167 Forest Ave.: Austin Gardens

Austin Gardens is sometimes referred to as "The Secret Garden" as it is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood just North of all the hustle and bustle of Lake Street. Woodland plant life and mature trees shelter Austin Gardens from the urban life that surrounds it, offering a valued respite for those that live and work nearby. According to the Park District tree identification program, there are currently 285 trees in Austin Gardens located within its minimal 3.64 acre boundary.

In September 2015, the Park District of Oak Park began construction of a 2,100 square foot multi-use “Environmental Education Center” which hosts children’s nature day camps, environmental education programs for adults and children and other community events. The Center opened to the public on June 11, 2016 and is accessible during Park District programs and events.

The Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center is a LEED Platinum certified facility. It is also on the list of Illinois' 200 Great Places by the Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Learn more here.

In the summers the Oak Park Festival Theater produces plays in the park.