Unity Park

What makes a park more than just swings and slides? Let’s talk about Unity Park, right here on Kimball Avenue. It’s a small park, just 1.42 acres, but its story is bigger than its size. Unity Park isn’t just a green space in Logan Square. It’s a testament to the power of community. Imagine Logan Square in the late 1960s. Residents saw an underused parking lot and envisioned something more. They petitioned the city to transform it into a playlot for their children. Their persistence paid off. In 1968, Playlot 293 was born. It wasn’t much at first, just a quarter-acre with basic equipment. But it was a start. Fast forward to 1987. The community, now organized as “Citizens for a Decent Playlot,” pushed for more. They collaborated with the Chicago Park District, contributing their own time and effort to improve the park. They planted gardens, added new playground equipment, and pledged to keep Unity Park safe and clean. Their “sweat equity” transformed the playlot into a true community hub. Unity Park even sparked some lively debates. In the 1990s, the idea of adding basketball hoops became a point of contention. Some worried they would attract gangs, while others argued they were a much-needed recreational resource. Eventually, the hoops went up, another victory for community advocacy. Unity Park continued to grow. In 1994, the city transferred ownership to the Chicago Park District. Then in 2001, even more land was added. Today, Unity Park boasts a newly remodeled playground, a water spray feature for hot summer days, a gazebo for gatherings, and even an ornamental garden with hostas, daylilies, and sumac shrubs. Unity Park represents the diverse voices of Logan Square working together. Its name, chosen to reflect this collaborative spirit, reminds us that even small spaces can hold big stories of community and resilience.