neighborhood parks

The Skokie Park District boasts one of the most impressive collections of natural resources, historical sites, indoor and outdoor facilities in the northern suburbs. Devonshire Park (N Greenwood Rd & Kostner Ave, 847-674-1500) is a notable Skokie park with 13 acres of grounds that house excellent athletic and recreational facilities. Devonshire received a nearly $4 million renovation in 1995, which included the installation of a new aquatic center, reconstruction and enlargement of the community and cultural center, and restoration of the basketball courts. The park also features three outdoor tennis courts, a baseball/softball field, a playground, and several covered picnic areas. Central Park (Emerson St & Central Park Ave, 847-674-1500) is an equally nice park that was also received an overhaul in the early 1990s. The 10-acre park includes two basketball courts, four tennis courts, two baseball/softball fields, and a children's playground. Plus, there's a large picnic area that often hosts large functions in the summer. If you're in the mood to get away from civilization for a little bit and to go for a walk in the woods, then the 13-acre Emily Oaks Nature Center (Brummel St & Kenton Ave, 847-674-1500) is where you want to go. The site was purchased from the Cook County Forest Preserve in 1929, and for the better part of the next 50 years it was allowed to go wild. In the 1980s, a multifunctional environmental facility was built, and later a couple of shelters and an open-air amphitheatre were added. In addition, trails were cut through the woods and a new shoreline deck was added at the edge of the pond. Oakton Park (Oakton St & Skokie Blvd, 847-674-1500) is the largest park in Skokie, with more than 20 acres of fields and athletic facilities. The park is adjacent to Emily Park, and the combined land area makes up one of the bigger green spaces in the northern Chicago suburbs. The site includes the Skokie Water Playground, a water park with two long slides and fountains. There are also four tennis courts, two baseball fields, and a large playground.