Union Park was a well needed breath of fresh air for me the day I decided to conduct my run at its location. I am no stranger to this park because it sits along my bike route headed towards downtown Chicago. And not that long ago I attended my very first Black Lives Matter protest post the death of George Floyd which literally filled the entire park with protesters. Access to parking along its perimeter can be a hit-or-miss solely because of individuals that work nearby utilizing its space to avoid parking fees. I imagine that some may even park then catch CTA Ashland to wherever they may be going as well. On the weekend, I did take notice of open space while cycling by which is probably the best time to visit if you want a spot around its perimeter and not somewhere within the neighborhood. The park is shaped like a barnyard looking at it from a satellite view. And it literally sits right outside of CTA Ashland making it an easy destination to commute to-and-from. Every time I think of this park, I always think of singer R Kelly because his studio/warehouse sits on 219 N. Justine St. not that far from the park. I do love the glimpse of Sears Tower from a distance, and nearby First Baptist Congregational Church which seemingly hovers over the park. Other than encounters with homeless who appear harmless, the location appears to be safe. It does sit within a trafficky area within West Loop on top of it being outside of CTA Ashland as stated. There are an array of outdoor activities available at this park such as tennis, basketball, swimming, football, and baseball which this park does have two baseball diamonds within it. Post my run around the perimeter I did an HIIT (High intensity interval training) workout on the playground which the playground had nice equipment to include a jungle gym which gave me something to think about as far as an unorthodox workout. With most fitness centers closed due to covid-19, we all have to get innovative with our workouts in order to keep in shape and sane until we enter a phase when fitness centers become available. Overall, I had a pleasant experience at Union Park, and would definitely return throughout the week if parking was not so hit-or-miss around its perimeter. ~Blessings~ Thomas G read more

See all

I came here on a sunny Friday to meet a friend. It's a nice enough park in the daytime, although there was some lawn mowing going on while I was there, which made it kind of loud and dusty, and a bit of litter lying around. The park is located in a sort of rundown area, which might make it less comfortable to walk around at night, but I felt perfectly safe in the daylight, and I saw some schoolchildren were playing on the playground. There might have been 1 homeless person in the area at the time, but they didn't bother anyone. There's a baseball field and a lot of space for walking around or jogging. The park is right outside a subway station and within walking distance (although kind of a long walk) of some nice cafés. read more

Union Park - Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A park under the El. Who knew? Well, you and I both know now and we're better for it. I am continuously astounded and delighted at Chicago's green space. I'm always surprised at how different it all is and how much personality it is. Union Park, while not the biggest of the city parks, has a cool pentagon (I think) design, two baseball diamonds, jungle gym, and comfortable foot paths. There are plenty of tree overhangs that make this park pretty pitch-perfect for summer picnicking. And, with music fest after music fest that performs here, odds are you'll have plenty of chances to lollygag in the green. My favorite part of the park is its resemblance to a prison yard. Not that I have ever been to prison nor do I have plans on going to prison but at one point in my life I had cable tv -- so I know what I am talking about. The tennis courts are in the middle of the park and enclosed by a wraparound gate. While such a design makes it easy to not be distracted by rambunctious children or googly-eyed lovers, it also gives one the sense of being imprisoned. I don't know that that element works so much in a public park. Ohh. Maybe *that's* why it's right under the El. The rumbling train and cage adds to the industrial feel. It's the intersection of green and steel. I get it. This park is performance art. Snaps! read more

I had to mentally prepare myself before heading to Union Park wondering what would be in store for me on the Green Line. 4 stops later I got off the L safe and sound :) I was headed to one of the best concerts I have ever been to (AAHH! Fest), and since I knew parking would probably be scarce we took the green line. Glad we did! Very convenient and the park is literally 200 ft from the train stop. This was my first time at Union Park, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I really enjoyed it though! It was a nice outdoor space, clean, and very organized (at least this event was). I had no problem picking up my will call tickets and getting in. Perfect amount of people, so the place didn't feel jam pack. They also had food truck vendors. I guess my opinion is more so based on the concert (awesome line up....common, J hud, mc lyte, dave chappelle, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Jay Electronica). Based on my experienced here, I would definitely consider coming back to this venue for the convenience and to enjoy the outdoors and music. read more

Union Park - AAHH! Fest - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came to Union Park for NCMF. It is difficult to review the park when it was set up to host an event, but I will try to comment on a few items. 1. The park is large 2. There seemed to be softball fields 3. The park is close to the Ashland Green/Pink Line 4. I think there were tennis courts and basketball courts I should come back here when an EDM concert is not being hosted so that I can see what it is really like. I like city parks. read more

Union Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is a great park. They've got a nice baseball diamond and a swing set as well as tons of space for just lounging around. Stay on the north side of the park though, lots of bums like to congregate on the southern side. read more

