Optimist and Riverside Park

Welcome to Optimist and Riverside Park, a suburban Chicago Community Park located on the banks of the Little Calumet River in Hammond, Indiana. This park has access to the paved multipurpose Little Calumet River Trail, a disc-golf course, two tennis courts, a playground for the kids, a picnic area, and much more. Come out and have fun.

These 2 parks are across the street from each other so they share a profile.

When visiting any park in Hammond, Indiana please be respectful of the rules.

*Unless otherwise designated or posted all City of Hammond Park Facilities open at dawn and close at dusk.

*A State of Indiana Fishing License is required to fish at the following parks; Wolf Lake, Oxbow Park, Forsythe Park, Dowling Park, Harrison Park, and the Lost Marsh Fishing Pier.

*Please respect all park property including benches, athletic facilities, trees, natural features, etc.

*All dumping and littering is strictly prohibited. The trash cans are there for a reason, please use them. Do not dump any liquids or chemicals on park grounds or into park waterways.

*Please respect all other park users by not using foul language or engaging in threatening or boisterous behavior.

*Consumption of alcoholic beverages requires special permit.

*All weapons and explosive devices are prohibited. 

*The following activities require special permit; public assembly, musical events, sales, advertising, etc.

*All animals must be leashed, no longer than 6 feet.

*The following activities must stay in designated areas; flying of remote control aircraft, tennis, baseball, basketball.

*All vehicles must stay in designated areas and obey 20 m.p.h. speed limit and all other State of Indiana traffic laws.

*To reserve a Hammond facility please call 219-853-6378.

Please respect these rules, the parks, and all local, State of Indiana, and United States statutes. Be safe and have a good time.