How to Get to Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown, Chicago – Clear Directions & Entry Tips
📍How to Get to Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown, Chicago
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a hidden gem in Chicago’s Chinatown. I walked from the main center of Chinatown where all the shops and restaurants are to Ping Tong Memorial Park using Google Maps. Unfortunately, Google Maps shows the address of the Leonard M. Fieldhouse if you type in “Ping Tom Memorial Park” which is where I was led to. This is a common issue that many visitors looking for directions to Chinatown’s Ping Tom Park mistakenly end up here because Google Maps mislabels the park entrance.
📝Why I Wrote This: since I wasted a lot of time figuring things out and found this whole process confusing, I wrote down directions in the hope others visiting Ping Tom Park can save time and get there much faster.
🚫 Leonard M. Louie Fieldhouse – Common Google Maps Error (Where I Ended Up):
If you type “Ping Tom Memorial Park” into Google Maps, you might be sent to the Leonard M. Louie Fieldhouse at 1700 S. Wentworth Ave. While nearby, it’s not the park entrance.
Leonard M. Louie Fieldhouse Address: 1700 S. Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Thankfully, a fantastic and helpful staff member (shout out to Ariel who rocks!) at the Leonard M. Louie Field House gave me directions to Ping Tom Park from there.
✅ Maps App. Pro Tip: Copy and paste the actual park address below into Google Maps instead of typing in just the park’s name.
📌 Correct Addresses for Ping Tom Park
🗺️ Ping Tom Park Entrance Address: West 19th Street & South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60616
🏘️ Neighborhood Entrance Address: South Wentworth Ave & West 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
✅Things To Know Before You Go: Ping Tom Park
- 🚶Only ONE park entrance exists and it’s hidden in a residential zone with no sidewalk signage.
- 🛶 Kayaks are available to rent at the Boathouse (when open)
- 🦆 Watch your step as duck poop can be everywhere.
🚻Ping Tom Park Bathrooms
- Public Restrooms are only available when the Boathouse is open. Otherwise, the closest bathrooms are the Leonard M. Louie Fieldhouse.
🚗Ping Tom Park Parking
- No dedicated Ping Tom Park parking lot. There is limited street parking as the park is inside a residential neighborhood. I recommend public transit or rideshare if you are coming directly to the park from another location that isn’t Chinatown main town center.
🌳 Things to Do & See at Ping Tom Memorial Park
🏯 Upon entering Ping Tom Memorial Park, you’ll immediately spot the Pagoda Pavilion.
⬅️ Left of Pavilion: Shade, trees, and foliage
➡️ Right of Pavilion: City view, red bridge, cool murals, and a statue commemorating Judge Laura C. Liu.
👩⚖️ Fun Fact: Judge Laura was the first Chinese-American woman and first Asian-American to serve on the Illinois Appellate Court.
🚗 Best Rideshare Pick-Up & Drop-Off For Ping Tom Park in Chinatown
📍 Use “South Wentworth Ave & West 19th Street” for rideshare apps—it’s just a one-minute walk from the entrance and easier for drivers to find.
💬 Final Thoughts on Visiting Ping Tom Park in Chicago’s Chinatown
🙏 If this guide helped, please leave a comment and share it with anyone visiting the park!
🏡 Please be respectful of the surrounding residential area and enjoy your visit!
📚Ping Tom Park Resources & Community History
- Ping Tom Memorial Park Advisory Council – stay updated on community events, cleanup efforts, and neighborhood advocacy for the park.
- Pictures from the Architectural firm that designed the park – view photos and project details from the architectural firm behind the park’s unique riverfront layout.
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