Morgan D.
Yelp
Schiller Park is just one step above your typical park. It has all the regular amenities: playgrounds with various equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, picnic areas, a gazebo, a catch-and-release pond with a fountain, a few well-kept gardens, an oversized statue dedicated to the park's namesake, and sidewalks connecting one area to the next. The baseball diamond and the tennis courts have the advantage of being lit. And the caretaker's residence is nicer than what I'm used to seeing. But none of these things are really out of the ordinary.
The park is a great place for kids, and I've even noticed a few off-leash dogs, though I'm not sure that's technically allowed. I know that the residents of German Village sort of consider the park the gem of their community, and, trust me, that community has quite a few precious stones.
In my opinion, there are two things that set Schiller just one notch above similar parks. One is the outdoor stage used for summer theatre and concerts. The stage is a semi-circle with columns cordoning off its expanse. There's a snack shop off to one side of the seating area. It seems like a very romantic setting. I'd love to bring my blanket or a lawn chair and catch a live show there but haven't been able to locate a schedule of events onsite or online.
The number two thing that sets Schiller apart is the Schiller Recreation Center, which offers daily activities for children, adults, and seniors. Workshops include senior stretching and tai chi.
If you go, don't miss the park's main attraction, almost an emblem. It's a statue of a girl holding an umbrella as water from a fountain trickles down onto her.