Address: 1510 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Website: Central Park - Oak Brook Park District Page
Hours Of Operation:
Dawn to dusk, 7 days a week
In October 2021, Plei expanded into our 7th market, Chicago, Illinois. 💜
Beyond our partnerships with private pickup facilities, we also work to have a presence at the fields found at local public parks! Central Park in Oak Brook is one of those. As part of our ongoing blog series, we will be highlighting all of our partner fields in every region where Plei has touched down. 🛬
Keep reading to learn more about this next addition to our Chicago Soccer Network! 👇
Not to be confused with the famous Central Park found in the heart of the Big Apple, Greater Chicago’s version of Central Park is an icon in its own right.
Just west of Chi-Town in Oak Brook, IL, this 173-acre public complex boasts a long list of incredible amenities, so there’s no surprise as to why it’s a massive part of the Oak Brook Park District and the community as a whole. 🏞️
Before we dive into why this park is a go-to spot for the entire community, we have to talk about the coolest part of this park first…
You guessed it! The footy deets take priority, so let’s start there. 😎
On three (3) of the Central Park pitches, we will be featuring full-sized 11v11 matches with end-to-end excitement. These beautifully maintained fields are perfect for players who really love the beautiful game. These high-quality turf fields are designed to accommodate all levels of play, from the casual player to the seasoned veteran! ⚽
Though we’ll be hosting games on three fields, Central Park has an abundance of footy pitches at your disposal! How many more, you ask? In total, Central Park boasts twelve (12) fields, which includes the three we mentioned before. So, no matter how many people are at the park, you’ll always have a spot to play the beautiful game.
We know Central Park is big, but don’t worry! We’ll break down where you can locate each field so you can play without worries. 🗺️
On the northern side of the park, closest to Kensington Rd, you’ll find eight (8) of their twelve fields. Left of the basketball courts, there are two full-sized grass pitches large enough to fit 11v11 matches. To the right of the basketball courts, you’ll find six (6) grass fields of varying sizes. No matter the game size, you’ll always have a field here for you! 👌
With these fields conveniently placed near a parking lot, you’ll be able to hop out and walk to the field with ease.
In the center of Central Park (yes, pun intended 😅), there are an additional three (3) grass fields just west of the tennis courts. One pitch is full-sized for 11v11, while the other two are each about half its size.
Just south of those grass fields, there’s one final footy pitch called the Evergreen Bank Group Athletic Field. This field distinguishes itself as being the only one in Central Park equipped with synthetic turf and features overhead lights as well as a digital scoreboard! 🏟️
You may also notice that this pitch can be split into two smaller ones, providing an extra sense of versatility to a park that already boasts so much of it.
That’s because footy isn’t the only sport that Central Park accommodates, either. If you like to hoop, you have to check out their two (2) basketball courts, equipped with benches and a pavilion. These courts are painted blue and green so you can’t miss them! ⛹️
Looking to improve your tennis game? You’re in luck! Central Park has a variety of courts that will allow you to play tennis year-round! They have eight (8) outdoor tennis courts if you’re trying to have some fun in the sun. 🎾☀️
If playing indoors is more your vibe, Central Park has a Tennis Center that really takes things up an entire level. This indoor facility offers eight (8) blue/green courts with aerial viewing lounges. Their indoor courts are indirectly lit, meaning you can enjoy the game without glare or blindspots. The flooring on all eight courts are cushioned to prevent leg fatigue and provide a more resilient bounce. 🎾🏠
If you lose or forget any equipment, Central Park’s Tennis Center also has a pro shop for all your tennis needs. They also have a fitness room, saunas, three (3) racquetball courts and locker rooms. You will need a membership to access all the amenities at the Tennis Center. For more information on how to get one, check out their membership opportunities site. 🪪
Tennis isn’t the only net sport that’s getting some love from Central Park either. This park also offers a sand volleyball court! Who said you can’t have a piece of the beach in this part of Illinois? Grab some friends, take off your shoes and serve up some good times on their sand volleyball courts. 🏐
Even though Central Park - Oak Brook Park District is a great place to play sports, it also has amazing amenities for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. With an expansive walking and biking path, this park is a perfect place to get some fresh air and take in the natural surroundings. There is also a fishing pond and a fishing pier for those who enjoy relaxing near a body of water. 🎣
Central Park is a fun place for the little explorers in your family, as well. This park has various playgrounds for your kids to choose from. One of these playgrounds is an aquatic playground that is designed for kids to cool off from the warmest of summer days. 🌊
Created in 1962, The Oak Brook Park District has a history of providing incredible spaces for all people of the community to enjoy. Central Park, bordered by Jorie Boulevard, Kensington Road, Route 83, and Forest Gate Road, has so many exciting amenities, we could go on forever about them. If it isn’t already, this park will be your new favorite place for recreation and relaxation in no time! 🧘🌳
For more information on sports offerings and programming at this facility, don’t hesitate to visit their website. 🔗
Plei first hosted a pickup game at Central Park on July 20, 2024, and we continue to play here today.
Convinced yet? Give Oak Brook’s Central Park a try now! Download Plei now from the App Store or Google Play and sign up for a pickup game today. ⚽💜
