Welles (Gideon) Park

City park · Ravenswood ·

Welles (Gideon) Park

City park · Ravenswood ·

Community park with playgrounds, sports fields, gazebo, and pool

Information

2333 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Get directions

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Welles Park

"Set in the heart of Lincoln Square is Welles Park and it doesn’t cost a thing! Here you can hang out on a 15-acre lawn with big trees, ballfields, a gazebo, sand volleyball court, 2 playgrounds, 3 tennis courts, horseshoe pits and plenty of space to call your own. We like coming here to enjoy some time outdoors, lay on a blanket and watch the clouds go by or have a picnic and play cards with friends. People watching is at its best here, especially when the older gents have gathered for their weekly game of bocce ball. You might even see an outdoor concert, live storytelling or performances being held at the gazebo. There's a cute little crepe stand on the North end of the park, along Sunnyside Ave, open April-October, 7 days a week! The hot dog guy is sometimes there—you can find him on the South side of the park. along Montrose Ave. Welles Park is also home to the Square Roots festival, an annual summer outdoor/indoor music fest in July with all the things you look forward to like craft beer, corn dogs and snow cones." - Knoed Creative

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/lincoln-square/welles-park

Welles (Gideon) Park

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Welles Park, Lincoln Square. Set in the heart of Lincoln Square is Welles Park and it doesn’t cost a thing! Here you can hang out on a 15-acre lawn with big trees, ballfields, a gazebo, sand volleyball court, 2 playgrounds, 3 tennis courts, horseshoe pits and plenty of space to call your own. We like coming here to enjoy some time outdoors, lay on a blanket and watch the clouds go by or have a picnic and play cards with friends. People watching is at its best here, especially when the older gents have gathered for their weekly game of bocce ball. You might even see an outdoor concert, live storytelling or performances being held at the gazebo. There's a cute little crepe stand on the North end of the park, along Sunnyside Ave, open April-October, 7 days a week!The hot dog guy is sometimes there—you can find him on the South side of the park.along Montrose Ave.Welles Park is also home to the Square Roots festival, an annual summer outdoor/indoor music fest in July with all the things you look forward to like craft beer, corn dogs and snow cones."

Chicago

Welles (Gideon) Park

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Lincoln Square

"Lincoln Square is like being in a small town within the city. It's a blend of people from all cultures, ages and walks of life. A pedestrian-friendly strip brings a great mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants, European-style cafes, independent stores and fun things to do like touring Half Acre Brewery, catching a new release at Davis Theater or laying on a blanket in Welles Park. We love it for its chill vibe, tree-lined streets and plenty of things to see, do, taste and try. Here are some of our favorites." - Hyperakt

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/lincoln-square

Welles (Gideon) Park

Icaro P.

Google

This is one of those parks where you can easily lose track of time. It’s one of the best green spaces in the city, offering a little bit of everything—great playgrounds, a walking trail, a gazebo, and indoor facilities with plenty of variety when open. In the summer, the water feature is a huge plus, though the wide-open spaces mean shade is limited, so sunscreen is a must. What really sets this park apart is how much it fosters community. The gazebo often hosts free concerts, the baseball and softball fields are well-used, and the big grassy areas are perfect for kids or dogs to run around. There’s also a gated playground with interactive water features, a lovely garden area filled with native plants, and even food stands serving crepes and hot dogs. Add in the tennis courts, fieldhouse with an indoor pool, summer camps, rentable rooms, and consistently polite staff, and it’s easy to see why this is a favorite park in the city.

Lucas F.

Google

Welles (Gideon) Park is a lively and well-kept place that’s perfect for families and outdoor fun. It has plenty of open space, sports areas, and a friendly community vibe. I really like how clean and inviting it feels — a great spot to relax or stay active.

Purposeful M.

Google

The cute little cafe called Peace Garden is so delicious and affordable. I don't care if the generator they have to use for now is noisy, I will sit and eat and eat and eat!!! Yum. Try the wrap with a cup of coffee. Kids will be happy with the PB and banana sandwich. Snacks like chips and pirates booty are there too! Plus ice cream!!!

Kelsey Ledyard R.

Google

This is such a fun park! They have a good playground and also a nature area for climbing on tree stumps and things. There is also a lot of green space for playing soccer, flying a kite, etc. Love it here!

Nicole B.

Google

This is a really nice park! You can have a baseball game, a tennis match, a soccer game, a picnic under the tree, a seat on a bench, a walk through the trails, a look from the gazebo, fun at the kiddy playground... or just a walk in the park!

Chris M.

