Suburban Stadiums: Harrer Park

Each week in Suburban Stadiums, Morton Grove Patch will feature a different local athletic facility, from fitness centers to neighborhood parks. We’ll dive into its history, list what programs it has to offer and provide a calendar of major events hosted at the space.

With 22 acres devoted to baseball fields, tennis courts and walking paths, Harrer Park is one of the most popular athletic facilities in Morton Grove. Most recently, it played host to the Morton Grove Park District’s fireworks show on July 4.  

HARRER PARK

Facility and History: Harrer Park was the first park formed in the Morton Grove Park District. In the fall of 1951, 20 acres of land were donated by the Morton Grove Days Committee, and the park was opened on October 20. A lone backstop was all that existed at Harrer Park in its infancy, so baseball and softball made up the majority of recreational activity.

As the Park District received more funding, it started additional plans and programs. Movies were shown once a week in Harrer Park—a tradition that continues to this day. The idea of weekly movies was well-received by the Board of Commissioners because no equipment had to be furnished by the Park District.

Through the following decades, many improvements were made to Harrer Park. In 1962, a swimming pool was finally installed along with a bathhouse and refreshment stand. Later on in the 1960s, lights were installed over several baseball diamonds and tennis courts.

The swimming pool attracted even more residents when a 137-foot water slide was installed along with other pool improvements in 1985.

Starting in 1987, a five-year renovation and improvement project completely reworked Harrer Park’s grounds and realigned the baseball diamonds. A basketball court and tot lot were added while a lighted walking and jogging path was installed around the perimeter. The park was rededicated in 1992 with a community-wide celebration.

Currently, Harrer Park features five baseball/softball fields, two playgrounds and three tennis courts. The walking path goes for about a half-mile, and there are concessions stands open as well.

Programs: Harrer Park is one of Morton Grove’s busiest recreational facilities. Adult softball leagues play at the park four nights a week and youth baseball and softball games are also held during the week and on weekends.

The summer concert series on Tuesday nights provides free entertainment with a different musical group each week. Harrer Park will also host three nights of movies in the park.

Most recently, Harrer Park hosted the fireworks show on July 4, in conjunction with the Morton Grove Days Festival.

Calendar of Events:

July 9: Annual Duck Races

July 28: Second Annual Car Show

Tuesday nights: Concerts in the Park