Union Park (Chicago) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union Park |
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Union Park with the Sears Tower in the background, c. 2006.
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois |
| Area | 13.46 acres (54,500 m2) |
| Created | 1853 |
| Operated by | Chicago Park District |
| Status | Open all year (daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.) |
| Public transit access | Ashland (CTA Green and Pink Lines station) |
Union Park is a popular public park in Chicago, Illinois. It covers about 13.46 acres, which is like 10 football fields! It's a great place for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.
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Exploring Union Park
Union Park is located in a part of Chicago called the Near West Side. It's easy to get to, as it's close to the Ashland/Lake train station, which serves the Green and Pink lines of the Chicago 'L' train system.
What You Can Do There
The park has lots of space for different activities. You'll find several large green fields, perfect for playing football or just running around. There are also fun playgrounds for younger kids, a swimming pool for hot days, and a fieldhouse. If you like sports, you can use the tennis courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts.
A Park with History
Union Park has a long and interesting history. It was named in 1853, referring to the idea of the United States as a "union" of states.
A Place for Workers
This park is special because it's in an area where many labor unions have their offices. Labor unions are groups that work to protect the rights and improve the working conditions of employees. Because of this, Union Park has often been a meeting spot for workers and their supporters.
Important Protests and Festivals
In the 1910s, Union Park was one of the few parks in Chicago where people of all races were welcome. This made it a unique and important place for the community.
More recently, in 2006, the park was the starting point for some of the biggest protests Chicago had ever seen. These protests were about immigration reform, and many people gathered there to share their views.
Today, Union Park is also famous for hosting big music events like the Pitchfork Music Festival and the North Coast Music Festival. Many other music festivals and political protests also happen here, making it a lively center for community events.
Honoring James Connolly
In 2006, a statue was placed in the park to honor James Connolly. He was an Irish leader who believed in fairness for workers and was executed in 1916. The statue reminds everyone of his fight for justice.
