Spotlight on Darien Community Park

Located at the corner of Clarendon Hills Road and Plainfield Road, Darien Community Park comprises about 20 acres. Though small, it’s an interesting place to stop for a quick walk.

Getting Around

There is a parking lot at each of the two playgrounds; one is off of Plainfield Road and the other off of 71st Street, with additional parking along 71st. There aren’t a lot of spaces, though, so if you visit on a busy day you might be out of luck!

Amenities

A winding asphalt trail takes you around the park perimeter, then crosses over halfway through. You will pass pickleball and tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball court, and baseball field. There are also two pavilions. In addition to the other amenities, there is a a VFW memorial for those who served in the armed forces including POW and MIA.

The walkway is sporadically covered with mature trees to provide shade on hot days. The sprawling grassy areas are perfect for running around with your pup.

There are lots of benches for taking a rest, but the only bathrooms are porta-potties. While there are several garbage cans, there are no poop bag stations, so bring your own!

Park Safety

We were there in the mid-afternoon and the park was fairly busy with walkers, moms with strollers, joggers, and a few other dog walkers. People were hanging out at one of the pavilions and kids were playing basketball on the court. There are some lights along the walkway and the baseball field also has lights. The asphalt could use some work, as there are a few trip hazards along it. However, it’s in decent shape if you use a mobility aid or wheelchair.

Final Thoughts

Though small, the Darien Community Park is pretty decent. It’s not necessarily a destination park like some of the others, but for a local park, it’s great!

Vital Info

• Main Lot: 7100 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien
• Hours: Dawn to dusk