Beilder School campus park to move forward
Peter Strazzabosco 312.744.9267
The City Council today approved a new playground, basketball court and jogging path to be built at East Garfield Park's Beidler School through $1 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance.
Proposed by the Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning for a one-acre site adjacent to the school at 3151 W. Walnut St., the campus park will also include new fencing, seating, landscaping and other public amenities.
"Campus parks around our schools provide needed open space throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "The improvements here will have a significant impact on the quality of life in East Garfield Park."
Adjacent to the Green Line elevated structure, the L-shaped site is currently unimproved and has a gravel surface.
The funds will be allocated from the Kinzie TIF district. The remainder of the $2.2 million cost would be financed through a state grant and a city bond issue.
A joint effort between the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District, the Campus Park program increases open space in Chicago neighborhoods by targeting school properties for open space improvements that can be used by neighbors and other community members.
More than 120 campus parks have been constructed through the program. Construction on the Beidler School Campus Park could start later this year.