the park, enter at the northwestern corner of Chinatown on W 19th Street. The entrance is tucked away behind some housing complexes, and there is street parking nearby. You can also get here by taking the CTA red-line train to the Cermak-Chinatown station. Add Ping Tom Memorial Park to your summer bucket list! Pronto! read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Ping Tom Memorial Park at sunset - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a small park along the river in China Town. We didn't have any idea but the neighborhood is sketchy. Lots of police presence. There is a bridge that goes over the park with a giant homeless "nest" where multiple homeless live and were hanging out there. There seems to be 1 way in/out of this park on 19th. Be careful down there. The park seemed safe but around it did not feel that way. Do not go there at night. We walked around the park and tried to enjoy it the best we could but my wife was afraid. read more

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This one is a hidden gem just a few blocks from Chinatown. Some notable things about this park: -Apparently, the water taxi drops off/picks up from here. I once tried to take the water taxi from here during the summer, but the boat never came. Maybe check online and plan ahead before trying to take the river taxi. -There's a boating house filled with what looks to be those signature green urban kayaks. Never seen anyone moving the kayaks to and from the river though... Weird. -Spectacular views of the Chicago skyline -Nice walkway going end to end of park. Could easily finish it in an hour and walk off all that dim sum you had in the morning. -Nice playground area for kids -Free -Street parking is available at no charge but you may need to circle the block a few times -Entrance is at the corner of 19th & S Wells St. Look for the open gate then go past the the train tracks. Anyways, that's all I got on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! 78/365 read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Views of the 312! - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Once I saw the photos of the bridge and the skyline, I knew I had to come. Ping Tom Memorial Park is located by the south branch of the Chicago River in the Chinatown district of Chicago. Finding this place from the Chinatown-Cermak red-line train station wasn't too hard to find. There's a couple of markers indicating the way here. Disclaimer: I came here during the winter on a foggy day, so my review may be biased. If I change my opinion on a later visit, I'll update here accordingly. Coming to Ping Tom was a gentle surprise. Crossing through a residential area and some train tracks, you are greeted by the famous padoga. There is a playground for children and some nice looking murals. The murals could use a bit of cleaning but they were fun to look at. Coming out from under the 18th St overpass, you can see the famous St Charles Air Line Bridge with a good view of the Chicago skyline -- one of the famous views of Chicago from the Southside. I took a few pictures, walked around the park and left. It was a good experience here that I'd wish to come again during the summer to experience. 4/5. Great city park that distinguishes itself from the rest. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Foggy day - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I knew the Water Taxi drops passengers off at "Ping Tom Memorial Park," but I didn't know exactly where it was until hubby and I came here for a spontaneous picnic this evening. We grabbed burgers from "Burger Point," on the corner of State and Archer and then headed over to Ping Tom since it was in close proximity. To located the entrance to Ping Tom was a bit tricky. The entrance is on S. Wells. We came from the 18th. St., turned on Wentworth, and walked into an apartment complex until reaching S. Wells. However, if you're coming from the CTA Cermak/Chinatown Red Line station, locate "Wentworth" and head north along Wentworth (you will pass Richland Center). Then turn west on 19th. St. I'm going to digress, just a bit. The "Pokemon Go" game just came out, available on any i-phone or android phone. I guess parks are popular destinations for Pokemon Go gamers since it's 1) safe, and 2) there's no risk of getting hit by cars on the roads. "Ping Tom" is a large park and very suitable for this type of game (similar to a scavenger hunt). Bring your Chinese take-out or beverage from "Kung Fu Tea" to Ping Tom and enjoy the breeze, people-watching, nice sceneries. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ping Tom Memorial Park was one of the most unexpected highlights of our trip to Chicago! The entrance is a little hard to find, as it's tucked away in the middle of some housing complexes, but the view (especially at sunrise and sunset) of Chicago is absolutely magnificent! Furthermore, the park is so clean and so well designed! It seems to still be a hidden gem since it was also relatively empty on a Friday evening l. Perfect date spot! Perfect family outing! You cannot miss this! read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - View of the Chicago skyline - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The night I was at the Ping Tom Memorial Park, which is the location for the water taxi pick up and drop off, there was a neighborhood festival going on. Overall, the park is on the smaller side with some play ground equipment for kids and walking trail along the Chicago River. Really not that much do in this area. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nice little park kinda off the Chinatown path. This is where the Chicago Water Taxi drops you off from Madison St, so this is what we usually use to get from work to Chinatown. Somewhat in a secluded area (nothing is around besides some residential buildings a half-block or so, and abandoned factory looking buildings and the river, so be somewhat forewarned if you're not use to such surroundings. There's a nice shelter to wait under for the water taxi. There are trees here to provide some shade, a standard playground with slides and stuff. Pro-tip: If you're getting here to catch the Water Taxi, please note that what separates you from Chinatown is a freight train rail line. There was a time where we were running late to catch the Water Taxi and a freight train caused us to miss our water taxi because it was over a 15-minute wait. read more

