Skokie Parks

Skokie Village Background
The village of Skokie originally wasn't called Skokie but called Niles Centre from the township, Niles. This is also where the road Niles Center road came from also. Overtime the bordering town of Niles became too confusing for the public to handle and the town had a conference for the name of this town. In the end there was no clear winner, but an appointed committee recommended the name Skokie after the name of the Skokie River. The town was founded in 1888 but the first post office was established in February 10th, 1863 under Niles Centre and later changed to Skokie in 1931.

Editor's Note: There are no sizes listed for Skokie Parks.

The Parks

Skokie Park Tennis Center-Niles Center Road and Main Street
The Tennis Center begins our trip in Skokie, and with a a bang.  There are a host of available tennis courts for practicing yourself, or taking lessons.  There is also a playground and a soccer field.  The parking lot on the east side of the street allows many cars to park.
Amenities-Drinking fountains, small playground, 8 tennis courts, soccer fields.

Garden Plots-5109 Main Street
On the left side of the tennis center there is a community garden that allows residents to plant vegetables.  It is located on th property of the Tennis center, so there is plenty of parking.  For more information about the garden plots, including contact information, please visit: http://www.skokieparks.org/garden-plots.


Lee Wright Park-4840 Lee Street
Located just west of Evanston Golf Club, Lee Wright Park offers one of the largest playground near the Skokie Swift.  The rest of the park is wonderfully shaded in tall trees that cover a basketball court, as well as a drinking fountain.  This is one of the best places to take a picnic in.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground, picnic area, drinking fountain.


Pawnee Park-5200 West Elm Street and 8420 North Laramie Aveune
Being "just" a street corner park, Pawnee may seem very small and insignificant.  However, it offers a decent playground and a picturesque place to picnic at. Parking will be a street side deal for Pawnee.
Amenities-Picnic area, playground.


Lockwood Parki5230 Carol Street
Lockwood Park is the one to win any award for noisiest park.  This comes with a great tradeoff though, because it is in the middle of the action.  Just across Dempster Street are some great fast food options and shops.  The park itself is also a reason to go.  There are many ball fields, and also a nice playground.  You can be our guest and try to picnic here also.  The Park District offers permits for athletic and picnic ventures.  There are bathrooms on-site and walking paths connecting everything.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, bathrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas, playgrounds, permits (for athlectic and picnic events).


Carol Park-8750 Niles Center Road
Carol Park is also conveintenly located to many restaurants on Dempster Street, much like Lockwood Park.  However, Carol is also much smaller.  It pretty much has a playground and that's it.  There are also many trees to shade it in the http://www.skokieparks.org/Fitness-First!summer.
Amenities-Playground.


Gross Point Park-9100 Gross Point Road
Gross Point Park is surrounded by apartmants home on Gross Point Road, just minutes from Golf Road and all the shopping opportunities and Old Orchard.  This park is relatively large and includes a parking lot as well as a playground right next to it.  Paths connect the large ball field, basketball court, and shelter.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, shelter, picnic area, bathrooms, drinking fountain, fire pit, perits (for athletic and picnic events).


Weber Leisure Center-9300 Weber Park Place (1-847-674-1500 ext. # 3500)
The Leisure Center lies just north of Gross Point Park, and offers some of the best parking in all of Skokie.  There are a bevy of options including babysitting, board rooms, ice rink, Fitness First! Health Club, and more.  The babysitting website can be found here: http://www.skokieparks.org/kids-first.  The Fitness First! Health Club website can be found here: http://www.skokieparks.org/Fitness-First!, and their party extension is: 2600.  They offer a wide range of fitness activities to impress any amateur or novice of spinning,  pilates, cardio theater televisions, and more.  If you love pilates, then this is your place!  They have a whole pilates studio that helps increase strength in your body's core.  Here is their website: http://www.skokieparks.org/pilates-first, and their party extension is: 2603.  The Leisure center also boasts a 9 hole, par 3 course suitable for any age.  Here is the website for the golf course: http://www.skokieparks.org/weber-park-golf-course, and here is their party extension is: 3600.  The largest indoor activity there is the Skatium Ice Arena. There are two rinks, a larger public one and a smaller practice one that can be used for private parties.  Their website is here: http://www.skokieparks.org/skatium-ice-arena, and their party extension is here: 2900.  Their website also tells you their hours of operation and up to date skating program guides.  And of course, there are many more activities and times to be had at Weber Leisure Center.
Amenities-Administrative offices, board rooms, babysitting, classrooms, Fitness center, pilates studio, golf course, gym, ice rink, indoor soccer courts, indoor track, locker rooms, meeting and party rooms (for rental), table tennis, teen dances, volleyball courts, vending machines, parking.

