Events
May
27
Location:
2936 W. 85th St.
Chicago, IL 60652
Supervisor:
Branden Hicks
Phone Numbers:
Main
(312) 747-6177
Hours
Park Hours
Description
Located in the Ashburn/Wrightwood community area, Hayes Park totals 20.26 acres and features a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a multi-purpose room.
Park-goers can participate in the Park Kids after school program, seasonal sports, adult & youth fitness classes, aquatics. During the summer, youth attend the Park District’s popular six-week day camp.
In addition to programs, Hayes Park hosts fun special events throughout the year for the entire family, such as holiday themed-events.
History
At the close of World War II, the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ adopted a ten-year plan to increase recreational opportunities in under-served Chicago neighborhoods. The southwest side Ashburn neighborhood had remained sparsely settled as late as 1940, but its population began to surge immediately after the war. In 1946, the Park District selected a 20-acre park site at 83rd and South Richmond. Though land acquisition was completed before the end of 1948, park development did not begin for a number of years. In 1956, the Park District sold several acres at the north end of the Ashburn Park site to the Board of Education for a much-needed elementary school. Park improvements began at about the same time, and the new Ashburn Park with its winding walkways, ballfields, and small recreational building opened to the public in 1957. For twenty years, the park district and the Board of Education jointly operated Ashburn Park and Carroll Elementary School, offering recreational programming at both. In the mid-1970s, the Park District and the Board of Education terminated their joint venture, and the Park District built a new brick fieldhouse.
At the same time, the park was renamed in honor of respected local figure Father Francis D. Hayes (1903--1976). Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1927, Fr. Hayes came to the "wide open spaces" of Ashburn in 1946 to found a parish there. Under Hayes' leadership, the St. Thomas More Parish grew with the Ashburn community. Hayes retired in 1972, but was still serving as St. Thomas More's pastor emeritus at the time of his death in 1976.
Schedules
Advisory Council
Contact:
Elaine Mc Gee Wadie, President
Meeting Details:
2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Parking/Directions
For directions using public transportation visit .
Map & Facilities
Hayes Football/Soccer Field
Hayes In the Swim | Artwork
