Mount Prospect Parks

Mount Prospect Village Background
Mount Prospect began its life as a village in the year 1917. Before that year though a real estate agent from Chicago was looking to make a good value on the area. His name was Ezra C. Eggleston and thought that when people think of town to live in they will think of the terms "mount" and "prospect" as positive connotations. The post office was created before the city was made, in 1885.


The Parks

Note: Mount Prospect Parks do not have acreage listed.

Majewski Athletic Complex-Elmhurst Road and Willie Road (approx. 499 West Willie Road)
This park is one of the largest parks in Mount Prospect and it is especially designed for baseball and softball field  use. In fact, the very center of this athletic complex has three baseball diamonds in the shape of a square. The surrounding grassy area is used for the outfield and past that are four soccer fields and for people to walk around.
Amenities- Three lights softball/baseball fields, four soccer fields, fieldhouse.

Devonshire Park-Pennsylvania Avenue and Windsor Drive (approx. 1399 Pennsylvania Avenue)
Situated right next to the school with the same name, Devonshire School, Devonshire park is small and southernly located Mount Prospect park. This park has a small baseball/softball field on the south-west corner of the park. Extending from this field is large grassy area. This then leads to the two playgrounds which consists of play equipment on one and swings on the other.
Amenities-One baseball/softball field, two playgrounds.

Friendship Park-Algonquin Road and Kolpin Drive (approx. 499 West Algonquin Road)
A one mile long paved walking path encompasses all of Friendship Park. Inside this path the park has many amenities. One of these are the three baseball/softball fields; however, only two of them are lighted. If you like other sports besides baseball, there are also plenty of other options for you to enjoy. If you play football or tennis this park has one football field and four lighted courts. All these amenities are leading up to the playground which is a good size considering the park's size.
Amenities-Three baseball/softball diamonds (two lighted), playground, ice skating, four tennis court (all lighted), football field, paved walking path.

Friendship Park Conservatory-395 West Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois (1-847-298-3500)
This is one of the few park conservatories in the northwest suburbs this is a spectacular one. It features 30 acres of flourishing flora located on the three stories of the conservatory. You can go there both in season and out of season. If you want to find out more a video is available on their website: http://www.mppd.org/facility/friendship-park-conservatory.
Hours-
Mon-Thurs: 9am to 5pm
Fri: 9am to 4pm
Sat and Sun: 11am to 3pm
Holidays-
Monday, 5/28: Closed
Wednesday, 7/4: Closed
Amenities-30 acres of flora, three story atrium.

Einstein Park-Marshall Drive and Florian Drive (approx. 275 West Walnut Avenue)
This park is large and well spaced out. It has two baseball fields separated by a path and each has a large grassy field next to the diamond. Einstein Park also has a very large metal playground. The slides and other play equipment are very tall. Next to the playground is also a very tiny basketball court although there are two baskets back to back to each other.
Amenities-Two baseball diamonds, basketball court, playground, shelter, 0.44 mile paved walking path.

High Ridge Knolls-Between Route 83 and Mount Prospect Road (approx. 588 Dara James Road)
High Ridge Knolls is a very unusaul park in one aspect, the park is a very large yet skinny. Instead of having a regular park space in High Ridge Knolls, you have the park that is mainly green space spread out between five different streets. Starting at Route 83 (Elmhurst Road) and going east, you find the first playground between Elmhurst and Beau Drive. Then the second playground is found more east through the green space between Leahy Circle and the end of the green space Mount Prospect Road. This park is also very convenient because of the paved path that runs through it and is a mile long in length. Two baseball diamonds are also included in the center of the park.
Amenitites-Two baseball diamonds, two playgrounds, one mile paved path.

Brentwood Park-Dulles Road and Brentwood Drive (approx. 259 Brentwood Drive)
Brentwood Park is right next to the aptly named Brentwood School. The park is made up of a baseball diamond and a playground. For the baseball diamond there is limited parking at the school. The playground is owned by School District #59, but is also shared with the Park District.
Amenities-One baseball diamond, playground.

Countryside Park-Emerson Street and Emerson Court (approx. 915 South Emerson Street)
This park, although smaller than some parks in Mt. Prospect, has many of the same features to offer. It has a large playground and also a picnic bench next to it to snack if you get hungry. That last part of the park is the full size basketball court and small walking path.
Amenities-Playground, basketball court, walking path.

Sunrise Park-600 East Sunset Road
Although it is on Sunset Road, this park is still called Sunrise Park (Sunset Park is featured later in this post). The park has many things to offer also. One thing it has is a small but usable playground on the southern end of the park. Since the park is pretty large, it has three soccer fields to play with. Everything is easy to get to thanks to a paved walking path.
Amenities-Three soccer fields, playground, 0.41 mile walking path.

