After fixing my flat and stopping at the 31st Street beachhouse, I headed up the lakefront path to 18th Street, just south of Soldier Field. The path from the lakefront to the 18th Street overpass wasn't marked at all, but I followed a couple of bikers who looked like the knew where they were going and eventually found it.
I stopped at Battle of Fort Dearbourn park (in the Near South Side community area) which had just been renamed, formerly Fort Dearbourn Massacre park, the day before. The park, located at 18th and Calumet, commemorates the battle between the Native Americans and the soldiers and settlers of Fort Dearbourn as the latter were fleeing the fort which was located in present-day downtown Chicago near Michigan and Wacker.
Continuing west on 18th to Wentworth, I entered Armour Square, better known as Chinatown. I avoided the main drag on Archer Avenue and on Wentworth south of 22nd (Cermak), and I headed straight for my favorite spot in Chinatown - Ping Tom Park. You will probably never find this park unless you know that it's there and you're looking for it. It's tucked in behind some townhouses on 19th. From 18th and Wentworth, go one block south to 19th. Turn right on 19th and go about a block west. When 19th ends at Tan Ct, veer right along a path over two railroad tracks. You'll see the Chinese-style pavilion along the river in the park. The park also includes a children's playground and a beautiful walking path.
The park is named for a Chinese businessman, Mr. Ping Tom, who worked on behalf of the Chicago Chinese community. Mr. Tom served as a trustee for a number of important civic and cultural institutions and was an advisor to US Senators, Illinois Governors and Chicago Mayors.
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