Most visitors to Chicago have probably never heard of Oz Park, but thanks to some research done by Candee, Polly #2 was curious about the park and went there to see what it was like.
Oz Park is located in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago. It was started in the 1960’s as a way to improve the area, which is just north of the city, and easily reached by bus. According to wikipedia, Lyman Frank Baum, children’s author and creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was a resident of the Lincoln Park area in the 1890’s. As a way to honor the book, movie, and author, Wizard of Oz fans would gather there every year, and in 1976, it was officially named Oz Park. Statues of the main characters of the book were added over a 20 year period.
Dorothy, Toto, and Polly!
The Cowardly Lion
In the 13.32 acre park is a walking/biking trail, and an athletic field with basketball courts, volleyball court, and tennis courts. The garden in the park is named The Emerald Garden, and the playground is called Dorothy’s Playlot. The day we were there, the whole park was alive with people. Some were playing on the athletic field, many children and their parents were enjoying the playground, and there were numerous joggers and walkers using the trail. It was almost hard to believe that you were close to a big city like Chicago when you were walking through the park.
The Emerald Garden
The Tin Man
The Scarecrow
Tags: Polly 2
June 18th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Great post! Mission accomplished! Which character was your favorite in the movie, and which one did you like in the park? In the movie, my favorite characters were the tin man and the cowardly lion. In the park…the cowardly lions ROCKS!
June 19th, 2012 at 6:12 am
I loved all the characters in the movie, but I’d have to say the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man were my very favorites. In the park, I think I’m going to lean towards the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow as my favorites, even though I thought all the statues were great. The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to visit the park!
June 19th, 2012 at 6:15 am
I’ve been to Chicago several times, but I’ve never heard of Oz Park. I’m a big Wizard of Oz fan, and I’m going to try to find it the next time I’m in the Chicago area. Thanks for putting this information out about the park.
Shawna
June 27th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan! I didn’t know there was a park like this in Chicago…thanks for the post