Public Garden Projects Approved for North, South and West Sides

October 3, 2012

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Financial measures approved today by City Council will lead to a new school garden in the Clearing community and upgrades to public garden sites in three other neighborhoods.

“In addition to beautifying their respective communities, public gardens provide a place for community stakeholders to work together, to socialize, and to foster a spirit of cooperation,” Mayor Emanuel said.

The proposed garden at Fleming School, 4918 W. 64th St., will include native plants, outdoor seating areas, artwork and related visitor amenities on a site currently covered by asphalt. To be constructed by the Openlands conservation agency and entirely financed by $239,100 in Open Space Impact Fees, the garden will be maintained by students, teachers, parents and neighborhood residents.

Open Space Impact Fees are collected from new residential developments to help finance public open space improvements within each of Chicago’s 77 community areas.

The fees will also finance improvements to neighborhood gardens throughout the City, including:

  • Englewood’s Sherwood Peace Garden, 257 W. 61st St., where $9,800 will be allocated for growing beds and related construction costs.
  • The Lower West Side’s Growing Station, 945 W. 21st St., where $7,000 will pay for a storage shed and perimeter fencing.
  • Lincoln Square’s Gateway Garden, 5331 N. Ravenswood Ave., where $30,000 will pay for the installation of an irrigation system.

 

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