Ping Tom Park was once the hidden jewel of the Chicago Park District but has become the favorite park of people not only from Chinatown but from South Loop, east Pilsen and throughout Chicago. 

 

Ping Tom Memorial Park

Ping Tom Park has walking trails along the South Branch of the Chicago River with wonderful views of Chicago's skyline and historic bridges. Some of the amenities include:

  • Pagoda Pavillion

  • Water Taxi to Ogilvie Metra Station and Michigan Avenue operated by Wendalla

  • Children's playground

  • "All as One," “Between the Mountains and the Water” and “Be Like Water” Murals, under 18th Street Bridge

  • Statues commemorating Ping Tom (at the Pavilion), Leonard Louie (at the Fieldhouse) and Judge Laura Liu (north of the boathouse)

  • Boat House and Launch - Rent a kayak or join a kayaking trip from REI or bring your own kayak

  • Divvy Station

Entrance into the park is at 19th Street and Wells.

Leonard M. Louie Field house

The field house has a swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness center, community rooms and a skyline patio. The field house was built green and has a LEED Platinum certification. The Chicago Park District and Public Building Commission produced a flyer about the field house’s green features including geothermal heating and cooling and rainwater harvesting system.

The Chicago Park District programs at Ping Tom Park are very popular. Program registration are primarily online with limited in-person registration. Upcoming registration information is available at the Chicago Park District's website. 

The field house is located at 1700 S. Wentworth. There is no direct route from the fieldhouse to the park.

Where to Park

There is no dedicated parking for the park. Metered parking is available along Wentworth. There is a community parking lot on the northeast and southeast corners of Wentworth and Archer. Many Chinatown restaurants provide validation coupons to customers ($2 for up to 3 hours).

The field house has a small parking lot. Metered parking is available along Wentworth.

Water Taxi to Ping Tom Park

The most memorable way to get to the park is via Wendella’s water taxi from their Michigan Avenue or Ogilvie station docks to Ping Tom Memorial Park. For more information, visit the water taxi’s webpage.