November 16, 2011

Park and Open Space Improvements Approved for Four Chicago Neighborhoods

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

A new park and four park enhancement projects will be made possible through financial measures approved today by the Chicago City Council.

“Each of these measures would go a long way in impacting the lives of neighborhood residents and helping build community,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

Mather Park
West Ridge’s Mather Park, 5941 N. Richmond St., will have an outdated play area replaced with new ADA-compliant equipment and surfaces. The $450,000 project will be financed with $250,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance with the Chicago Park District paying the balance.

Union Park
The Near West Side’s Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will receive new ADA-compliant playground equipment on the site of its current playground. The project, to be entirely financed with $700,000 in TIF assistance, will also include a rubberized surface, new lighting and perimeter fencing.

Metcalf Park
Grand Boulevard’s Metcalf Park, 4134 S. State St., will receive $125,000 in TIF assistance for the installation of a new lighting system. The lights will provide security for users and help illuminate the park’s tennis courts.

Stanton Park
The Near North Side’s Stanton Park, 318 W. Scott St., will receive a new playground and tennis courts through $3.5 million in TIF assistance. The park field house will also be upgraded as part of the plan, which will include $500,000 from the Chicago Park District.

Trio Park
The Near West Side’s Trio Park, planned for a 0.5-acre site at 702 W. Wayman Ave., will be partly financed with $500,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The funding will help install paths, landscaping and perimeter fencing. Open Space Impact Fees are used to create and enhance open spaces each of the City’s 77 community areas.

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