Old Town’s Historic Cooley High Site to Become New Park with $4 Million Revamp

Photo byPatrick Filbin/Block Club Chicago

The Chicago Park District has allocated $4 million to transform the former site of Cooley High into Park 598, a 4-acre space in Old Town. The park, which will include a playground, walking path, adult fitness area, and dog-friendly zones, is expected to open by the end of 2025. The park's development stems from collaboration between the community, the Chicago Housing Authority, and the Park District.

A significant piece of Old Town’s history is being repurposed to breathe new life into the community. The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners recently approved a $4 million investment to develop Park 598, located at 1500 N. Larrabee St. The park is being constructed on land that was once home to Cooley High School, an iconic institution immortalized in the 1975 coming-of-age film of the same name, directed by Eric Monte, who grew up in the nearby Cabrini-Green housing projects.

Park 598 will include a walking path, plaza, playground, adult fitness area, and a designated dog-friendly section, offering Old Town residents a variety of spaces for relaxation and recreation. “Parks truly activate communities and provide vital resources for children and families to thrive,” said Rosa Escareño, superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, in a statement.

The development of the park is a part of the city's ongoing efforts to enhance green spaces in underserved areas. Once home to Near North High School, which closed in 2001 due to declining enrollment and financial challenges, the land has remained underutilized for over two decades. The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) transferred the site to the Park District in May 2019, initiating plans to transform it into a public park.

The generic name "Park 598" reflects the park’s numerical position as the city’s 598th park. However, Chicagoans are encouraged to submit proposals for a more fitting name that resonates with the park's historical significance and community roots.

Community feedback played a pivotal role in shaping the park’s design, ensuring it met the needs of local residents. The park’s dog-friendly area will feature spaces for both small and large dogs, complete with artificial turf, concrete surfaces, and a drinking fountain for furry visitors.

Construction is set to begin soon, with Bear Construction LLC handling the project. The park is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, giving the Near North community a long-awaited green space to call their own.

Historical Significance
Before becoming the future home of Park 598, this land held deep historical value as the site of Cooley High, a public high school serving residents of the Cabrini-Green housing projects. Cooley High left a lasting cultural mark when it was depicted in the 1975 film that captured the struggles and triumphs of Black youth in the 1960s.

Despite its fame, Cooley High was closed in 1978 due to declining enrollment and budget shortfalls, much like its successor, Near North High School, which was shuttered in 2001. The area, now part of a transforming Near North Side, is ready to move forward while honoring its rich past.

The revitalization of this land into a community park signals a new chapter for Old Town, and with community-focused amenities and historical reverence, Park 598 is set to play a central role in the neighborhood's continued growth.