Lions Park-411 South Maple Street
Lions Park is a very large park with features galore. This is immediately evident with the wonderfully large and plentiful playground with four different areas to enjoy. Next to the playground you have four basketball hoops in a circle. Throughout the large fields of the park there are two soccer fields, four football fields, and two baseball diamonds- only one of which are lighted. This park really has everything sport related including eight lighted tennis courts for anybody to use. What makes this park different from every other park in Mount Prospect is that Lions Park has the Veterans Memorial Bandshell. Currently it is used for concerts and announcements requiring space for a lot of people.
Amenities-Veterans Memorial Bandshell, two baseball diamonds (one lighted), four football fields, ice skating, two soccer fields, eight lighted tennis courts, playground.

Lions Recreation Center-411 South Maple Street (1-847-632-9333)
Adjacent to Lions Park is the Lions Recreation Center. This facility houses many activities plus some of the rooms also have programs from the park district like the preschool they have there. Many other park district classes like karate or summer class also operate here. Their website offers more information about the buiding itself: http://www.mppd.org/facility/lions-recreation-center.
Hours-
Mon-Thurs: 9am to 9pm
Fri: 9am to 6pm
Sat: 9am to 5pm
Sun: 12pm to 5pm
Holidays-
Monday, 5/28: 8am to 12pm
Sundays, June 3rd to September 3rd: Closed
Amenities-Dance studio, multi-purpose rooms, gymnasium, stage, and preschool.

Big Surf Wave Pool-411 South Maple Street (1-847-253-SURF[7873] )
Right by Lions Park, Big Surf Wave Pool is the place to cool off if it is a hot summer day.  There is a large wave pool that populates all the water activity.  The nice thing is that since it is zero-depth entry, you can be at the shallow end and just have to deal with small waves, while closer to the deep end you can experience larger waves.  A large patio has chairs and picnic tables.  If you would rather to not have waves, there are ten minute rest breaks from the waves, and it becomes just a regular zero-depth pool. For open swim, see their website at: http://www.mppd.org/facility/big-surf.
Amenities-Zero-depth entry pool, wave pool, concession stand, patio, deck chairs.

Owen Park-Busse Avenue and Owen Street (approx. 10 South Owen Street)
North of the Metra commuter rail tracks and downtown Mount Prospect, you will find Owen Park.  It is considered a neighborhood park, so expectations should be humble.  However, the playground takes center stage here, with the backdrop being a baseball field and basketball court.
Amenities-Playground, baseball/softball field, basketball court.

Busse Park-Thayer Street and Owen Street (approx. 199 North Owen Street)
Surprisingly, Busse Park is not on Busse Highway.  Still, it is a nice neighborhood park. Going through this park is walking path that connects all the amenities. Like other parks there are two baseball fields and two tennis courts. The park also features a playground which is large for the park size. The odd thing about this park is the tennis courts which also double as two half size basketball courts.
Amenities-Two baseball diamonds, two half basketball courts (built in to the tennis court), playground, two tennis courts, 0.40 mile walking path.

Emerson Park-Emerson Street and Gregory Street (approx. 399 North Emerson Street)
Emerson Park is a very basic and medium sized park in Mount Prospect. Its only amenities besides a playground is a small basketball court. The playground is large compared to the park and offers a wide variety of play equipment. The park also has many bushes for scenery purposes.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground.

Gregory Park-411 E. Rand Road
Gregory Park, although situated right next to the busy Rand road, is still a relatively quiet park. The park only features a baseball/softball field that resides at the south-west end of park.  The rest of Gregory is just open space.
Amenities-Baseball/softball field.

Hill Street Nature Center-Hill Street and Rand Road (approx. 533 Hill Street)
This nature center, although smaller than most nature centers, still has a lot to offer. To begin with, they have a lot of walking paths that take you through the forested area at the end of the park. In addition, right down the center of the park lies a boardwalk with seasonal wetlands on each side so you can enjoy the wildlife and scenery. When you enter the park there is a traditional playground for all to enjoy. The challenge course is a new team building opportunity for schools, youth groups, or even families. If you would like more information about the Challange course or the nature center, please visit the park website at: http://www.mppd.org/park/hill-street-nature-center, or call 1-847-640-1000.
Amenities-Walking path, boardwalk, wooded areas, wetlands, playground, picnic area, shelter, challenge course (see website or call).

Prospect Meadows Park-Approximately located at 1099 North Forest Avenue
Prospect Meadows Park is the northern most park in Mount Prospect. It has a prime location, at the end of a dead end street. Although two busy streets are not too far away from the park, road noise is almost non-existant.. At this wonderful park there  is a playgrounnd and lots of green space. At the top of the park there is a small baseball field with bleachers for people to watch.
Amenities-Playground, one baseball diamond, basketball court, shelter.

