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Central Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 342 Google reviews · Running trail in Park Forest, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Central Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sprawling expanse featuring a playground, tennis courts and a wetlands area.
What runners say about Central Park
“The park district as well as the police department, seems to try and keep this park nice, clean and safe.”
“This is a very nice and beautiful park to enjoy with family and friends even in your own.”
Central Park in Park Forest, IL, has truly become our family’s go-to spot for gatherings, and for good reason. This park has everything you need to make any celebration memorable ~from family reunions to bridal showers, baby reveals, and even themed birthdays like our favorite safari party.
This is a very nice and beautiful park to enjoy with family and friends even in your own. Lots of green area, Beisbol curt,playground, and a pic nic area.. Next to the park is the Park Forest Pool,library. If you love enjoy nature, there is a very relaxing path where you can see orioles birds and diversity of nature.
A gem of Park Forest that I spent tons of time in growing up! Beautiful place for a walk long or short. Tons of green space and a natural wetland preserve on site. Right next to the local library and aqua center. Football fields, baseball, open area for soccer, and an extensive playground!
Very well kept. The Wetland preserve is a nice feature with a boardwalk type path and a viewing platform. This is a very nice place to enjoy scenes of nature. The park itself has a lot of different playground eqpt with tennis courts also.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a very nice and beautiful park to enjoy with family and friends even in your own.”
“The park’s kitchen area and bathrooms are a major plus, making it easy to host large groups comfortably.”
“Very Family Orientated with Plenty of Parking!”
“The Wetland preserve is a nice feature with a boardwalk type path and a viewing platform.”
Plan your run at Central Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitevillageofparkforest.com
- Phone+1 708-748-2005
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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