Google

This park is a neighborhood gem, lots of space, indoor swimming pool and basketball courts, kids playground, baseball fields, pickeball courts, and a nature walk area.

Michelle

Google

Beautiful park always filled with kids depending on time of day. Had a family wedding here was a beautiful out come with the exception of the people trying to sell everyone icecream the whole time after everyone said no ...

M. F.

Google

I did the 12:15 Lap swim. Pool was crowded. Water temperature varies. Was around 81 degrees. 3 large lanes everyone cooperated in swimming 2 circles in one large lane. Locker rooms are okay. Water pressure is poor but there is soap in the showers. Very heavily used facility.

Kathy C.

Yelp

I love Welles Park as it is a big parcel of land and has a variety of facilities there. There are of course baseball fields, a children's park area with swings & climbing equipment. There are 2 park buildings for indoor activities. It is a shame that they haven't been able to open the swimming pool due to a lack of lifeguards. What is unique about Welles park is the native plant section which looks wild and is not manicured like the rest of the park. They have made a bunch of logs into a more natural walking & climbing setup. Some even form circles.

Danny R.

Yelp

Love going here with my toddlers. Clean and life guards are great about ensuring everyone is playing safely. There is plenty to do for all different ages

Aesha E.

Yelp

The formal name of this park is Gideon Welles Park, named for President Lincoln's Secretary of the Navy. This park was established in 1910. Welles Park is a center for recreation in Lincoln Square. There's the park itself, in which you will often see parties, picnics, and the like taking place. There's a playground, tennis courts, and baseball fields; the playground is ADA compliant. The field house is large, and houses both exercise equipment and an indoor pool which is popular. The gazebo is wired for sound, and is a popular location for performances of various kinds. Welles has programs geared directly toward developmentally disabled individuals as well. Parking is iffy here; there's no parking lot, and it's a popular park. There is parking along all the surrounding streets, however. Folks who have read some of my other reviews may know I love trivia, and here's the bit of trivia I can share with you about Welles Park. In the 1920s, a man named Abe Saperstein began teaching basketball here in Welles Park. Over time, he began recruiting African American players from the south side to play in other Chicago locations. His players eventually started doing tricks with the basketball, for which they gained their greatest fame, and you've heard of this team: The Harlem Globetrotters.

Christina N.

Yelp

The DIRTIEST fitness center I've ever used. This is despite the fact that they're closed from 1pm-2pm every day for "cleaning." Seems like it's lazy people taking an extra break.

Kathleen C.

Yelp

I love this park! I have spent time wandering this park on many occasions. There are so many little nooks to walk through that it almost feels like you aren't in the city. From baseball games to concerts, a kids playground, a field house with amenities, etc etc, there is something for everyone. Even though there are lots of things to do, there are also plenty of grassy areas to picnic or relax with a book. Shade is a bit harder to find, but that's there, too if you head to the west side of the park. This park is a little slice of calm in a busy city and even better, it's near all Lincoln Square and North Center have to offer! Don't forget to try out the Crepe stand in the summer!

Fox E.

Yelp

I was trapped in the Welles and some pr**k wouldn't get me out unless I sang Pink Floyd to him. So I yelled "ALL IN ALL YOU'RE JUST A...NOTHER PR**K IN THE WELLES." He left me there. I'm writing this review from the welles. I just put some lotion on my skin and still managed to get the hose. What the actual ****. One of many lovely little parks in the Chicago area. The Chicago Park District has done a good job of putting all these little little tiny manageable walkable parks that are good for kids and good for dogs all over the city. Which makes it kind of a big family city rather than something like London or New York with those massive sprawling parks that make you worried about going in at night or leaving kids in there or whatever. In this regard I like it but I do miss the massive and expansive huge parks as well. Still in the welles. Help.

Jacqueline F.

Yelp

Welles Park has an awesome pool and its huuuge! Came here for a birthday party and can't believe that I've never known about this pool before. Pool depth goes from 3 feet all the way to 10 feet. Diving boards are intact as I can imagine many swim meets are hosted here. Definitely look up their website for open swim hours or if you're interested in joining their water polo team! Locker rooms are nice, clean, and spacious as well. You can even rent out one of their rec rooms to host a party. Outside, the playground also does not disappoint. It is approved by my 7 year old. Lots of things to climb up on, swing at, and jump from. Lots of open grassy space to take a walk or a jog or take Rover out for some exercise. Go check it out!

Linda H.

Yelp

A great way to spend a Tuesday night in the city! Free concert. Beautiful weather. Great park! Great people to be with!

Roseann M.