Emerson Park-9350 Lawler Avenue
Emerson Park is a medium sized park located in the northwest part of Skokie. This park going north from Church Avenue has a large field with a baseball diamond in a corner of it. The park also has many walkways leading to the playground portion of the park and the to the basketball and tennis courts.
Amenities-Baseball field, playground, basketball court, tennis courts, drinking fountain and picnic areas.

Sequoya Park-5300 West Church Street and 9200 North Lockwood Avenue
This park has a large area for such a small playground. The large field is in the north part of the park while on the bottom the school and playground share the space. On the left the playground has some parking for it and some benches nearby. On the right is the elementary school.
Amenities-Basketball court, drinking fountain, parking, playground, soccer fields
Lawler Park-10040 Lavernge Avenue
Just north of Old Orchard Mall you will find Lawler Park in case you might want a shopping break. At the park you have a large grass field next to a baseball diamond. The other third of the park consists of the playground. This medium sized playground also has some basketball courts and a tennis court beside it. On the west side of the park this is plenty of parking.
Amenities-Baseball field, basketball courts, tennis court, playground, drinking fountain, bathrooms, picnic area, and soccer fields

Shabonee Park-4150 West Grant Street and 9800 North Kedvale Avenue
Shabonee Park is a skinny and long park for its size. At one end is has a field where you will be able to enjoy soccer or other sports. At the other side you can enjoy a nice game of basketball or play on the playground.
Amenities- Basketball court, drinking fountain, playground

Allan A. Weissburg Park-4250 Grant Street
Allan A. Weissburg Park is one of the few parks in Skokie that dosn't have a playground. What is does have is a walkway through the park with bushes and trees placed for scenery.
Amenities-Benches and green space
Terminal Park-9401 Kenton Avenue
Terminal Park is located at the corner of Emerson and Kenton near Old Orchard Mall.  This park is one of the best park layouts in all of the Skokie Park District. This is because it puts a shady walking path around the whole park, which consists of a large baseball softball field, as well as other ball courts.  The playground is placed nicely next to the tennis and basketball courts, but far enough so screaming kids won't ruin your game.  The park is also great to bring in a lunch from your house or a restaurant.
Amenities-Softball/baseball field, basketball court, playground, tennis court, shelter, picnic area, bathrooms, drinking fountain, parking.

Henry O. Gleiss Park-9301 Keystone Avenue
Gleiss Park is a very largely spaced park with no crowding of equipment. They have many walkways that surround the park and also circle the park's playground which is medium in size and has a lot of different playground equipment. On the north end of the park they have a tennis court right next to two full size basketball courts.
Amenities-Basketball courts, drinking fountain, tennis court, playground, picnic area.
Central Park-9350 Central Park Avenue
This park offers a great location, and many amenities.  There are a ton of small planted trees all over this park, making  it a great park for a sunny day.  It has a perfect layout, with the tennis and basketball courts to the north, and the playground in the middle.  Street parking is abundant at this long park.  Also, bathrooms and drinking fountains plus shelters are available.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, bathrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas, shelters, permits (for athletic and picnic events).

