40 Parks in 40 Days is a series highlighting the parks of the Palatine Park District. Additional photos of our 40 Parks in 40 Days series can be found at www.facebook.com/palatineparks.
Community Park is located in the heart of Palatine at the corner of Palatine Road and Northwest Highway. The park started with the purchase of 1.045 acres for $3,700 in 1945. Parcels were added in 1947, 1948, 1949, 1966, 1969, 1979, 1993, and 2006 and the total acreage of the park is now 15.543 acres. The park includes athletic fields for football, baseball, soccer and softball, a preschool, ice skating in the winter when the weather cooperates, a basketball court, a skate park, a 19.5’ X 40’ shelter, and a brand new playground that was installed in 2012.
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Also located at the park is the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater. The amphitheater opened in June of 1988 and is sometimes referred to as “Little Ravinia.” Many concerts are offered at the amphitheater all summer long, and the facility is also used by many community groups including the Jaycees who use it for their annual Hometown Fest.
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East of the park is the Clayson House Museum, home to the Palatine Historical Society. This building has been jointly owned by the Palatine Park District and the Palatine Public Library District since 1976. Clayson House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 21, 1979, and opened to the public on October 7, 1979.
Located just west of the park is the Family Aquatic Center, which opened in June 1999. The 1,300 capacity water park includes two 180-foot slides, two tot slides, a waterfall and cave-like area, a sand play area, a six lane lap pool, water play bubbles and sprayers, a large lawn area, three rentable picnic areas, and a concession stand.
Located just north of the park is the Community Center, home to the Palatine Park District administrative offices. The building is on a 9.53 acre parcel acquired for $660,000 from School District 211 in 1977 when the new Palatine High School was opened. The facility includes offices, a gymnasium, a band room, a dance room, a walking track, the Community Fitness Center, and many classrooms. Out behind the building is Ost Field, featuring an outdoor track, a large turf field area, and a playground. Two tennis courts and sand volleyball are located on the east side of the building. The Village of Palatine also has offices in the Community Center building.
Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, originally built in 1928, and acquired by the park district in 1977, is just west of the Community Center. This 430 seat theater is home to many park district performing groups, and is rented by a variety of community theater groups as well.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.
Local Voices contributor Joan Scovic is the Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator for Palatine Park District.
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