December 14, 2011

Open Space Improvements Proposed on South, Near West and Northwest Sides

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Two new school gardens, a new park and a pair of park improvement projects would be made possible through financial measures introduced to City Council by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“Parks and open spaces across the City need to be maintained so that residents throughout Chicago can enjoy recreation in safe and accessible areas right in their communities,” Mayor Emanuel said.

Miles Davis and Evergreen School Gardens

The school gardens would be financed with $377,000 in Open space Impact Fees. The fees would pay for approximately $62,000 in design, landscaping and perimeter fencing costs at Miles David Academy, 6730 S. Paulina Avenue, and $315,000 in benches, growing beds and other amenities at Evergreen Academy, 3537 S. Paulina Avenue. The gardens at both schools would be maintained by students, teachers and nearby residents. Open Space Impact Fees help expand and improve park spaces in each of the City’s 77 community areas.

Park No. 556

Open Space Impact Fees would also help finance a new, half-acre park at 2529 W. Logan Boulevard. The $353,000 in funding would be used by the Chicago Park District to acquire the land and add trees, landscaping, and a dog-friendly area. 

Rutherford Sayre Park

Tax Increment Financing assistance in the amount of $1.1 million would support a variety of improvements at Rutherford Sayre Park, 6871 W. Belden Avenue. The park’s fieldhouse would receive ADA-access upgrades and a new boiler; the tennis courts would be resurfaced; walkways would be repaired; and new exterior lighting installed.

Skinner Park

$525,000 in TIF assistance and $250,000 in Open Space Impact Fees would help convert a vacant lot at 1358 W. Monroe Street. into a .40-acre dog-friendly extension of Skinner Park, located across the street. The funding will pay for soil improvements, fencing, and other features that cater to dogs and their owners.

 

 

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