Timber Ridge Park-9040 Lawndale Avenue
No, this ien't the same as the water park from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; it is a park in Skokie.  That aside, this still is a great park.  It sits next to a school in a residential neighborhood.  Mostly, a playground populates the park, with a small parking lot and field.
Amenities-Soccer fields, playground, bathrooms, drinking fountain, parking.

Devonshire Park-4422 Greenwood Street
Devonshire Park is the cream of the crepe when it comes to Skokie parks.  Wow, I'm already hungry.  Hungry for a park that has a pool, walking trails, a playground, and so many ball fields you would never go anywhere else (unless you play bocce ball, sorry).  If you want to learn and walk (that's about the only thing we'd recommend doing while walking), then the Born Learning Trail is for you.  Their website is here: http://skokieparks.org/born-learning-trail.  We'll talk about the specifics below.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, picnic areas, shelters, swimming pool, indoor facility, bathrooms, Born Learning Trail, drinking fountain, fire pit, permits (for athlectic and picnic events), parking.

Devonshire Cultural Center-4400 Greenwood Strett (1-847-674-1500, ext: 2400)
The Cultural Center is located at Devonshire Park, inside of the main facility.  There is a lot of classes you can take here.
Amenities-Arts/ceramics studio, classroooms, dance studio, dressing rooms, kitchen, meeting/party rooms (for rent), music studio, preschool, theatre, vending machines, parking.

Devonshire Aquatic Center-4400 Greenwood Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 3200)
The aquatic center offers a wide amount of pool options, and is situated next to the walking paths and Devonshire facility.  The pool features four lap lanes, a zero depth entry pool, and drop slide with a pool well.  There is a nice picnic area inside of the pool.  For fees and hours, as well as special events, please visit their website at:http://skokieparks.org/devonshire-aquatic-center.
Amenities-4 lap lanes, zero depth entry pool, drop slide with pool well, picnic bench area, parking.

Devonshire Playhouse-4400 Greenwood Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 2400)
The playhouse is actually a theatre which puts on plays orchestrated by kids who are taking theatre classes.  The playhouse academy offers classes for kids of all ages.  The theatre has premium sound and lighting systems, and a grandiose stage.  There are seasonal plays and seating for 300 people.  For information on current plays, please visit: http://skokieparks.org/devonshire-playhouse.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am to 9pm and Sat and Sun: 8:30am to 6pm
Amenities-Classrooms, dressing rooms, theatre.

Devonshire Preschool-4400 Greenwood Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 2400)
The preschool on the park beckons to the outdoors, and is situated at the west end of the Devonshire facility.  It's classes are primarily art focused, and are great for any preschooler.  Teachers center each week on a new theme, and all the activities are concerned on improving your child's social, emotional, language, intellectual, and physical growth.  The preschool's website is here: http://skokieparks.org/devonshire-preschool.
Hours-Mon-Fri: 9am to 3:30pm (Times vary)
Amenities-Art/ceramics studio, kitchen, music studio, preschool rooms, playgrounds, theatre, vending areas, parking.


Seneca Park-8720 Keystone Avenue
Seneca Park sits just south of Dempster Street, a couple blocks east of the Evanston Golf Club.  On the Keystone  side, you can see the shelter and the playground.  Also, there is a a walking path that leads to the west side of the park, which is where the basketball court and large field is.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground, shelter, drinking fountain.


Playtime Park-3800 West Crain Street and 8700 North Hamlin Avenue (Alley)
If you ever grew up with an alley, you know how fun and safe (just kidding) they are.  If you didn't grow up with an alley, then here is your chance to reclaim that lost childhood, at Playtime Park.  It is terribly snall, but so are alleys.  There is a playground, and that's about it.  We would reccommend parking on the street though,because the alleys here are compact.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground, compact and efficient use of space.

