Recently, my family and I visited Monument Park, in the Edison Park neighborhood of Chicago. Monument Park is named for it's World War I monument and is part of the Chicago Park District. It is truly a neighborhood park with a playground and a natural area. While we were there, some neighborhood kids started an impromptu game of baseball in an open section of the park. It reminded me of one of my local parks growing up--a place you go to hang out and to have fun.
The playground at Monument Park has a few special features. There is a small climbing wall that stands alone, a two person teeter totter, a train structure and a a small art/creative area. The main play structure is similar to many of the other parks with multiple sized slides, climbing features and hanging elements. Even though the play structure is rated for 5 to 12 years old, my three year old was completely comfortable on it, and I was comfortable letting her play. There are also two adult swings, a toddler swing and a swing chair.
 |  |
As a parent, I'm always looking for park amenities: where to sit and rest or snack, the restrooms, the drinking fountain, etc. At Monument Park, there are a couple of benches near the play area with additional benches encircling the WWI monument, which is adjacent to the playground. The downside to this being a neighborhood park is that there are no restrooms or drinking fountains. However, Olympia Park has a fieldhouse and is less that a quarter mile down the road.
I'm also always looking at safety. Monument Park is located next to the Edison Park Metra Station. There is a fence between the park and the railroad tracks, but the park is not gated. Although the playground is on the side of the park furthest from the tracks, it is important to keep an eye on your little ones while you're there. The good news is that the park was so much fun for my toddler that she didn't want to leave.
Park Details:
- Monument Park is located at 6679 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60631.
- The park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
- Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
Macaroni Kid Skokie-Niles-Park Ridge-Far Northwest Chicago is a website and free weekly newsletter focused on family and kids events and activities in our community. We are delighted to help you Find Your Family Fun® not only in Skokie, Niles and Park Ridge, but also Harwood Heights, Norridge, parts of Morton Grove, Schiller Park and Rosemont as well as the far northwest Chicago neighborhoods of Edison Park, Forest Glen, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, parts of Portage Park and other nearby areas.
