Northfield Parks

Northfield Village Background

Northfield as a village began in the year 1926 by a man named Samuel Insull. To represent the village as a beginning it was named after the railway station, on the Skokie Valley Line, Waubon. This world comes from the Potawatomi word "daybreak" and was popularized by a novel about Chicago. The town was later changed to the name Northfield a year later probably because the original name might have not been recognized by the general public.

The Parks

Clarkson Park-1950 Willow Road (Corner of Willow Road and Bristol Street)
Clarkson Park resides just west of downtown Northfield.  It is maned for a long time resident and one of the early developers of the Northfield Parks.  Although Clarkson is the smallest park, it still feels quite large.  That may be due to the big field at the north end of the park (which is the side the is closer to the street).  During the colder seasons, you will find an ice skating rink here.  It is open (weather permitting) in both December and January.  But during the summer months, there is still plenty to keep you busy.  Namely, a playground at the south end, which sits next to the large Clarkson Lodge.  For outdoor activities, there is also the Cavallari Pavillion that is like a normal shelter.  There are many special events that take place here at Clarkson Park, so the Park District urges you to visit their website for upcoming events: http://www.northfieldparkdistrict.org/.  Also, rentals are available for many attractions at this parks, so please visit the rentals website for specifics: http://www.northfieldparks.org/facilities/clarkson_amen.php.
Size-3 Acres
Amenities-Playground, Clarkson Lodge (indoor/outdoor fireplaces, concession stand, meeting/party area), gazebo, Cavallari Pavillion, picnic tables, seasonal ice rink (Dec-Jan, weather permitting), special events.

Willow Park-401 Wagner Road (Corner of Willow Road and Wagner Road)
This is Northfield's largest park.  It has just been renovated in 2008, and now offers many new amenities (and a lot less shade).  There is a school on site, and the four tennis courts are right next to the park.  A long walking path crosses over a bridge and connects all the park features.  Please visit their website for all Willow Park rental information: http://www.northfieldparkdistrict.org/facilities/willow_amen.php.
Please not: Groups larger than 15 people need to make a reservation.
Size-N/A
Amenities-Four baseball/softball fields (lighted), two soccer fields (lighted), four tennis courts, 0.5 miles of walking paths, outdoor fitness stations, picnic shelter (can hold up to 75 people), electrical outlets (at shelter), gas grills (available to rent).

Fox Meadow Park-444 Fox Meadow Drive (Just south of Willow Road)
The Park District and New Trier Township High School work together to upkeep this park.  It is at the far western end of Northfield, and overlooks Waukegan Road.  There is also almost no shade here.  This is There are three full size soccer fields that allow both the high school and Park District to host soccer games.  For this reason, you will need a permit to use the soccer fields here.  In addition to a large parking lot, there is also a small children's playground.  A wooden deck overlooks a swampy area.
Size-9 Acres
Amenities-Three soccer fields (full size), tot playground, shelter, bathrooms, wooden deck, swamp area.

Thank you for continuing to support and patronize our website as we add more and more up to date information about Chicagoland Parks.  We hope you enjoyed reading about the Northfield Parks.  If you have any questions or comments, just shoot us an e-mail at: biketheparks@gmail.com.