Matanky Park

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Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Matanky Park, located in the state of Illinois, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.


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Summary

The park spans over 25 acres, offering ample space for recreational activities such as picnicking, hiking, and fishing. It is located in Skokie, which is a suburb of Chicago, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

One of the main attractions of Matanky Park is its impressive playground, which features a variety of equipment suitable for children of all ages. The playground is designed to encourage imaginative play and physical activity, making it a favorite among families with young children.

In addition to the playground, Matanky Park also features several walking trails and a pond stocked with fish. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park while admiring the natural scenery, or they can try their hand at fishing in the pond.

Another point of interest in Matanky Park is its collection of public art, which includes sculptures and murals created by local artists. The artwork adds a unique touch to the park and provides a glimpse into the local art scene.

One interesting fact about Matanky Park is that it was named in honor of a prominent Skokie businessman, Harry Matanky, who made significant contributions to the local community. The park was established in the late 1970s and has since become a beloved destination for Skokie residents and visitors alike.

The best time of year to visit Matanky Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of activities to enjoy in any season.

In summary, Matanky Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for outdoor fun and relaxation in the state of Illinois. From its impressive playground to its scenic walking trails and public art, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan a visit today and experience all that Matanky Park has to offer?

       

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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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