Union Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The visit to Union Park was a trip down memory lane for my daughter. She had attended 2 Pitchforks here and wanted to get back when we were in Chicago. Its a short walk from the "L" and wound up being a jumping off point for our trip to Pilsen to get some Mexican food. She had told me it was an excellent spot for a music festival but I had to take her word for it. As she walked through the fields reminiscing I sat on a bench and watched a pickup basketball game while also people watching. Viewing the church across the grassy field was very relaxing. Then it was a walk around the park on the path and I found it to be a really cool city park. There is a huge pool there which was being worked on for the upcoming holiday weekend. For kids there was a playground that my 22 year old was envious of because it was better than those of her youth.It had a kid sized rock climbing wall, I saw walkers, parents with babies in carriages, a dad spending a nice Saturday with his daughters. Many other school aged kids in what may have been some type of event in a building located near the playground- all nicely supervised. Verdict: A nice neighborhood park that seems to serve the community well. Icing on the cake: An older gentleman selling ice cream from a bicycle powered ice cream truck. Doesn't get anymore Americana than that! read more

First time here, because the Ruidofest was moved here this year 2019. I didn't really like the #ruidofest setup.The Park didn't seem to have much but a baseball field and a basketball hoop. No friendly transportation way of getting there. read more

They have a beautiful huge pool!!! So bring a swim suit & towel & enjoy the swim. They also have gender segregated swims so keep an eye out for what time those are & what time you're going. The pool staff is friendly and helpful. Definitely making this place a routine stop during the summer. read more

Union Park - Here enjoying the pool and the north coast music festival - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here on a summery June Sunday for a little tennis. Street parking was doable, but crowded. There was a girls' youth soccer game going on in the main field, a few parents nearby watching. There were some basketball courts with a few guys playing 3pm 3, and the courts. The courts were enclosed with chain link fence. If you know me, you know I need some tall fences around my tennis court. The ball did go out and over a few times, but a friendly strolling park goer always tossed it back over for us. Which is good too because the courts are along Ogden Ave. (busy!) A cute park. Didn't see bathrooms, but they have to be there, and the tennis courts were not overcrowded. Just what we were hoping for!!! read more

This is not the most appealing urban park when there is not a festival: sitting on a crossroads between nice and sketchy neighborhoods with a mixed crowd, not too far from the west Randolph bars and restaurants. Seems nice in the day but I wouldn't feel safe here after dark. Convenient to the Green/Pink Ashland stations if you need a quick getaway to a park location. Home of Pitchfork festival one a year. read more

I came here as part of North Coast music festival, so it's kind of hard to properly evaluate the park. However, it seemed spacious and they even have a tennis court! That's better than some parks. read more

I searched yelp today for "park" then screened the results by the two neighborhoods in my area to find out about this park. My husband and I went for a short while to throw around a ball and people watch and it was definitely fun. The park was fine. We enjoyed watching a guy with a huge kite too. There are 2 baseball diamonds but they weren't being used for batting at the time so we were able to play catch near them. read more

The AAHHFest! Was Amazing! Common put together a great lineup of some of the best hip hop acts around. Jay Electronica, Lupe Fiasco, De La Soul, MC Lyte with special guest Lil' Mama, Common himself and Kanye West! Everything was well run, and organized. The ticketing and entrance was fast and easy, even with bag checks and pat downs. the drink and food lines were long, but not unbearable. The concert was on time and ran smoothly, including cutting some acts short to keep on schedule. Kanye West did a long set at the end with just cut after cut and no long rants. And tickets were only $50. Great event for the city of Chicago thanks to Common and his team. I can't wait for next year's AAHHFest! read more

This is the largest park near the West Loop where you can have outdoor picnics and not feel like you're going to be crammed next to other groups. This part hosts the annual Riot Fest concerts so stay FAR away when that venue is taking place. The area can feel a bit shady especially at night so just be aware of your surroundings. read more

Softball fields not up to par. Very poor lighting for night games.

The lady at the front desk of the gymnasium was on her cell phone gossiping not working i asked her where was they having this certain activity for the kids at she didn't have a clue what i was talking about so i finally found the exact spot where the kids activities was held and the guy who runs it didn't even show up‍ union park you guys need to hire better staff and stop letting the kids down. read more

they have intonation and pitchfork here!! that alone makes it rule! oh and they have a pool!!

i can't wait to sweat my guts out again here at this year's pitchfork festival. i almost fainted alone at union park two years ago after dan deacon's set and had to crawl my way through a swarm of aging hipsters. i took refuge behind a giant energy drink truck while trying to regain consciousness- fun times. read more

I went to the union park pool and it was the worst experience ever first if your not 18 and adult has to get in the water with you and you also have to take a swim test before you can go deeper then your waste.as well the pool and locker rooms were so gross and dirty read more