My favorite & most-visited park when I was a kid.
We lived just on the other side of 99th Street & I'd walk along Walden Pkwy. to meet up with my friends at "Ridge".
One of my grade school classmates was lucky enough to live in a house that overlooked the park, on 97th Place. She was a popular girl, especially in winter when they flooded the park's flat area near 97th Pl. & Longwood so kids could ice skate. We envied one girl (my next-door neighbor) who could skate backwards like a pro & boy did she show off her skills. We admired her & secretly hated her because she never fell down. I even took ice skating lessons at Michael Kirby's but still was no match for her. (Candy, if you're reading this, know that you were a star & I was just kidding about hating you.)
Wish I could be at Ridge Park right now to take some photos because it's a lovely place. It's just over 9 acres & includes a big Field House built in 1913 (I believe).
When I looked up Ridge Park Field House online I was saddened to see that it had fallen into a state of disrepair. I hope they've since gotten the leaky roof replaced as well as the rotten window frames because this building is a treasure.
Chicago's Beverly (Hills) neighborhood is loaded with historic homes, some by famous architects, & it was pure joy to spend part of my childhood there.
I guess the Vanderpoel art collection is still in the Field House. It features a huge collection of American impressionism, hundreds of paintings. Another good reason to fix the roof leaks.
There's a gently sloping hill in the park leading up to Longwood Drive, where I'd sit on a bench & read books. Or daydream.
On the other side of the park, along the railroad tracks, Anita & I would climb trees.
The Field House offered many activities, even so far back in the day, but I rarely took advantage, preferring instead to be outdoors.
Kids weren't loaded up with homework in the distant good 'ole days. We had plenty of free time to enjoy local parks & it was safe to walk or ride bikes there unattended. Obviously, we got tons of exercise in the fresh air.
Thanks, Ridge Park, for the memories. So happy to know that you're still goin' strong & creating fond memories for generations of families. If I come back for a visit, I'll take the train from downtown Chicago to 99th & Wood and walk my old route to the park that I remember so well. I'll come in the spring when the flowering trees are in bloom. Hope my bench is still there. I'll bring my camera.
But not my ice skates. read more