Fairview Park-Gregory Street and Fairview Street (approx. 398 North Fairview Street)
If you like baseball than this is a good park for you. Fairview Park fortunately has two baseball/softball fields for you to enjoy. Since this park is right next to Farview School is shares a playground.
Amenities-Playground, two baseball/softball fields.

Meadows Park-1401 West Gregory Street
Although large, Meadows Park has almost nothing to do besides a large field to run around in and three baseball/softball fields to play a game of baseball/softball. All but one of the fields are lighted to play at night.
Amenities-Three baseball/softball fields

Meadows Park Pool-1401 West Gregory Street
One of the newest facilities in the Mount Prospect Park District, Meadows Pool has lot of features for people to enjoy. To begin this is an outdoor pool so they are only open in the summer and end of spring and beginning of fall. Then main features at the pool is the one meter diving board and eight foot drop slide. Also, for the kids there is a large zero depth pool. For swimmers there is an eight lane lap pool. On their website you will find information about lifeguards, weather, and more: http://www.mppd.org/facility/meadows-aquatics-center.
Amenities-One meter diving board, eight foot drop slide, eight lane lap pool, zero depth entry pool, interactive water attractions, concession vending areas with tables and umbrellas, picnic areas and turf, large bathouse with two family changing areas, private rental room.

Central Community Center-1000 West Central Road (1-847-255-5380)
One of the best community centers in the area and the only one in the Mount Prospect Park District, the Central Community Center has plenty to offer. One of the main things there is a large inline skating rink. The rink has plenty to offer including locker rooms for changing and skate rental. The community center also has a large gymnasiums for basketball and volleyball courts for programs and kids to use in the park district programs. A medium sized fitness center is available for use to work out  if desired. For younger kids there is a preschool room and party room. Their website is the best place to check up to date information about open gym schedules and more: http://www.mppd.org/facility/central-community-center.
Hours-
Mon-Fri: 5:30am to 10pm
Sat: 7am to 6pm
Sun: 7am to 4pm
Holidays-
Monday, 5/28: Closed
Wednesday, 7/4: Closed
Amenities-Inline skating rink, gym (with basketball and volleyball courts), fitness center, locker rooms, multi-purpose rooms, preschool classroom, vending areas, Park District offices, parking lot.

The Studio-1326 West Central Road (1-847-342-0573)
This is the visual arts campus for the Mount Prospect Park District. It is relatively new, since it opened up in '97, but it offers arts classes for all ages. The building was originally "The Pop Shop", which was owned by the Arlington Beverage Company (according to mppd.org and mtphistory.org). Today, the Park District hastransformed it into  beautifully organic art studio that still uses the old structure. It is located on Melas Park (see next park). For current events at The Studio, visit:http://www.mppd.org/facility/the-studio.
Amenities- Arts classes, parking.

Melas Park-1326 West Central Road
Located next to The Studio, Melas Park boasts over 2 miles of combined walking paths (with the west part of Melas Park being owned by the Arlington Heights Park District). These paths meander around 3 soccer fields, and along the driveway which leads to a parking lot in the back of the park. There as well, you will find a retention pond. But in the winter, it becomes an expansive sledding hill. Near all the soccer fields is a large shelter that almost looks like its made of 4 separate shelters squished together.
Amenities-The Studio, 3 soccer fields, walking path (1.5 miles in Mount Prospect, but 2.5 miles in total), parking.

Westbrook Park-Central Road and Weller Lane (approx. 1500 West Central Road)
Sort of denounced by its larger cousin, Melas Park, Westbrook Park still has it's purpose, just south of Melas Park, on Central Road. It differentiates itself with the two baseball fields and a playground. Even though they don't have parking spaces here, there is a welcoming creek once you enter the park.
Amenities-2 baseball fields, playground.

We-Go Park-Entrances at Cleven Drive/Lancaster Street and 130 South We-Go Terrace
This is one of our favorite parks. It is hidden behind a row of houses on the street, but when you find it (its not that hard to find), you are greeted by a surprisingly large field. On the south side of the field, there is a small playground.
Amenities-Basketball court, field, playground.

Mount Prospect Golf Club-600 South See Gwun Avenue
Pro Shop (1-847-259-4200) Reservations (1-847-632-9300)
Please note that the Mount Prospect Golf Club is closed for renovation and will reopen in the summer of 2015.
This is the place to be to play golf in Mount Prospect. It is tucked inside the residential area of the city, and the Weller creek passes through the acres of forest and sand dunes. At the following website, you can make reservations for tee times (this is an alternative to calling the phone number) : http://www.igolfsoftware.com/mppd/teetime.php. They are currently in the process of upgrading their facility. You can see all the new features being added at this webpage: http://www.mppd.org/golf/golf-course-renovation. From their site, you can also join their mailing list.
Amenities-Pro shop, Grill, golf carts (equiped with GPS units), driving range, chipping green, practice putting green, tent for outdoor events, private golf lessons.