Yelp

Welles Park is a beautiful oasis on the north side, a place where I like to go for a walk, or listen to music, to read in the sunshine, or just hug a tree. You won't feel like Daniel Boone carving your way through the wilderness here, because this is a city park. It does offer a brief respite from all the craziness that surrounds it. There can be a lot going on here. There are tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a nature preserve, a council ring, a playground, a gazebo where concerts and plays are performed during the summer, a fieldhouse with a swimming pool and a gym and lots of activities. I even come here for early voting. I'm an old girl, though, and I don't care too much for the organized activities, besides the summer concerts. I come here to walk barefoot on grass, to spread a blanket under a tree and read, or to just sit and watch the leaves blow in the wind. it is an island of peace enclosed by the craziness of Lincoln Square and Western, Lincoln and Montrose Avenues. As long as I can smell grass (the green stuff on the ground, not the kind people smoke), lean up against a tree, or maybe just sprawl out on my blanket and soak up the sun, I'm a happy woman.

Mikey J.

Yelp

Wonderful park! So much to do and spacious. You can play baseball, swim in the pool, jog, play tennis, jam on your guitar after a lesson at the nearby Old Town school of Music. I myself came here for an ukulele festival today on a sunny afternoon. Glorious. It's a great place to meet friends or go on an afternoon date. Grab some tacos at Taqueria El Asadero across the street on the south, go for a stroll and talk, then finish off with ice cream from Coldstone. Boom, afternoon well spent.

Bill M.

Yelp

This park can be quiet on a lazy afternoon, but fills up every summer during the popular Old Town Folk and Roots Festival. This neighborhood event has drawn top names like Patti Smith, Michelle Shocked, and Alejandro Escovedo. Otherwise, locals play softball or get a tan at this park at Lincoln and Montrose.

Sean H.

Yelp

Nice facility, dated but well maintained. Ample street parking. The stadium around the pool can be hot in the winter.

Liz J.

Yelp

We had a stealth wedding here. I learned the hard way not to use the word "wedding" when trying to book event space. Our tiny, super short ceremony with no amplified sound, no decorations, no anything would have cost us $500 simply because I put "wedding" on it. If I'd called it anything else, it would have been a $50 permit. So, since you don't ACTUALLY need permits for anything under 50 people if you don't have amplified sound, we decided to risk it. We only invited 75 folks. They wouldn't all show up. Flash mob wedding. It would be AWESOME. And it was awesome. It was a beautiful place for a ceremony, the acoustics in the gazebo were great, pictures came out wonderful, everyone stood in a circle so they could see. It was the ideal place for a low-key, super-short (we're talking 15 minutes) wedding like ours.

Colleen C.

Yelp

I am writing this review with sincere hope that it will expedite the delivery of Spring. Seriously, as much as I love frozen tundra, crunchy ice everywhere, brown sludge and my nose hairs freezing every time I venture outside...I am ready for some warmer weather! And, when this warmer weather appears...I shall be spending much of it at Welles Park, with one of the finest coed recreational softball franchises Chicago has ever seen -- Bats & Boxes. I think I've played on almost every field at Welles Park between softball and kickball games. I've lounged in the grass, eaten fabulous cheese burgers, trekked across in each direction to a variety of bars...I've made new friends (and an enemy or two, sore losers!), walked the track with my dog, listened to drum ensembles in the gazebo, collided with a group of little league football players, and happily soaked up copious amounts of sunshine. Oh, and I got a concussion one day too, but forget that! (pun intended) So, on this frigid day in February...I look fondly forward to spring/summer/fall softball, the return of B&B, sitting on the patio at Bowman's, and :::::sigh:::: playing outside. This is what parks should be. Welles is the benchmark.

Paul W.