Navajo Park-8445 Avers Avenue
Aside from size, Navajo park has  the same amenities as playtime park.  It is located a couple blocks north of Main Street, and a couple blocks east of Crawford Avenue.  There is a half basketball court on the south end, and the playground on the north.
Amenities-Half basketball court, playground.

Kawaga Garden-4345 Lee Street
This is probably the most peaceful park in Skokie.  It is located on a former house property.  There is a bench and a small walking path.  It is located on  the southern end of the Evanston Golf Club.
Amenities-Butterfly Garden walking path, bench.


Winnebago Park-8315 Knox Avenue (at Washington Street and Knox Avenue)
Not differing from the  typical Skokie model, Winnebago Park offers a basketball court and playground.  Only this time, the basketball court is full size.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground, drinking fountain.


Walter J. Lauth Park-8031 Keystone Avenue
Continuing south along Crawford, we arrive at Lauth Park.  This one sits near the intersection of Oakton Avenue and Crawford Avenue.  Walking paths connect the playground, basketball court, and tennis sourts to the bottom, and the baseball/softball fields to the north.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, bathrooms, drinking fountains, permits (for athletic events).


Menominee Park-3902 Isabel Street
Sure, the Lincoln Park or Brookfield zoos are great places near here to go see animals, but this is way cooler.  The playground and landscape here is all zoo themed.  Also, there is a small (and we mean small) field to sit in.
Amenities-Playground j(zoo themed).


Oakton Park-4701 Oakton Street
Located in the heart of Skokie, Oakton Park beckons to every passer-by whether by car, bus, walking, bike, scooter, seg-way, taxi, motorcycle, horse, donkey, or even the Skokie Swift (you get the idea).  And there would be a reason to want to come here.  It offers much more than a pool, field, and facility like it may seem.  I actually offers special amenities like the senior center and bocce ball courts.  And we haven't even gotten to the best part, the playground.  It is really special.  There are many things that you would not normally find, like a long tunnel and bridges.  The Exploritorium is a great place to bring youngsters and learn while having fun.  The outside pool includes a water playground, three slides, and zero depth entry pool among others.  For information about the Exploritorium, please visit: http://skokieparks.org/exploritorium
Amenities-Baseball /softball fields,  basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball court (sand), petanque court (bocce ball court), electronic playground (musical playground), The Exploritorium, indoor facility, senior center, bathrooms, drinking fountains, fire pits, shelters, swimming pools, picnic areas, permits issued, parking.

Oakton Community Center-4701 Oakton Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 2700)
The community center is the indoor facility of Oakton Park.  The Senior Lounge is located here, as well as the Teen Lounge.  The Exploritorium is the place to go for curious young children.
Hours-Mon-Fri: 8:30am to 8pm and Sat: 8:30am to 6pm and Sun: 9am to 5pm
Amenities-Kitchen, classrooms, indoor playground (Exploritorium), meeting/party rooms (for rent), senior lounge, teen lounge, parking.

Skokie Water Playground-4701 Oakton Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 3200)
The water playground is like Skokie's ownwater park.  There are three larger slides, as well as a water playground (where it gets it's name).  You can view the hours on their website here: http://skokieparks.org/skokie-water-playground
Amenities-Three large water slides, zero depth entry pool, water playground, locker rooms.
Park Services Center-Approx. 7637 Skokie Boulevard
Here you can find the workers that help keep all the parks in Skokie pristine.  Stop in and say hello, we're sure that they'd appreciate it!
Amenities-Park services.

Emily Oaks Nature Center-4650 Brummel Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 2500)
Situated next to the Skokie Swift, the Emily Oaks Nature Center takes you away from all the hustle of life and puts you back into a simpler time where you can see the squirrels jump around between the trees.  There are  paved trails that weave around a pond, and pass by a playground.  The people who work in the facility there are happy to assist you with (most) of the time.  They have interactive nature exhibits, a kitchen, rooms to rent, and more.
Hours-Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm and Sat: 8am to 4pm and Sun: 10am to 4pm (Nature Center gates close duck everyday)
Amenities-Acgcessible trails, activity shelters, playground, pond, native wildflower garden, interactive nature exhibit, classrooms, kitchen, meeting/party rooms (for rent), parking.


