Garden Park, Evanston, IL

Garden Park in Evanston spans 15 acres of open space with two baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and four tennis courts. A 1.2-mile paved loop encircles the park, connecting to the North Shore Channel Trail for longer runs or bike rides. The park’s central lagoon draws waterfowl and provides a calm backdrop for walking paths lined with mature oaks and maples. Picnic shelters and playground equipment sit near the parking areas, while the adjacent Evanston Ecology Center offers educational programs and native-plant gardens. The park is bordered by residential streets and is a five-minute walk from Central Street’s shops and the Metra Union Pacific North line, placing daily errands and downtown Chicago within a short commute.

Playground