Yelp

Welles Park is one of the nicer neighbourhood parks in the city. It's in a nice area and, therefore, well-maintained. It's easily accessible by public transportation (Brown Line, Lincoln/Montrose/Western buses) and is surrounded by shops and restaurants to suit all age groups and tastes. And don't forget the Sulzer Library. There is even a hotdog vendor by the tennis courts, a rare vestige of the street life that Herr Daley so determinedly eradicated from Chicago. I'm not much for just sittiing around in the park. I come here to swim laps in the indoor pool. The Welles Park Natatorium is definitely one of the best, if not the best, in Chicago. I've swum at many of them and have enjoyed a nicer pool only at Kosciuszko Park. However, Kosciuszko Park is harder to reach and doesn't have the pleasant surroundings of Welles. That being said, the swimmers at Welles can be a selfish bunch. I've been there many a time for Lap Swim and had some gung ho swimmers chase me down in the SLOW lanes. I'm not even all that slow! This could have been cases of mediocre swimmers with Something To Prove, picking a perceived 'easy target' to best. Um, I swim slowly because I'm relaxing, not because that's all I can manage. Well, this was when they had Fast, Medium and Slow lanes during laps. I stopped swimming here for a few years, and recently came back only for Adult Swim so I'm not certain of the current Laps protocol. The odd thing is that these speed demons have always been slightly older women! Maybe they're just attracted to my super cute toes, but FYI, my little piggies WILL take your teeth and/or nose out. I can't see out my asshole, genius! And if you pop your bathing cap up my ample butt, I'm not releasing it. The concept of swimming a circuit within each speed zone also seems alien here. Everyone wants to swim up and down their own lane. Nope, this is a public pool. Share, baby, share. All in all, though, despite the inevitable annoyances of sharing finite space in an urban environment, I am thankful for the wonderful resource that is Welles Park, and all the others like it. While there are other cities with more park space than we have, few offer as many recreational options as part of their parks systems. And now that the Chicago Park District's Web site has been vastly improved, getting information online is a cinch.

Nick M.

Yelp

Only the best park in the city and I will tell you why. 1. Host's the Folk & Roots Festival and a lot of the musicians from Old Town hang out and play in the gazebo. 2. For the most part its safe (though I wouldn't hang out in the middle of any park at 3 am), its super clean, and there are always smiling faces here. 3. On top of the baseball diamonds they have a nice rec center. For only $30 dollars a month*** you have access to their workout room, pool, and gymnasium. 4. It has the perfect amount of space for people to play and for people to chill. Lots of trees for those who don't want to sit in the sun and open fields for people that do. 5. Besides being able to watch people play baseball/softball, there is football, soccer, the martial arts place from across the street practices there, the old guys play bocce ball (my favorite), and I've seen our very own Chicago gay ROTC practice twirling their riffles in places that I just won't say. Maybe I'm found of this particular park because I've lived in apartments on two sides and just within 3 blocks of it or maybe it's just a really nice looking park. *** My have changed but I'm sure it's still a great deal.

Penny B.

Yelp

The people are ignorant and useless. I hope they close this field house and open a dog park instead. It is always filthy and they dont go outside and clean just sit and eat all day everyday.

Edell S.

Yelp

Rude pool staff! The life guards (which are literally children themselves) don't know how to properly communicate with parents and adults. One in particular ( a little short blonde one with glasses) was very rude to me. If the park district is going to hire kids to life guard, they should at least make sure they are respectful to the parents and children that come there.

An P.

Yelp

When making long hikes from Albany Park to Lincoln Park, the lakefront, or the Loop by foot, Welles Park stands as an oasis. Plentiful water fountains, baseball diamonds, rafters, benches, tennis courts, swimming pool, gazebo, plenty of grass, spikes for horseshoes, there aren't a lot of things this park is missing. Ideal for BBQ'g, playing outdoor sports, or just sitting in the park and eating a sandwich, Welles Park is one of Chicago's smaller yet cozy public parks. Located near Old Town School of Folk Music as well as the burgeoning Lincoln Square bar and restaurant district, Welles is perfect for families and for outright hanging out. Beware during large fests such as Mayfest and German-American Fest, this surrounding parking spots vanish into a black hole and you will spend a considerable amount of time on the hunt for open parking spots as well as be swarmed by a sea of drunken yuppery.

Kat S.

Yelp

I have some insomnia problems. Many times I meander- frequently here: It's quiet, clean, safe and unbeatable for late-night/early-morning frisbee with the dog. Unlike many Chicago parks, there isn't any panhandlers and never a lot of litter- a sign of diligent maintenance or considerate residents? Don't know but either way, it is appreciated. People are actually NICE, some even charming... Year-round people watching too. Day off with warmer weather? Bring the sunscreen and a hefty book (library across the street on Lincoln). Go to Drew's on Montrose for ice-cream. It's delicious. Colder weather? Buy coffee, watch the dog roll in the snow and enjoy the quiet. Election time: Early voting here. Efficient!

Larry A.

Yelp

I agree with Jack, it's a great place to work out, and it's free until 1PM for those over 65. If I wanted to work out later in the day, as a senior over 65 I could pay a small fee for that. I use 4 of the weight machines for a workout, and there is hardly ever more than one other person using any of them. They are high quality machines in good condition. There are also free weights, Swiss stability balls and a big floor mat, plus the aerobic machines. Sometimes most of the treadmills are in use, maybe one of the rowing machines, but I have a stationary bike at home and only use the weight machines. If you're not a senior, the cost is quite low for residents of Chicago.

David G.

