Sometimes the only thing separating a jaded Chicagoan from nirvana is a rusty guardrail.
How many times had I looked at this sign without seeing? Finally, one fateful day, responding to its call, I discovered the glories of Waveland Park, which lies at the end of Recreation Drive.
This large old lakeside park boasts tennis courts, playing fields for baseball and soccer, a nine-hole golf course, access to Belmont Harbor, picnic areas, magnificent lake and city views, and a bird sanctuary. The lakefront bike and running trail passes through.
In recent years, the golf course, named after Sydney R. Marovitz, a Chicago judge, has been spiffed up. Golf-carts are available. Amenities include a decent cafe. On a recent afternoon, its decks were sporting umbrella tables, where patrons were enjoying sandwiches and beer, without having to be separated from their dogs.
Click on any image to enlarge.
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- Recreation Drive carries you away from Lake Shore Drive and its dense population.
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- Being able to see the city from the park only heightens one’s sense of sweet liberation.
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- The park is surprisingly extensive, despite being largely invisible from outside.
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- A nine-hole golf course is one of the park’s chief treasures.
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- Are those the sands of Lake Michigan on its perimeter?
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- The ninth hole. Not bad for the city.
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- Golfers head for the Clock Tower Fieldhouse and the Clock Tower Cafe.
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- We noticed the boats returning to Belmont Harbor.
Harley says
I have driven by that area many times-never taken the time to see what there is. Soon, I will check it out. Nice, very nice photos and captions.
Celia says
Check out the cafe, if nothing else. May be able to get a good hot dog there.
Shawn Hazen says
So funny—when I see that, I always say to myself “I HAVE to check that out! How could it not be great?”
Now maybe I finally will!
Celia says
You won’t be sorry, even if all you do is lie on the grass, or look out at the lake