As World War II drew to a close, the city began creating many new playgrounds and playlots to serve Chicago's growing population of young children. By 1950, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation had created a 1/3-acre playlot on land leased from the Board of Education in the Avondale neighborhood. As the bureau's practice was then to name parks for adjacent streets, the site became known as Elston Park. The street name honors Daniel Elston, a merchant, banker, and real estate speculator who was elected as alderman in 1837, when Chicago had only six wards. The Chicago Park District acquired Elston Park in 1991 from the Board of Education. Park District improvements made the following year include a new soft surface playground.

Elston Playlot Park is a 0.52 acre park located in the Avondale neighborhood (one block east of Kedzie Avenue, 2 ½ blocks north of Belmont).  In summer 2015 the park received a new playground as part of the Chicago Plays! Renovation Program.

While there is no structured programming taking place at this location, we invite you to check out our great programs offered at nearby Brands Park.