Yelp

Welles Park has some history to it. Abe Saperstein, the founder of the Harlem Globe Trotters, used to coach basketball here. I love running around Welles Park and for the last two seasons I have been using the fitness club facilities. Though the fitness club amenities aren't very expansive, it's cheap. In the fall I paid $40 for three months. In the winter I'm paying $60, but I'm assuming that's due to demand since nobody wants to work out outside in the cold. Still that's very inexpensive compared to most private health clubs, and it's not overwhelming and it's clean. The field house also has an indoor pool which I have yet to take advantage of (it costs extra to get a pool pass). In the summer the park is always rife with activity, from little league baseball, to adult softball games, tennis, and a trail surrounds the park that can be used for running. The location is great, on the south end of Lincoln Square across from the Library. I once watched a concert here for the Folk and Roots Festival. Another time I sat under a tree and read a book. Not the biggest park but for practical purposes it has pretty much everything you need.

Pat A.

Yelp

The Senior Aqua program at Welles Park is the BEST ever! I'm 69 years old, have been going since I was 62. I've never had an instructor in all those years that come even close to the dedication that our instructor, Adam, delivers. I have lost weight, lowered my blood pressure and am invigorated beyond believe because of my work-outs with him. The stretches alone are worth a million!! I swear!! What a professional. He also knows everybody that is in his classes, knows all the swimmers in the other programs and takes a personal interest in making sure the workouts are geared for what is necessary for our whole body. He is encouraging and enthusiastic. I hope he never leaves us but if he does, he repeatedly reminds us that he has given us all the tools to continue with our success. I finally know what my body needs to be healthy. Took long enough, didn't it??

Leah W.

Yelp

This is part of my spree of reviewing parks, because summer is playground season, and Welles is very fun. The playground on Sunnyside Ave is shaded in the afternoon, which gives it a distinct advantage over others in the neighborhood. It also gets quite crowded, but that's never a problem for us. The water feature is a little intimidating to toddlers but I can't wait until she's big enough to have fun splashing in it. (The playground on Montrose is all but abandoned most of the time, which is nice if you & your little one need more space.) As for the rest of the park...back in the day, I used to swim laps in the indoor pool (before I joined the cheapo gym, and then later the nicer gym.) Hurray for public indoor pools -- we might do swimming lessons there for the kid in the fall. The summer concert series at the gazebo is lovely.

Jen A.

Yelp

This is my new favorite running spot. There's a little concrete path that loops around part of the park, which seems kind of boring until you take into account that there is so much going on (softball games, people walking their dogs, people playing tennis) that the scenery really isn't that dull. I really like it for my warm-up miles on long runs. There's a fabulous little gazebo right in the middle of the park, and it looks like the Chicago Park District does a great job of planning events - lots of really cool stuff goes on there. The park is pretty and charming, and - a bonus for runners - there are several water fountains!

Matt S.

Yelp

We love this park, but mostly because it's right by our house. I walk through Welles Park every day on my way to and from the Brown Line - my favorite time is over the summer during Little League, when I can catch snippets of a baseball game on my walk home. Awesome. Our dog loves Welles Park as well - although I'm sure there are plenty of folks who think we're jerks for letting our dog run around there when there's nobody else around.

Shawn C.

Yelp

This is a nice park. It's bounded by Montrose on the South, Sunnyside on the North, Western on the west and Lincoln Ave on the east. It offers a lot, well enough for me. I don't take advantage of like I should. I do like to run around this park as it is safe and in a nice part of the city. Both Lincoln Square and North Center are great neighborhoods. I can't speak for the workout facility, but the swimming area is nice. I'm taking swimming lessons and I've learned more here in two weeks than I did at Y over the entire session. For $22 bucks you can't beat it. I wasted over $150 bucks at the Y... The locker room is adequate. It's not a super nice gym, so I didn't expect those types of amenities. It gets the job done. I do wish they would offer more workout classes though.

Dominic R.

Yelp

Ah, Wells park. Growing up I have played indoor Floor hockey, Bitty Basketball and oh I even learned to swim there! Never played baseball there, i played a a rival park district for that. Sorry! But at my age these days, Wells Park is a short walk away and is my home for "jogging" around or walking the dog.....stopping to watch softball games or Little League Baseball games. The park itself is pretty well maintained as far as the grass and baseball diamonds go, they have water fountains that work....and isn't cluttered with garbage like many other parks. Overall, I can't wait till summer starts again. then you'll see the flocks of young ens walking dogs or playing softball or pushing their kids around. Always a good time.........

Sarah K.

