The park was completely rebuilt after a subterranean natural gas leak caused an explosion and major fire in 1999.
Following the explosion, the site underwent massive environmental soil remediation to remove gas contamination before being repurposed as a park.
The sled hill at Barrie Park was intentionally engineered using fill material during the site's reconstruction to provide elevation in an otherwise flat landscape.
The park's design includes a specialized underground drainage system installed during its post-remediation redevelopment to ensure long-term soil health.
The site currently operates as a community anchor for the Park District of Oak Park's neighborhood programming.
Barrie Park is a 7.7-acre community park managed by the Park District of Oak Park, notable for its significant environmental remediation history following a 1999 gas leak explosion that necessitated a complete soil replacement. The park features an extensive playground area, a basketball court, and a large open green space utilized for local community gatherings. It hosts a public sled hill that becomes a focal point during winter months. The park is integrated into a residential neighborhood and serves as a local hub for family-oriented recreation. Its design focuses on accessibility and neighborhood connectivity, providing a blend of active play structures and passive lawn areas.
At the top of the sled hill looking back towards the playground equipment.
Bring a sled during winter months as the hill is one of the few significant elevation points in the immediate area.
Use the adjacent street parking, but observe posted neighborhood permit restrictions if present.
Check the Park District of Oak Park's seasonal event calendar, as the green space frequently hosts local community festivals.
Do not visit expecting extreme sports facilities; it is a neighborhood-focused park, not a high-intensity athletic complex.
Respect noise levels in the surrounding residential area and clean up after pets.
