Union Park Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Tennis and Pickleball Courts

Ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of outdoor court upgrades and improvements

CHICAGO - Monday, November 4 at 1:30 pm, the Chicago Park District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new tennis court and pickleball courts at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño, Vice Mayor and Alderman of the 27th Ward Walter Burnett and other members of the community will gather to celebrate the $1 million investment.

"Over the first two years of our investment in Pickleball Mania, we have witnessed the extraordinarily positive response in the game and knew that it was important to provide additional opportunities for park patrons to play across the city," said Escareño. "Inclement weather is no match for a pickleball player, and we invite everyone to layer up and enjoy the game at Union Park."

Union Park upgrades include playground resurfacing, pathway paving, new lighting and the conversion of the two existing tennis courts into one refurbished tennis court and four new pickleball courts. The court project includes repairs, resurfacing, and grading improvements to the court surfaces and a resurfaced ADA-accessible pathway to the courts.

With support from Alderman Burnett, the Park District secured $1 million in Tax Increment Financing for Union Park improvements that were completed over the course of the last year.

"As one of the city's oldest parks, Union Park has stood the test of time and has a rich history. For over 170 years, it served as a meeting place for families, athletics, music, and demonstrations. In the early 1900s, it was one of the only racially integrated parks in the city," said Vice Mayor Walter Burnett, Jr., 27th Ward alderman. "The upgrades to the park mean more accessible recreation and improved facilities. I was proud to work with the community and the Park District to secure funding to ensure that the park continues to meet the demands of this vibrant neighborhood."

The court improvements are part of a larger, citywide Pickleball Mania program at the Park District. By 2025, more than 200 pickleball courts will be added to the Park District's inventory.