Yelp

Welles Park is one of my favorites in the city. It's fairly small, only one block, but it has a great location. Right across from the library AND Julius Meinl, I can't count the number of times I've gotten a book and then a cup of coffee, then just sit in the park consuming both. There are almost always kids sports going on on the east side of the park, but there's also usually space to relax on the west side. I recently bought a pass for the fitness center, and of the 4 or so facilities I've used, the Welles one is my favorite. It's hardly huge or state of the art, but I go mainly for the cardio and this facility has the most cardio machines (of the places I've been). You're not going to get the same experience you would at a big gym, but for the price it's worth it to me.

Laura I.

Yelp

Ahh, just a hop, skip and jump away from my apartment and I'm roaming about in this great park. I've played softball on these fields, swung on the swings, horseshoed on the horseshoe courts (courts? pits? not sure what they're called) and even found buried treasures. My only complaint is the lack of basketball hoops. Why ever wouldn't you add these here?! I think my new favorite Monday night activity is watching the little 8-10 year old footballers get schooled by their crazy insane coaches yelling their ears off to "take 'em down!" It's better viewing than your normal Monday night football, especially if you're lucky enough to see Coach plow a little kid down to the ground with a cushion mat during their drills. It's so wrong, you can only help but awkwardly laugh. Be sure to get some ice cream from the ice cream cart man and be on the lookout for the old guys playing bocce ball. They're definitely an institution all unto themselves.

Amanda C.

Yelp

Welles Park is a big part of the reason we moved to this neighborhood, and it's why we'll probably stay. I'm writing this while listening to the sweet sweet sounds of the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival from the comfort of my living room, so I'm feeling really great about the park right now. But really: it's big and beautiful and well-maintained and green. It has tennis courts, a pool, a decent (and usually deserted) fitness center, a mysterious and rarely used horseshoe area, and a sweet gazebo. It also has a group of old men who play bocce and yell at each other pretty much every day. It's across the street from the library. There are constant Little League games and multiple food carts. For about a month and a half, there was a giant lake near Lincoln Ave and we became THE hotspot for northside seagulls. What more could I ask for?

Q M.

Yelp

What a nice little place to spend an afternoon. There are families and dogs running around, but still lots of space to sit and read a book or just people watch. Great location, great park.

Earl R.

Yelp

The brand new spank'n playlot is open. It is fantastic. Great equipment for toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers. It is well shaded and the rubber flooring is cushy enough to prevent serious harm. If it gets too crowded, you can head over to the older lot on the south end of the park.

Hans A.

Yelp

My sister introduced me to the field house at Welles Park. I love the pool; I have to say that they have a nice locker room with roomier lockers that fit your big gym bag and towel. The showers are nice as well; they are not that annoying push and timer control type. They are actual knobs and you can control how hot or cold you like it. The pool is nice as well and they are working on their enclosure for the pool. They have construction going on for their windows. There is a large plastic tarp around the windows. The water was not heavily chlorinated and there temperature was good. I have met a few lifeguards as they come here for the late night adult swim hour. One lifeguard told me this is where he gets his swimming work out. I am a fair swimmer and I have yet to encounter any rude swimmers. I have gone during the summer and have not encountered as much as a swim rats or pool monkeys. They have a nice work out room and the grounds out side are well kept. There right across from a public library. The most striking feature of the park is the gazebo. Speaking to the field house manager; he told me they have out door concerts in the summer time and even weddings here. He informed me I could find multiple activities on the Chicago Park District web site. I must admit that I have been here only by bike and bus and speaking to my sister she has told me its shear hell finding parking in the summer. I have been here a few times now and I just wish the park district would make another field house like this one in other Chicago locations maybe Rogers Park further North. Over all a wonderful park and the people who work here are helpful and nice. The people who use the park seem really nice as well.

B. L.

Yelp

This giant park hosts the annual Old Town School Folk and Roots festival. The rest of the year it's just your regular Chicago park where people are chillin' or playin' softball or whatever. There is an excellent branch of the Chgo. Public Library across the street. You may want to grab a book and come here and get some sun before winter comes around.

Carrie-Pagitt R.

Yelp

Nice large green space in the city. Nice community involvement. Happening lively place. Plays in the park, movies in the park... Nice family park. Decent parking, great public transport access. Near dining. Indoor pool is nice at the rec. This location youth classes fill very very quickly! There are 2 different play areas, 1 new, 1 old. Neither are great for the older child. ( 6 and 8) We still enjoy this area for the wide open spaces but to really play on the equipment this isn't my kids first choice.

peter f.

