Ping Tom Memorial Park, opened in 1999, offers over 17 acres of green space with stunning Chinese landscape elements, providing a vibrant recreational area for Chicago's Chinatown. The park replaced Hardin Square and Stanford Park, which were lost to urban development in the 1960s.
Ping Tom Memorial Park's Red Boardwalk (2024) by Site Design Ltd.Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Blending Chinese landscape design with riverfront recreation, it stands near the historic start of Route 66—symbolizing both the community’s perseverance and Chinatown’s connection to a highway of journeys, migration, and cultural exchange.
This connection extends beyond Chinatown to other significant Asian American communities, such as "New Chinatown," also known as "Asia on Argyle," in the West Argyle Historic District. Photos of this area highlight the ties between Chicago's Asian American communities and iconic landmarks like Route 66, celebrating their shared cultural and historical significance.
Tap to explore
Dan Ryan Expressway Construction (1960) by WayOutWardellAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Chinatown's lost parks
In 1962, these parks were demolished to make way for the Dan Ryan Expressway. Their loss left Chinatown without recreational spaces for decades, despite city promises to replace them. This deeply affected the community and underscored the need for new green spaces.
It wasn’t until the late 1980s, with the development of Chinatown Square on the former Santa Fe rail yard, that efforts to create a community park were reignited. The Chinatown Riverside Park Advisory Council began advocating for a new green space, sparking the eventual creation of Ping Tom Memorial Park.
Tap to explore
In 1991, the Chinatown Riverside and Park Advisory Council (CRPAC), led by Raymond Lee—a prominent Chinatown business leader and member of the Chicago Park District Board—secured 12 acres along the Chicago River for the park's construction.
Site Design Group Ltd. was hired to develop the park's master plan and design its first phase, marking a major milestone in the effort to create a much-needed green space for the Chinatown community.
Ping Tom Sculpture (2019-01-01) by Asla IllinoisAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
A legacy honored
This milestone came to fruition in 1999 with the completion of the park's first phase. On October 2 of that year, the Chicago Park District officially dedicated the park to Ping Tom, fulfilling a decades-long dream of a recreational space for Chinatown.
The park's dedication honors Ping Tom, a visionary leader who, in 1984, founded the Chinese American Development Corporation. His efforts not only transformed the Santa Fe rail yard into Chinatown Square but also laid the foundation for the park’s creation.
Leonard Louis and Plaque (2013-10-14) by Patrick Pyszka/City of ChicagoAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
The work behind the scenes
Following the park's opening, Leonard M. Louie established the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council. Working closely with local organizations, Louie spearheaded efforts to expand the park and see future phases completed, ensuring the community’s needs continued to be met.
PTM Riverfront Walkway Extension (2020-05-07) by Andrew BruahAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Future phases included recreational facilities and the north riverfront’s development between 16th and 18th Streets. The park’s iconic red boardwalk, visible along the Chicago River, became a signature feature.
PTMP Boathouse (2012) by Terra Engineering Ltd.Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Ping Tom boathouse
Designed by Johnson and Lee Architects, the 2013 structure features a metal canopy, pathways, ramps to a floating dock, and landscaped outdoor plazas, enriching the park’s appeal.
PTMP Fieldhouse (2013-03-05) by Terry W.Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Leonard M. Louie fieldhouse
Completed in 2015 and dedicated to Leonard M. Louie, it houses a gymnasium, swimming pool, fitness center, community rooms, and a skyline patio. Nearby are the "Stone Talk" sculpture and a bust of Leonard Louie.
Judge Laura Liu
A statue of Judge Laura Cha-Yu Liu honors her achievements as the first Chinese American woman to serve on Illinois' Circuit and Appellate Courts and the first Chinese American elected to public office.
Under the 18th Street Bridge, stunning murals commissioned by the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council add vibrant beauty, enhancing the park's artistic and cultural landscape.
Ping Tom Memorial Park Path (2019-09-16) by Shravan R.Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Where we gather
Ping Tom Memorial Park is more than green space for Chinatown—it places the neighborhood at the gateway of Route 66. Its location ties local history to a national story of movement and exchange, showing how community identity shapes America’s broader journey.
Chicago Architecture and Landscape Design. “Ping Tom Park.” Google Arts & Culture, n.d.
“Chicago’s Flourishing Chinatown Means Growth for City, Asian Americans.” Chicago Sun-Times, 22 June 2013, https://chicago.suntimes.com.
“Chicago Murals: Chinatown Brims with Andy Bellomo Mural at Ping Tom Park, Other Public Art.” Chicago Sun-Times, 6 July 2018, https://chicago.suntimes.com.
Ping Tom Park Advisory Council. Ping Tom Memorial Park, n.d.
Public Art in Chicago. “Chicago's Chinatown: Ping Tom Memorial Park.” Public Art in Chicago, 19 Oct. 2011, http://publicartinchicago.wordpress.com.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.