Harrison Park

“A lime kiln?” you might ask, wrinkling your nose. Yes, right here at Harrison Park, before the laughter of children and the splash of swimmers, stood a lime kiln. In 1912, the West Park Commission saw potential in this eight-acre industrial site. They envisioned a green oasis amidst the overcrowded, industrialized lower west side. Harrison Park was born. The commission’s earlier park successes, like Dvorak and Eckhart Parks, paved the way. In 1909, a new bill allowed even more neighborhood parks. Landscape architect Jens Jensen, a master of prairie style, shaped the park’s initial design. By 1914, pools and a natatorium graced the grounds, offering a cool respite. Children’s gardens bloomed shortly after. Harrison Park continued to evolve. A fieldhouse appeared in 1928, becoming a hub for community activities. The Chicago Park District took over in 1934 when the city’s many park systems merged. Seeing the park’s immense value, they expanded Harrison Park in 1946 and again in 1949, absorbing an old stone quarry. As Pilsen’s Latino community grew, Harrison Park adapted. The natatorium transformed in 1987, becoming the National Museum of Mexican Art. A testament to the neighborhood’s vibrant culture. A new, modern fieldhouse arose in 1993. Harrison Park honors a beloved Chicago mayor, Carter H. Harrison, Sr. He served five terms, championing the city’s growth. Ironically, he was assassinated on Mayor’s Day in 1893, a day meant to celebrate him and the closing of the World’s Columbian Exposition. Today, Harrison Park thrives as a vibrant 18-acre space. Inside the fieldhouse, you’ll find a gymnastics center, an indoor pool, a gymnasium, and meeting rooms. Outside, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, a large artificial turf field, and a playground beckon visitors of all ages. Partnering with the National Museum of Mexican Art, Harrison Park offers a rich blend of recreation and culture. From after-school programs to summer camps, and special events like Movies in the Park, Harrison Park is more than just a park. It is the heart of Pilsen.