No matter the season, Hyde Park’s abundant parks system invites residents for a brisk jog, a friendly game of Frisbee or a turn on the skateboard. Whether you choose Washington Park, Jackson Park, Florence Stout Park, Nichols Park, Cornell Park, Elm Park, Kenwood Park or Drexel Savare Park, you’ll find the acreage you need to stretch out.

For a change in scenery, check out the Japanese garden known as Osaka Garden in the Paul Douglas Nature Sanctuary, or watch for Green Monk parakeets at Harold Washington Park. Smell the wildflowers our citizens maintain at Nichols Park. Or visit Promontory Point, which offers a shaded view of Lake Michigan as a back drop for your family picnic.

Organized athletic programs introduce youth to exciting sports like soccer and baseball (is there a future White Soxer or Cubbie in the crowd?), and many families take full advantage of the opportunities. Hyde Park supports one of the largest co-ed Little Leagues in Chicago, and the cheers of proud parents echo into the summer nights. But there’s plenty of room for a friendly pick-up game of basketball, an unscheduled tennis match or an impromptu bike ride, too. And, of course, the simple joys of swingsets, teeter-totters and sandboxes dot the landscape as well. Expect to see our city parks consistently appear on various area media "best of" lists.

Our close proximity to three swimming beaches — Jackson Park Beach, 57th St. Beach and 49th St. Beach — provide residents with a quick dip to cool off during the sultry summer days. And who could resist an afternoon lounging in the sand with an iced drink and latest bestseller?

We even maintain an 18-hole golf course for those who don’t want the hassles of driving into the far suburbs to find challenging links.

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