Fred Young Jr Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fred Young Jr Park is a public park located in the city of Riverside, Illinois.


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Summary

The park spans over 38 acres and offers various recreational activities for visitors. Some of the good reasons to visit the park include its beautiful scenic views, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse range of activities.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the Des Plaines River, which runs through it and offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are also several hiking and biking trails that visitors can explore, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families with children.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was named after Fred Young Jr, a local World War II veteran who was killed in action. The park was also once home to a 9-hole golf course, which was later converted into a nature preserve.

The best time of year to visit Fred Young Jr Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife during this time.

Overall, Fred Young Jr Park is a great destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun day out. With its scenic views, diverse recreational activities, and rich history, it is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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