Our  Mission

Renovate the old, playground at Gompers Park.  

Our Vision

A dynamic new place for children to play and our diverse community to connect  

Gompers Park: A Unique Urban Resource Needs a New Playground

People from all over Chicago enjoy Gompers Park in many different ways.

  • Its athletic fields are full of teams from around the city.  Between 500 and 600 boys and girls play for the Gompers Park Baseball Association alone!  St. Edward’s football games draw 150-200 students per game!  Other schools also use the facilities for their teams.
  • Over 29 different Chicago zip codes are represented in the many picnic permits that are issued for Gompers Park in the open area by the playground, bringing in hundreds of visitors each year for large events and parties. Vast numbers of visitors to the adjacent Cook County Forest Preserve Irene Hernandez picnic area, and La Bagh Woods also use the playground at Gompers.
  • Approximately 600 swimmers of all ages splash in the Gompers Park pool each summer day.  Each year the number of children in swim classes has grown, with over 125 enrolled this past 2008 summer.  You can also take water aerobics classes and train to be a lifeguard.
  • A variety of classes for all ages and interests are taught at the field house, such as Tiny Tot Tumbling, Teen Club, sports for all ages, and Conditioning for Seniors.
  • The summer day camp at Gompers Park is a favorite program for which families bring approximately 300 children from across Chicago. An additional 532 campers and staff from four other Chicago camps take advantage of the pool and playground at throughout the summer.
  • Tennis courts are resonant with the powerful serves of men’s and women’s teams from the city and suburbs, as well as a few friends giving tennis a try.
  • The lagoon is bustling with families fishing, feeding the ducks, and serious bird watching provided by the restored meadow and wetland habitats.
  • Hundreds volunteer to clean up and maintain Gompers Park through the monthly Work Days and other programs.
  • Gompers Park hosts hundreds of visitors for community events that are free and open to all, such as the 17th Police District Fishing Derby, Nature Oasis special events, Movies in the Park night, and many more!