Yelp

Fantastic indoor pool open year round. Would give this park 5 stars but the men's locker room is pretty filthy. The floors are disgusting and the lockers can be pretty dirty inside. It would help if the floors were bleached and then cleaned at least once a week. Also they have theft problems. Other than the locker room issues it's a great public park. Plenty of green space, beautiful gazebo, tennis courts, ball fields, children's playground. Indoor workout center & gymnasium.

Jessica M.

Yelp

This is my neighborhood park. It's pretty perfect. It's got a pool and a fieldhouse and a playground. It's even got a little bandstand. And the squirrels here will eat out of your hand.

Marge S.

Yelp

DO NOT SIGN YOUR CHILD UP FOR SWIMMING LESSONS HERE!!! I am HORRIFIED by the male teacher that is in charge of the swimming program. He literally YELLS at the children in class. My son is 8 years old, and has been in Learn to Swim classes through the CPD for the past two years (at Eckhart and Sheridan parks), and has always loved his lessons. I am SO disappointed in our experience at Welles this session. My child needs to learn how to swim, not how to be scared to go to swimming class because there is a big scary adult screaming at everyone. I am a teacher myself, and I can assure you that there are numerous other ways to command the attention of a group of children and effectively teach them something without screaming at them to get them to obey you out of fear. I understand that he wants everyone to be safe, but this seems like a thinly veiled excuse for a lack of strategies other than screaming to teach children how to swim. At both Sheridan and Eckhart parks none of the teachers ever screamed at the children the way this man does, and those swimming lessons went fabulously.

Melissa D.

Yelp

I love this park! I have spent many a Sundays playing softball here and it's great. It's a beautiful park that is always full of people doing all different sorts of activities on warm days. It's a great place to cookout with friends, to sunbathe, read a book or to people watch. I agree with Matt-it's super fun to randomly sit and watch a Little League game. So cute!

Ba R.

Yelp

Fun parks for my 5yo. Very family-friendly, nice crowd, if a touch "upscale" at times. All kinds of stuff going on. Also, bring a change of clothes for the kids on a hot day, they've got some sprinklers.

Debra L.

Yelp

I think this picturesque park is a near perfect neighborhood park. It sits on a prime location in Lincoln Square where restaurants and pubs are just steps away. Where do I begin? It's a green oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It's a great place to people watch or read a book as it borders on Sulzer Regional Library. The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful Victorian gazebo. If you have kids there are two separate playground areas. The playground on the northwest corner seems much newer than the one on the opposite side of the park. Now that spring is here the park is teeming with families and little leaguers. There's also a crepe stand making a variety of fresh French crepes. I did mention that this park is near perfect but one thing that was kind of disturbing was a light post just feet away from one of the playgrounds with exposed electrical wires. This could be an accident waiting to happen. Other than that, this park is an idyllic place to visit and enjoy.

T L A.

Yelp

This review is for the pool--specifically at lap swimming time-- and the staff around it. What a lucky thing it is to live in Chicago. People complain about the taxes, but perhaps they should try taking advantage of some of the things their taxes support. Like, for instance, the Welles Park Pool. It's a gem. No, the locker rooms are not fancy, but they're kept clean and warm. You can lock your stuff in a locker (bring a lock), or carry it with you to the pool deck. The water sparkles, the natatorium is surrounded by trees and windows, there are plenty of kickboards or whatever workout floats you need. The guards are helpful and pleasant. The other swimmers are courteous, and happy to share a lane, though it's not crowded and you will often have a lane to yourself. My only quibble is that the water for the showers is not much more than a drip, so if you really want to shampoo or soap up, it can be a project. But it's the water in the pool that counts. Did I mention that it's amazingly cheap? Lap swimming for three months is something like $45 bucks. One more reason to be proud of a city that provides great services, if you want to use them.

Erica C.

Yelp

I have made use of this pool on 3 occasions. The locker rooms are OK not as nice as the ones at Gill but it is a large locker room. The water in the pool is always warm and one one occasion a bit too warm. The swimmers are friendly here like they are at Chase Park. Some of the swimmers are the same swimmers from Chase as well. I did run into a rather confusing afternoon on a Friday with water walkers crossing back and forth across the shallow end. This made lap swimming very difficult. A few of us tried to utilize the deep and do laps across that way but there were a few swimmers that insisted on crossing the water walkers and us doing laps across the deep end. This was during Adult Swim. I have been over for Adult Lap to find it less chaotic. Right now the pool is closed for remodeling for the next 3 weeks. I look forward to it reopening so I can make it a part of my fall-winter swim routine

Steve P.