Weller Creek Park-Along Council Trail at Wa Pella Avenue, or Man-Awa Trail at Hi Lusi Avenue
Like the previous few parks, this park follows the Weller creek as it makes it's way through Mount Prospect (its named after the creek). The park features a long, greenway on the north and south sides of the creek. Two bridges connects the two sides of the park. The two basketball hoops are separated by the creek.
Amenities-Basketball hoops, trails, bridges.

Sunset Park-Corner of Lonnquist Boulevard and Wa-Pella Avenue (approx. 800 South Wa-Pella Avenue)
Just one block south of Weller Creek Park is Sunset Park. It is certainly smaller than the former, but packs in more amenities. These include a playground, some green space, and a walking path that encircles the soccer and baseball fields. The walking paths are made of concrete and asphalt.
Amenities-Baseball field, soccer field, playground, 1/4 mile of walking paths.

Robert T. Jackson Clearwater Park-West Lonnquist Boulevard and Busse Road (approx. 800 South Busse Road)
This park is the farthest west you can go in the Park District area. It is also one of the most easily accessible from Golf Road. It is a very sunny park that offers a large walking path around a retention pond. One corner of the park is cut off by a shopping center, and another corner houses amenities including a playground and tennis courts. Also near the playground is a shelter.
Amenities-Tennis courts, playground, shelter, retention pond, 3/4 mile of walking paths.

Robert Frost Park-South Cypress and Frost Drive (approx. 1198 Frost Drive)
Frost Park is a neighborhood park that sits behind a school. Due to that fact, there is a parking lot on the North side, and access to the park on both the north and south of the school. The park's main features is a playground area and baseball field, although there is also a basketball court next to the playground. One more hidden way to access the park is a sidewalk off of Willow Lane.
Amenities-Playground, baseball field, basketball court, walking path (Less than 1.4 mile of asphalt).

Redwood Park/High Lines Park West-1516 South Redwood Drive (At the Electrical towers)
Electricity towers don't seem like the place for a children's park, but they have mastered that "art" well here at Redwood Park. It may be one of the easiest parks to find, as there are huge towers to mark its existence. Naturally, a walking path runs though the park and all along for miles. It is almost a sort of Mount Prospect Greenway. This "Greenway" ends in the west at Interstate 90, and at Kenilworth Court in Des Plaines to the east. But the Redwood park area strecthes from Busse Road to Linneman Road, and includes a playground, gardens, and the walking path. From this point, it is only 0.3 miles to Busse Road, and 0.7 miles to the comminity center RecPlex.
Amenities-Playground, gardens, walking paths.

Kopp Park-Near Dempster Street and Linneman Road (approx. 1541 Linneman Road)
This park is also part of the "Greenway" in Mount Prospect, and directly east of of Redwood Park. Furthermore, it is directly north of the RecPlex, one of the community centers in Mount Prospect. The park itself has 1.05 miles of asphalt walking paths, that pass by the baseball, softball, and soccer fields. The path also provides easy access to the Mount Prospect Center shopping court. A retention pond and small parking lot finish off this long park.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, walking paths (1.05 miles and connects to more paths).

RecPlex-420 West Dempster Street (1-847-640-1000)
At the finale of the Mount Prospect Parks is something worth waiting for. The RecPlex was built in 1991 (according to the Park district's website) and many large scale amenities such as a gym, racquetball courts, and a children's playroom. The total size of this community center amounts to about 95,00 square feet. 3,500 of that is taken up by a fitness center, that includes a weight room, cardio area, and strength training stations. Possibly the best thing about this center is that they are open at 5:30 most mornings. A video tour is available on their website, as well as up to date information about the RecPlex: http://www.mppd.org/parkfac.php?location=recplex.
Hours-
Mon-Fri: 5:30am to 11pm
Sat: 7am to 8pm
Sun: 7am to 5pm
Holidays-
Monday, 5/28: 6am to 2pm
Wednesday, 7/4 6am to 2pm
Amenities-Gym (3 courts of synthetic flooring), 2 racquetball courts, indoor track (3 lanes, each 1/10 of a mile around), indoor lap pool (8 lanes of 25 yards each), indoor tot pool, fitness center (with weight room, cardio area, strength training stations), family changing rooms, children's area, meeting rooms, multi-purpose rooms, music rooms, aerobic rooms, administrative offices, lounge area vending machines.

Thank you for reading about the Mount Prospect Parks! We hope these posts have inspired you to go out and visit various park districts throughout Chicagoland. Don't forget to come back often to see more blog posts. If  you have any question or comments, just e-mail us at: biketheparks@gmail.com.
-The Bike The Parks Team