River Park — Attraction in Jefferson Township

Along the Chicago River and the fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. The restoration along the East bank by the Army Corps of Engineers laid down new river trails and resting spots to view wildlife habitats of the Great Blue Herons in the river, Black-Crowned Heron in the trees, Double-Crested Cormorants and more. The new walking and biking trails connect to Ronan Park and Legion Park. There are hundreds of trees too in almost 29 acres, like the very interesting Scots Pine. They have all the amenities you’d expect, like 7 tennis courts, 2 baseball fields, playgrounds, a field house but also includes a canoe launch, swimming pool, an interactive water playground, artificial turf soccer field, running track, a soft-surface playground, and a community garden. This is a park...

This park is huge, even for a Chicago park. A long running trail follows the river, with lots of little trails that dip down closer to the water, and a rock stairway to a little fishing hole. No word on any catches. Huge public pool that right now opens to 75 people max per hour. If you don't want to wait in line, show up at :15 past the hour. Huge playground, many swings, multiple volleyball nets, a 5 court tennis court, a gymnasium in the park house, giant shady trees all over the park. Wildflowers grow up and down the river. There's even a shotput and discus training ring by the trail, but I haven't seen it opened up for use. The park is so big there's probably a lot I...

I am biased. I have a deep affinity for venerable yet mundane Chicago intstitutional facilities. The River Park fieldhouse is one of these. It shows years and years of use and repair, dust and cleaning. Made of sturdy reliable materials, the building remains strong and functional. Its walls are covered with framed images and bulletin boards. The space in between tattered with tabs of tape left from decades-old flyers. There are craft rooms and small offices surrounding the main large room which has two industrial strength basketball backboards and rims used for youth sports and old man basketball for the...