Location:
1100 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
Supervisor:
Shannon English (Gill Park)
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 742-7802
Features:
Metered Street Parking
Hours
Park Hours
Description
This 3.86 acre park is located in the Uptown community (on Irving Park Road, abutting Graceland Cemetery). It contains a dog-friendly area. Additionally, its parking spaces can be rented to train commuters [contact Gill Park].
While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Gill Park.
History
In 1990, Mayor Richard M. Daley announced plans for the creation of Challenger Park through a public-private effort involving the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Chicago Cubs. Located only a few blocks from Wrigley Field, the debris-strewn site included a dilapidated alley and vacant land adjacent to Graceland Cemetery. The City and Park District financed the project, supplemented by donations from Cubs Care, the Graceland Cemetery Trustees, and the Chauncey and Marion Deering McCormick Foundation. The Park District leases this park from the City and the CTA. The 1991 project transformed the half-mile stretch of land into a linear park with native trees, grasses, wildflowers, jogging and walking paths, new sewers, lighting, and a new alley running underneath the elevated trusses. The project also included a dual-purpose basketball court and parking lot.
The Chicago Park District named the site Challenger Park in memory of the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster of January 28, 1986. The Challenger crew included six astronauts, Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, and Gregory Jarvis and a teacher, Christa McAuliffe. Moments after take-off, a structural problem with the rocket boosters caused the space shuttle to explode and fall into the ocean. All seven crewmembers perished in this tragic accident.
Parking/Directions
Metered parking is available in nearby lot. Get rates and additional information.
For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.
Map & Facilities
Challenger Dog Friendly Area