Donald W. Lyon Park-7640 Kostner Avenue
Located at Howard and Kostner, Lyon Park is pretty shady and offers amenities typical of Skokie Parks.  There are plenty of small trees, and ball fields.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, drinking fountains, picnic areas, athletic and picnic permits.


Chippewa Park-7541 Tripp Avenue
Chippewa Park sits on a small plot of land, and offers small amenities.  Namely, a playground.
Amenities-Basketball courts, playground, drinking fountain.

Tot Learning Center-3701 Howard Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 3400)
The Tot Learning Center is across the street from our next destination, Hamlin Park.  It offers childcare services and many amenities typical of the trade.
Hours-Mon-Fri: 7am to 6pm
Amenities- Catered meals, classrooms, indoor playground, kitchen, meeting/party rooms (for rent), vending machines, parking.

Hamlin Park-7651 Hamlin Avenue
Hamlin Park is across from the Tot Learning Center, and offers the normal, plus a little odd.  The odd is namely, a cricket pitch.  Also, this park is really long, but is smart in the sense that the parking lot is right in the middle, so nobody has to walk too far from their car.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, cricket pitch, fire pit, shelter, picnic area, bathrooms, drinking fountain, athletic and picnic permits issued.

Mulford Park-7800 Avers Avenue
Young train engineers will live this park.  It sits right next to the Skokie Swift train line.  Although there are the tracks, there is no train stop.  You will certainly enjoy watching the subway style trains pass by.  Also, the walking paths lead to a playground, bench, and basketball court.
Amenities-Basketball court, drinking fountain, bench, playground.
Main-Hamlin Tennis Complex-3811 Main Street
You want tennis, they have tennis!  That's it!  There are three of them, and there is only street parking.
Amenities-Drinking fountain, threee tennis courts.

Shawnee Park-3750 West Lee Street and 8500 North Ridgeway Avenue
A very typical neighborhood park, Shawnee Park is broken up into three sections by walking paths.  The first part is a playground, the second is the field, and the third is a basketball court.
Amenities-Walking paths, small field, playground, basketball court, drinking fountain.

McNally Park-8325 Central Park Avenue
This is one of those school parks, but it still is nice.  There are two baseball/softball fields that take up most of the park, but in the center are a grouping of trees and a  playground.
Amenities-Baseball/softball fields, playground, shelters, picnic areas, bathrooms, drinking fountains, permits issued.


Channelside Park-3219 Main Street
The North Branch of the Chicago River passes by Channelside Park.  It is mostly a long field, with amenities mostly at the south  end.  There is plenty of parking becuase of the Dammrich Rowing Center and shopping mall.  Also, a dog park lets your furry pet run around off leash (see: Pooch Park).
Amenities-Soccer fields, whiffleball, skateboarding, dog park, drinking fountain, picnic area, shelters, indoor rowing center, boat launch, bathrooms, athletic and picnic permits, parking.


Pooch Park-3220 Oakton Street (1-847-674-1500)
There is a park in Skokie for you furry pet, where they can have social hour with their friends off leash.  That is Pooch Park, which is located behind  the Dammrich Rowing Center.  Notable features include dog cleaning stations, dog water fountains (dogs get thirsty too), and activity shelters.
Hours-5am to 10pm (daily) (Note: Closed for routine maintenance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3:30pm.)
Amenities-Accessible trails, activity shelters, dog cleaning stations, dog water fountains (seasonal), parking.


