Marquette Park is a large urban park located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It is the largest park on the southwest side of the city, covering 323 acres (1.31 km2). The park is named for Father Jacques Marquette (1637–1675), a French Jesuit missionary and explorer.
Park Features:
- Ashburn Prairie: A three and a half acre remnant of the original Ashburn prairie, featuring nearly 100 species of native plants.
- Golf Course: A nine-hole par-36 golf course with a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and sand bunkers.
- Tarkington Elementary School: A LEED-certified elementary school located on the south side of the park.
- Lagoon: A large lagoon with paved paths running through or along some of the native plantings.
- Natural Areas: Prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats with paved trails.
- Recreational Facilities: Multi-purpose fields, an artificial turf field, basketball and tennis courts, two playgrounds, baseball fields, a spray pool, and the Darius Monument.
- Marquette Park Field House: Features two gymnasiums, an auditorium, a woodshop, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture, and multi-purpose rooms.
History:
Marquette Park was created as part of a system of 14 new parks in 1903. The park's improvements occurred slowly due to drainage problems and the site's large size. Two of the park's earliest features were its 18-hole golf course and a nursery of nearly 90,000 trees and shrubs. In 1934, Marquette Park became part of the Chicago Park District.
Community:
Marquette Park is a diverse community with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The park is a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood is also known for its connection to the civil rights movement. In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference led a march 1 into Marquette Park in protest of 2 discriminatory housing practices.
Additional Information:
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Location: 6743 S Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60629
- Public Transportation: Accessible by CTA buses and the 'L' train.
- Website:
Marquette Park is a valuable resource for the community, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and education. It is a place where people can come together to enjoy the natural beauty of Chicago and learn about the city's history.