Chicago, IL
2020 ParkScore® ranking: #10
Our analysis is based on four characteristics of an effective park system:
access, investment, acreage, and amenities.
access, investment, acreage, and amenities.
How we calculated Chicago’s ParkScore rating:
Access
98 out of 100
Acreage
33 out of 100
Investment
100 out of 100
Amenities
73 out of 100
We're working to ensure there's a park within a 10-minute walk of home
of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across America.
of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across America.
Is Chicago meeting that goal?
98%
of residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park.
National average 55%
Percent of residents within a
10-minute walk of a park by age
10-minute walk of a park by age
Children (0 - 19)
Adults (20 - 64)
Seniors (65+)
Percent of residents within a
10-minute walk of a park by income
10-minute walk of a park by income
Percent of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park by race/ethnicity
10%
of Chicago's city land is used for parks and recreation.
National median 15%
Where in Chicago are parks needed most?
Chicago has 1232 parks
We’ve mapped park access in 14,000 cities and towns across the country. Our free mapping platform helps you pinpoint where to focus park investments in your city.
Explore the map
Chicago Park Amenities Compared to the 100 Largest U.S. Cities
Basketball Hoops
71 st percentile
4.7 per 10,000 people
Dog Parks
46 th percentile
1 per 100,000 people
Playgrounds
76 th percentile
3.6 per 10,000 people
Bathrooms
71 st percentile
2.4 per 10,000 people
Recreation and Senior Centers
95 th percentile
1.8 per 20,000 people
Splashpads
97 th percentile
8.8 per 100,000 people
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Download the data
Our 10-Minute Walk™ campaign calls on mayors to demonstrate their commitment to parks and adopt long-term, system-wide strategies to ensure every resident has a great park close to home.
Tell your mayor: pledge to make parks a priority!
Find out how
We’re helping people connect with nature near you