Skokie Sports park-3459 Oakton Street (1-847-674-1500, ext: 3100)
The Sports park features mainly golfing, but at least it does it well.  There is a whimsical mini-golf, and a driving range with 40 stations.  Lastly, they also have batting cages.
Hours-April 1st to October 30th (weather  permitting), Sun-Thurs: 8am to 10pm and Fri-Sat: 8am to 11pm
Holidays: Memorial day: 8am to 7pm, July 4th: 8am to 6pm, Labor day: 8am to 7pm
Amenities-40 driving range stations, automated tee-ups, heated stalls, adventure mini-golf (April to October), batting cages (April to October), meeting/party rooms (for rent), pro shop,vending areas, parking.

Pohatan Park-4900 West Fairview Avenue and 7050 North Lamon Lane
Suprsisingly, this park isn't that noisy, eben though it is next to the interstate.  It is in a neighborhood, and yet fairly easy to get to.  You can enjoy a tree laced field to the north, and a playground and basketball court to the south.
Amenities-Basketball court, playground, drinking fountain.

Norman Schack Park-5022 West Coyle Avenue and 6950 North Laramie Avenue
This park continues with our school parks, on  the west side of interstate 94.  There is a playground next to the parking lot, and a spread out field.  Other amenities encompass this neighborhood park.
Amenities-Playground, tennis court, fire pit, shelter, picnic area, drinking fountain.

Laramie Park-5251 Sherwin Avenue
Laramie Park is nicely located in relation to Village Crossing.  There are many ball fields, and most of the park action is in the center.  Along Niles Center Road, you will find the parking.  Also, the baseball/softball fields have lights, so night games are not a problem.
Amenities- Baseball/softball fields, field lights, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, volleyball fields, shelters, picnic area, fire pit, bathrooms, drinking fountains, athletic and picnic permits, parking.

Martin F. Peccia Park-5400 West Brummel Street and 7700 North Long Avenue
Just north of the interstate, Peccia Park tells the typical story of a park nowadays.  There are a variety of ball courts, as well as a playground and walking paths.  There are plenty of trees to buffer the noise from the highway.
Amenities-Basketball courts, volleyball courts (sand), playground, picnic area, drinking fountain.


George Street Parkway-7840 Park Avenue
This park is in the middle of a long dead end, and has many shady trees with benches scattered around.  Unfortunately, there are a little too many trees to play catch, but its a great park to read a book at or take a load off.
Amenities-Shady field, benches.


Skokie Heritage Museum and Log Cabin-8031 Floral Avenue
(1-847-674-1500, ext: 3000)
The Heritage museum is located in the west part of downtown Skokie, and takes you right back to the time the log cabin and fire department were built.  The museum has so much helpful information.  The log cabin represents a great engineering feat for it's time, and although cramped, is cozy.  Tours are available with a tour guide.  To view links that the Skokie Heritage Museum has provided, please visit: http://skokieparks.org/skokie-heritage-museum.
Hours-Thurs-Fri: 12am to 4pm and Sat-Sun: 10am to 2pm (Sunday open depends on season) and Mon-Wed: Closed (Log Cabin open upon request)
Amenities- Administrative offices, classrooms, meeting.party rooms (for rent), historical exhibits, pioneer log cabin, parking.

Veterans Park-8150 Lincoln Avenue (North Lincoln Avenue and Cleveland Street)
One of the newer parks in town, there are plenty of benches under a gazebo, and lots of plants and sculptures.
Amenities-Sculptures, gazebo, benches.

Lorel Park-8135 Lorel Avenue
The last park on our sixty-one parks of Skokie, Lorel Park shows off from all angles.  Most of the action, including a playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts are up the the north.  A large field is to the south.  Check their website for special activities the Park District periodically plans, including "Movies in the Park".
Amenities-Basketball courts, baseball/softabll fields, playground, tennis courts, shelters, picnic areas, bathrooms, drinking fountains, athletic and picnic permits.

Thank you for taking the time to read all sixty-one parks of Skokie.  This is the longest blog post we have written so far, and be sure to keep posted as more will be coming you way.  If you have any questions, please shoot us an e-mail at biketheparks@gmail.com/
-The Bike The Parks Team