Arrigo Park

Chicago Illinois Parks

Welcome to Chicago's Arrigo Park. This piece of land was first given to the City of Chicago by a generous Real Estate Developer named Henry Gilpin back in 1857 and was known as Vernon Park, a place with benches and a manmade lake enjoyed by many local residents. Vernon Park and the surrounding neighborhood fell victim to the flames of the tragic 1871 Chicago fire and it was not until 1885, when the West Park Commission took over management, that reconstruction and rehabilitation began. Some of the improvements included raising the ground level with extra fill in order to reach the level of the already raised sidewalks and streets and in 1893, the park received electricity.

In 1934 the Chicago Park District took over management from the West Park Commission. In the mid 1970's, the park was renamed in honor of Victor Arrigo, and active member of the local Italian American Community who even helped bring a statue of Christopher Columbus to the park. Today this park boasts baseball fields. Come on out and hit a homer. To contact the staff please call 312-746-5369.