Yelp

They have a fitness center that has used equipment. The problem is if you work out on Saturday afternoons and want to take a shower, you'll have no privacy because it's family swim and you'll have boys and girls running around the men's locker room. Plan accordingly.

Joonho Y.

Yelp

Awesome Large Park. Well Maintained. The Kids Playground (Fully Enclosed) is one of the better ones I've been to, and there is a "Sprinkler" there that my Kids LOVE. I have a Park that is closer to me, but I often Drive to this one. There are also a bunch of places to eat just across the street, so it can be convenient for a Full Day Outing.

Fate O.

Yelp

Wow, this is a PRETTY park with playground, fields, and even a water park (I noticed it has indoor pool, too). When I read the review about it being small, I totally disagree. I think this is a great size of a park with a nice gazebo. I love that they have "Tuesdays at the Gazebo" with free music concert. It's like Ravinia but a mini-version and with extra ammenity. A kid can swing while rocking to beautiful beats; a jogger can exercise without having iPod on; or a family can do picnic without needing to bring a radio.

Margaret P.

Yelp

My cell phone was stolen from the men's locker room - locker 4. I used a padlock, but apparently with that locker you can just yank the door open even if your lock is in it.

Ish Z.

Yelp

Pretty cool park. Safe. Gym rates and classes are very reasonable. They have open gym and pool on a schedule too. Outside is pretty well maintained. Tennis courts are okay. The actual fieldhouse is pretty bare-bones though as far as machines.

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Welles Park

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/lincoln-square/welles-park

Welles (Gideon) Park

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

Chicago

Welles (Gideon) Park

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Lincoln Square

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/lincoln-square

Welles (Gideon) Park

Icaro P.

Google

Lucas F.

Google

Purposeful M.

Google

Kelsey Ledyard R.

Google

Nicole B.

Google

Chris M.

Google

This park is a neighborhood gem, lots of space, indoor swimming pool and basketball courts, kids playground, baseball fields, pickeball courts, and a nature walk area.

Michelle

Google

M. F.

Google

Kathy C.

Yelp

Danny R.

Yelp

Love going here with my toddlers. Clean and life guards are great about ensuring everyone is playing safely. There is plenty to do for all different ages

Aesha E.

Yelp

Christina N.

Yelp

The DIRTIEST fitness center I've ever used. This is despite the fact that they're closed from 1pm-2pm every day for "cleaning." Seems like it's lazy people taking an extra break.

Kathleen C.

Yelp

Fox E.

Yelp

Jacqueline F.

Yelp

Linda H.

Yelp

A great way to spend a Tuesday night in the city! Free concert. Beautiful weather. Great park! Great people to be with!

Roseann M.

Yelp

Mikey J.

Yelp

Bill M.

Yelp

Sean H.

Yelp

Nice facility, dated but well maintained. Ample street parking. The stadium around the pool can be hot in the winter.

Liz J.

Yelp

Colleen C.

Yelp

Paul W.

Yelp

Nick M.

Yelp

Penny B.

Yelp

The people are ignorant and useless. I hope they close this field house and open a dog park instead. It is always filthy and they dont go outside and clean just sit and eat all day everyday.

Edell S.

Yelp

An P.

Yelp

Kat S.

Yelp

Larry A.

Yelp

David G.

Yelp

Pat A.

Yelp

Leah W.

Yelp

Jen A.

Yelp

Matt S.

Yelp

Shawn C.

Yelp

Dominic R.

Yelp

Sarah K.

Yelp

Laura I.

Yelp

Amanda C.

Yelp

Q M.

Yelp

What a nice little place to spend an afternoon. There are families and dogs running around, but still lots of space to sit and read a book or just people watch. Great location, great park.

Earl R.

Yelp

Hans A.

Yelp

B. L.

Yelp

Carrie-Pagitt R.

Yelp

peter f.

Yelp

Jessica M.

Yelp

This is my neighborhood park. It's pretty perfect. It's got a pool and a fieldhouse and a playground. It's even got a little bandstand. And the squirrels here will eat out of your hand.

Marge S.

Yelp

Melissa D.

Yelp

Ba R.

Yelp

Debra L.

Yelp

T L A.

Yelp

Erica C.

Yelp

Steve P.

Yelp

Joonho Y.

Yelp

Fate O.

Yelp

Margaret P.

Yelp

My cell phone was stolen from the men's locker room - locker 4. I used a padlock, but apparently with that locker you can just yank the door open even if your lock is in it.

Ish Z.

Yelp

Welles (Gideon) Park

Information

Postcards

Media

On the Grid : Welles Park

On the Grid : Lincoln Square

You might also like

On the Grid : Welles Park

On the Grid : Lincoln Square