They have a nice trail for you to walk on with your dog. Nice view with the various architecture around the parks. It's a pretty nice to enjoy a meal outdoors. It's nice that it's not too noisy here even with the trains passing by. I'd recommend coming on a nice sunny day. Sometimes there is live music available. You even from time to time see boat rides passing by along the river. There are plenty of spots to find shade and they even have a playground. For the most part this place is kept pretty clean. read more

Beautiful relaxing place. Children have a good time there at the playground. Excellent place to walk and enjoy for adults. Not to mention great artwork and view on the river. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - Boat shed looking north - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a pretty good urban park in the chicago chinatown . It is part of Chicago Park District.Lots of green and very spacious and big stones where you can even sit comfortably. This is kinda of hidden gem and there is a railway crossing to enter the park.So it might take lot of time incase if train is passing by.The water taxi has a stop here and hence it is pretty easy to commute in 10min to downtown with out the traffic hassles.There is a play area for kids which is really nice. There is a centre stage with Chinese architecture for hosting events like Chinese Drag Boat race and Chinese new year. Best park is the lake passing through due to which there is cool breeze and lot of shade due to the big trees. I wAs today here as part of china boat races and it was fun seeing lot of people competing and some events like singing and karate demonstration and lot of vendors booths giving freebies. If you are in chinatown,have lot of dim sum then grab a bubble tea and head to this park and relax and take the water taxi back to downtown for a nice experience. read more

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Great little hidden gem with some of the best views of the city from the south side. Great for kids with a playground and lots of space to run. You can also watch all the boats along the river. It is usually very quite and a great place for a picnic with a view. read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - View of the skyline from one of the park's bike path. - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Okay now I feel like a tourist!!! I have never been to this park until today and I was able to arrive here for the first while traveling on the Chicago River Water Taxi. I really felt like a tourist arriving into some amazing land and about to embark on an adventure. The park is beautiful and is a unique gateway to Chinatown. I think every tourist going to Chinatown must take the boat here...it gives you the feeling of really traveling here. The green space looks very peaceful, if I did not have a little one who was saying, "Look there is a park can I go play there!" Yes parents there is a park here too...so you can let the little ones run around and get a little tired. I have lived here all of my life but the city never ceases to amaze me and it is days like today I fall in love with my city even more!!! Do not miss this chance to be a tourist in your own backyard!!! Just a warning...there are some train tracks that block the park from civilization...so be warned you may have to wait if there is a train going by!!! read more

