October 12, 2013

Community Members Gather To Announce A New Sports Complex In Morgan Park-Beverly

Will Feature an Indoor Ice Rink and Gymnastics Center

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, Alderman Matt O’Shea and community members from Morgan Park and Beverly gather to announce a new sports complex that will feature an indoor ice rink and gymnastics center.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel greets youth hockey players from the Morgan Park and Beverly community

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, Alderman Matt O’Shea (19th Ward), State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-18), State Representative Fran Hurley (D-35), youth gymnast, youth hockey players and members of the Morgan Park and Beverly community gathered at 115th & Western to announce a new sports complex that will feature an indoor ice rink and gymnastics center. Additional features of the 55,000 square foot complex include concessions area, meeting and party rooms, viewing areas, offices, restrooms and team locker rooms.

“With this sports complex we are bringing a world-class sports training facility to the community, said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We are repurposing property that has been vacant for decades and creating a facility that will promote healthy and active living impacting the lives of residents for decades to come.”

The state-of-the-art skating facility will accommodate year-round competitive hockey, figure and recreational skating. The 85’ x 200’ rink will have bleacher seating for 1,200 spectators. The world-class gymnastics center will be equipped to host training opportunities and USA Gymnastics competitions for youth and adults. Other gymnasium features will include a large pit area, in-ground trampolines and public viewing space. 

“Residents of Morgan Park have sought a recreational development at 115th & Western for over 20 years, said Alderman Matt O’Shea.  “Today that wait is over.  The Morgan Park Sports Center will become a destination point and economic engine for our community.  We thank Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago Park District for making this incredible project happen.”

“This incredible new complex will expand sports and recreation opportunities in Morgan Park and surrounding communities,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael Kelly. “State-of-the-art facilities combined with specialized gymnastics and skating programs will give athletes, whether beginner or elite, the opportunity to learn and excel at these sports.”

Design for the Morgan Park Sports Center will utilize the latest technology in energy efficiency and sustainability.  Construction is slated to begin summer of 2014 with completion summer 2015.

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Photo Caption 1: Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, Alderman Matt O’Shea and community members from Morgan Park and Beverly gather to announce a new sports complex that will feature an indoor ice rink and gymnastics center.

Photo Caption 2: Mayor Rahm Emanuel greets youth hockey players from the Morgan Park and Beverly community.

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago