In the Near North community known as Streeterville, Lake Shore Park spans more than seven acres. Many outdoor recreational opportunities serve the neighborhood’s dense population. You’ll find tennis courts, a running track and a children’s playground. There is also a field house and a gymnasium, fitness center and meeting rooms.
Planning for Lake Shore Park began in 1869, and development by the Lincoln Park Commission began in 1900. The park was expanded in 1907 with plans to improve city land to the west. The fieldhouse was completed in 1916, facing Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. At that time, the running track, baseball diamond and tennis courts were installed to the west. Today, Lake Shore Park is bordered by the terraces of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lake Shore Park Features
The park is bounded to the west by the steps of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Designed by Josef Paul Kleihues, the museum’s stepped terraces border the park.
In the park’s northwest corner, the Lake Shore Park tennis courts are situated next to the gymnasium, which features the fitness center and accessible exercise equipment. The gymnasium also houses pickleball courts. Nearby, the playground is built on an engineered wood fiber surface. There are swings, climbing equipment, slides, monkey bars and more.
Across from the tennis courts, the community garden was founded 10 years ago by a small group of volunteers. Today, it features lush, perennial gardens. Chicagoans can participate in the care of the garden.
On the east side of the park, the Lake Shore Fieldhouse open daily. The park sponsors after-school programs throughout the year, and a six-week day camp in summer months.
Lake Shore Park Events
In addition to sporting events and programs, Lake Shore Park hosts fun, family-friendly events throughout the summer. Concerts, Movies in the Park and Night Out in the Parks events are held here in warmer months. Current favorites include Skate into Summer at lake Shore, GPMF Project Inclusion Strings at Lake Shore and Midnight Circus in the Parks at Lake Shore.