Ping Tom Memorial Park - China town taxi stop - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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On the disaster that was the Chinatown tour, Ping Tom was the shining light - and we never even made it there! That's ok. More for me. Ping Tom is a perfect example of why I decided to do the tours. I wanted a chance to highlight parts of Chicago that some folks can go their entire stay here and never experience. This is one of those spots. Peace. I find peace at Ping Tom. Once you navigate through secret paths and cross railroad tracks to get to it, you'll be welcomed with open arms by the Four Dragon Gateway. These gigantic columns are covered with impressive etchings and gleam at night. Passing through the Gateway, you'll arrive at the China-style pavilion. Take a load off and contemplate the Chicago River. I promise you, the view will be one of the best of the River that you've ever had. If you can motivate to move out from under the pavilion, cut left. To the right is the playground. Kids are cute and all, but I'm going for enlightened serenity not, "Jimmy, sit down. Sit.Down. Honey, please don't throw those rocks. *Sob* whywon'tyoubehave?" So, cut left. If you do, you'll find concrete and dirt paths beset by those giant flowers that look like cotton balls, large bamboo trees, enormous ginko...wait a minute. It's sort of like the island of King Kong, now that I think about it. The vegetation is monstrous. But, beautiful. So, as long as none of it asks you to "feed [it], Seymour," you should be fine. If man-eating plants aren't your thing, venture close to the water...and look up. The park is an old railyard and some of the equipment still towers above the river. The riverbank is at a bend in the river, so you can view it with some perspective to its flow. It, too, is quite pretty. It makes an impressive postcard at dusk. Ping Tom is a respite from the insanities of urban life. Chicago is blessed to have many amazing and distinct green spaces. You owe it to yourself to experience them. Summertime lasts only a moment these days. Spend a few seconds of that time adding some yin to your yang and visit Ping Tom park. read more

When I stepped off the Chicago Water Taxi at the southernmost stop, I met Ping Tom Memorial Park. It was a 4 star surprise. Ping Tom Memorial Park is the Gateway to Chinatown with grand views of the Chicago River. It looks over a Chicago River that is the mellow antithesis of the happening waterway traveling through the Loop. From this viewing point there are distant views of the skyline and nearby views of waterfowl coexisting with watercraft. The Pagoda is the centerpiece of Ping Tom Memorial Park. It is a Chicago landmark towering over the Chicago River. In a way, vistas of the park that include the Pagoda remind me of Epcot Center. The elevated tracks distinctly resembles the Disney World Monorail. The view of the Pagoda and grassy fields facing the Chicago River distinctly resembles Epcot Center's China attraction overlooking World Lagoon. The idea that I am comparing Ping Tom Memorial Park to Epcot Center is a compliment to Ping Tom Memorial Parks attractive and clean appearance. In Ping Tom Memorial Park, transportation is in the foreground where Chinatown Square is in the background. At surface level, a freight line crosses the pathway to Chinatown. A close distance further, a CTA towers above. Elevated highways are prevalent. Water commerce pass along the Chicago River. Chinatown Square is a destination reached by a labyrinth of residential side streets, that lack informative directions to Chinatown Square.* A kiosk displaying directions to Chinatown Square ought to be as noticeable as the trains. Boarding the Chicago Water Taxi, I left Ping Tom Memorial Park with a 4 star impression. It was a 4 star impression that If was going to share on Yelp. *Here is the route from Ping Tom Memorial Park to Chinatown Square. Cross the railroad tracks at W.19th Street, turn right on S. Wells Street. Continue onto China Place. It will be coming up. read more

This park is beautiful. It's even better when you can find it. Its definitely a hidden gem. The entrance is located on Wells St. You have to walk a bit past the train tracks before you actually reach the park. But when you finally make it, you'll be kindly greeted by three pagodas and the Chicago River. A very serene and quiet area to sit and relax. During the Dragonboat festival, races occur here on the Chicago River and there are many festivities going on in Ping Tom park. If you take the water taxi, the last stop is Chinatown, which lets you off at Ping Tom park. Of course, finding your way to Chinatown plaza can be challenging. I had to walk an elderly couple from the park to the plaza because they had no idea where to go. They should definitely have more signs so the area is more tourist friendly. read more

Decided to walk off our dumplings with a stroll around this park. It's on the smaller side, but it's really beautiful. It sits right along the water so the view is incredible and you can sit, people watch and look at the boats as they pass by. You get an incredible view of the city and there are plenty of spots for great photo-ops. We rented bikes and did a ride around the whole park which was really enjoyable. There is beautiful art and drawings and the pagoda is really beautiful as well. Fun experience and we'll definitely be back again. read more