Shortly after the city of Park Ridge was incorporated in 1910, it was advertised as "A Restoring Place of Health and Vigor, The Recreation Place of the Tired and Worn Out.”
So, it’s appropriate that just four years later, the Park Ridge Park District was established — and has been a vital part of life in the community ever since.
2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Park Ridge Park District. For generations we provided exceptional recreation and leisure opportunities for the community.
Park Ridge Park District's mission is to enhance Park Ridge’s quality of life by providing park and recreation opportunities for all residents while being environmentally and fiscally responsible.
531 Forestview opens to the public as Wildwood Nature Center
529 Forestview is renamed Wildwood Program Center
Oakton Batting Cages permanently close
Park Ridge residents pass referendum for improvements at Oakton Park and Facilities
Community Gardens open at Hinkley Park
Outdoor Nature Classroom opens at Maine Park Leisure Center
Park District acquires property at 531 Forestview
Maine Park Leisure Center undergoes significant renovation to expand recreation rooms and offices
Prospect Park opens to the public
Park Ridge Senior Center is renamed Centennial Activity Center, and S.T.A.R. (Seniors Together at Recreation) Membership is created
Community Center is renamed Centennial Fitness Center
Park Ridge Park District celebrates its 100th Anniversary
Centennial Aquatic Center opens to the public
The Oak Tree Playground at Maine Park opens
Park Ridge residents pass referendum to purchase and develop Youth Campus (later renamed Prospect Park)
Oakton Pool closes
The Little Red House at 10 S. Western was purchased
The Oakton Batting Cages open
2620 Oakton property, adjacent to Oakton Sports Complex, is purchased
Hinkley reservoir groundbreaking
Skate Park opens at Hinkley Park
Sam Biardo's observation deck is dedicated
Wildwood Prairie restoration begins
Paws Park opens to the public at Oakton Park
Senior Center is renovated
Hinkley Pool grand re-opening
Wildwood Nature Center Grand Re-Opening
U.S. Masters National Outdoor Invitational Diving Championships are held at Oakton Pool
Oakton Driving Range opens to the public
Wildwood Nature Center opens to the public
Eugene Romeo Gallery & Library donated to the Park District
Park Ridge Park District changes its name to Park Ridge Recreation and Park District
West Park Changes Name to Centennial Park
Jaycee Park was dedicated
Olympic Trials held at Oakton Sports Complex
South Park Recreation Center opens
North Park acquired by the City of Park Ridge
Washington Park Renamed Rotary Park
Woodland Park Purchased for $125,000
Oakton Park purchased for $462,500
Southeast Park purchased for $54,864
Senior Citizen program begins
Northeast Park purchased for $48,863
Southwest Park purchased for $66,820
Northwest Park purchased for $97,000
Maine Park District annexed to Park Ridge Park District
West Park pool and field house built
West Park purchased for $48,250
Playground Parks renamed Hinkley Field
First football clinics begin
First summer concert held at Hodges Park
First youth 12" & 16" softball leagues and baseball clinics begin
First Red Cross swim lessons begin
First outdoor rinks at South Park, Hinkley Field, and Northeast Park open
Washington Park (Rotary Park) purchased for $1,200
First basketball league begins
First Recreation Director hired
Works Progress Administration (WPA) excavates earth from Maine Park lagoons
Maine Park purchased by Maine Park District for $16,000
South Park purchased for $27,300
Hinkley Pool opens
Remaining 8 acres of Playground Park (Hinkley Field) purchased for $319,000
Park Ridge Playground Stockholders approve sale of Playground Park (Hinkley Field)
Cumberland Park purchased for $14,400
Hodges Park acquired
June 29, Park Ridge Park District is created
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