Olympic Park

History

Originally this place called Arlington Heights was a part of the prairie of the Midwest. Various Indian tribes roamed the area at will until the western expansion of the white man drove them out. The Indian Treaties and the Homestead Act of the 1830's and 40's encouraged permanent settlement of the area and Asa Dunton filed three claims in 1837. William and James Dunton, Asa's sons, moved onto their properties in 1844, followed by Asa in 1846. William Dunton named the small town "Bradley" in 1854, however the name was changed to "Dunton" a year later. The biggest force shaping the early Midwest was the railroad. William Dunton persuaded the rail builders to route the train through his town by selling 16 acres of his own land for railroad right of way for only $350. The improved transportation to Chicago spurred the industrial and farming growth of "Dunton" and, in 1874, "Arlington Heights" was chosen as the new name for the village. The train is still a central focus of the community today.

The Arlington Heights Park District continues to offer new and innovative programs, expand existing programs and services, and maintain a capital improvement schedule to renovate and update facilities and general infrastructure. The community of Arlington Heights will continue to be served through a network of 58 parks including five community parks with outdoor swimming pools and community centers along with a myriad of special facilities including Olympic Indoor Swim Center, Hasbrook Cultural Arts Center, the Historical Museum, Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club, Arlington Lakes Golf Club, Sunset Meadows Driving Range, Nickol Knoll Golf Club, Lake Arlington, Melas Park Sports Complex, and Heritage Tennis Club.

Arlington Heights Park District - Mission Statement
A public park and recreation agency located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the largest community in Chicago's prestigious northwest suburban corridor, only 25 miles from business and entertainment in downtown Chicago.  It has a current population of 78,549 and encompasses 16.2 square miles.  The District serves most of Arlington Heights and small portions of Palatine, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights, and Rolling Meadows.

Program Guide: To view our complete listing of program guide click here.

To view the Park District map, click here.