Picture this: a sprawling expanse of land, once alive with the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd. Now, a quiet hush hangs in the air, broken only by the distant hum of traffic. This empty lot, a shadow of its former self, is the former Maywood Park Race Track, a piece of Chicago’s history that has faded into the past. This was once a haven for harness racing, a place where horses and drivers alike tested their mettle, and where crowds cheered on their favorites.
Opened in 1946, Maywood Park occupied a prime spot, just west of the bustling Chicago cityscape. It was more than just a racetrack; it was a community hub, a place where friends gathered, wagers were placed, and excitement filled the air. The grandstand, capable of seating over 33,000 people, witnessed countless thrilling races. From world championships to world records, Maywood Park played host to some of the most legendary names in harness racing: Good Time, Rum Customer, Albatross, Kentucky, Sir Dalrae; the list goes on.
One of the most memorable moments happened in 1979 when, for a good cause, Muhammad Ali raced a horse alongside other celebrities. The event was a fundraising drive for Provident Hospital, one of the oldest African-American-managed hospitals in Illinois. But the grandstand stood silent for the last time in 2015 when the track closed its doors forever. The land was sold, and the grandstand, once a symbol of the track’s glory days, was torn down to make way for a new era. Today, the Amazon distribution center stands where once stood the finish line, a quiet reminder of a bygone era. A bygone era where the thrill of the race, the smell of sawdust and horse manure, and the roar of the crowd once filled the air.