La Villita Park

From Industrial Site to Urban Oasis

Found in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, La Villita Park spans a generous 21.49 acres of green space that has quite the backstory. Opened in December 2014, this park isn't just any ordinary recreational area - it's literally built on redemption. The land was once home to the Celotex industrial facility and later designated as a U.S. EPA Superfund site due to contamination.

It's pretty remarkable when you think about it: what old-timers remember as a simple gravel lot for a trucking company has been transformed into the largest remediated park of its kind in any major American city. Quite a transformation!

People Power in Action

What makes La Villita truly special is that it exists because the community demanded it. Local environmental justice organizations and residents pushed for 15 years to clean up this contaminated eyesore and create the green space that the densely packed Little Village neighborhood desperately needed.

The Chicago Park District didn't just bulldoze in with their own plans either - they collaborated with community members to design something that would actually serve the neighborhood's needs. Today, the park provides recreation and hosts various events, including Special Olympics competitions.

What You'll Find There

The heart of La Villita is the Paseo, a welcoming promenade that cuts through the park from north to south. This central walkway is lined with benches, lighting, and shade-giving canopy trees that make it pleasant to stroll along at any time of day.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the well-kept soccer fields, baseball fields, and basketball courts where you'll often find youth teams practicing or competing. If skateboarding is more your thing, the skate park features well-designed mini ramps and half pipes suitable for both beginners and more experienced skaters.

Families with kids can enjoy the large, modern playground and the adjacent splash pad that provides relief during Chicago's humid summers. And if you're just looking to get some steps in, the wide paved paths circling the park are ideal for walking, biking, or roller skating.

A Piece of Chicago History

At the south end of the park near 31st Street, you'll find yourself at a significant historical site. You're actually at the original site of the Chicago Portage - where Native Americans and early explorers literally carried their canoes across the Continental Divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

This exact spot is essentially where Chicago began its journey to becoming the metropolis we know today. Currently, this historic portage route is crossed by the Sanitary and Ship Canal, multiple railroads, and roads including the historic Route 66 and I-55 Stevenson Expressway.

Environmental Redemption

La Villita represents the successful transformation of a contaminated industrial site through community activism. The park continues to evolve, with organizations like Openlands adding to the tree canopy. These young trees will mature over the years, enhancing the space for future generations.

Good to Know Before You Go

Getting to and parking at La Villita is relatively straightforward. Street parking is typically available, and there's a dedicated lot accessible from the south side of the park. There's also space available for those with trailers or larger vehicles.

Note that while restroom facilities exist, they aren't always reliably open, with some visitors reporting occasional closures. Overall though, the park is well-maintained and clean, providing green space within Chicago's urban landscape.