Kilwins' 'Chocolate Garden' Nears Completion as Community Event Space in Hyde Park

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · November 14, 2025

Hyde Park residents will soon have a sweet new community gathering space as Kilwins prepares to unveil its long-anticipated 'Chocolate Garden.' The outdoor event venue behind the popular ice cream and sweets shop at 5226 S. Harper Avenue is expected to host up to 200 people for community events, birthday parties, book clubs, family reunions, and more.

The project, funded by a $250,000 community development grant from the city of Chicago, includes excavation, concrete work, plantings, and electrical installations. Owner Jackie Jackson plans to add heating lamps and an enclosure to extend the venue's usability through fall, with minimal fees charged to community groups to cover staffing and cleaning. Regular community events like poetry nights, karaoke, children's activities, and day parties are also planned for the space. Jackson emphasized her commitment to keeping the renovated space affordable and accessible: "The whole goal is to bring something to the community that people can utilize, feel safe, and have fun with. We don't want to charge a lot of money because we really want it to be accessible to the community." Hyde Park residents interested in booking the space for community gatherings can contact the store directly once construction is completed.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/02/20/hyde-park-kilwins-will-create-chocolate-garden-for-community-events-after-250000-boost-from-city/
2. https://chicagomaroon.com/40274/news/hyde-park-faces-gentrification-waves-as-long-time-businesses-close-and-new-ones-emerge/