Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Joe Moore, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, and members of the Rogers Park community gathered today at the construction site of a new playground at Touhy Park, 7348 N Paulina Street, to highlight the investments being made in the Rogers Park community.

“Investing in community parks play a key role in improving the quality of life for residents and serve as anchors of strong communities,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I am excited to visit the construction of the Touhy Park playground in Rogers Park  and I look forward to the seeing the positive effects the park will have for the children and families of Chicago.  By creating new active spaces, we are investing in our children’s health and recreation, and supporting the health and wellness of all residents.”

Touhy Park is an existing 6.35 acre park located in the Rogers Park neighborhood.  The playground at Touhy was last renovated in 1990 and has outdated equipment.  Approximately $450,000 dollars will be invested in the new park that will include a new playground, pathway improvements, lighting, and landscaping. In addition, the project scope includes an improved pathway connection between the two play areas with picnic table seating; new bench; a seating wall; new drinking fountain; and landscape improvements including new trees and turf.

"This new playground is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Alderman Joe Moore, 49th ward. “Mayor Emanuel, the Park District, the Touhy Park Advisory Council and ultimately the entire 49th Ward community worked hand in hand to make this new playground a reality.”

The future playground is part of the building a New Chicago program, a comprehensive $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program put forward by Mayor Emanuel. Last year, the Mayor announced a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks throughout the city, so that every Chicagoan is within a ten minute walk of a park.

“The Chicago Park District takes great pride in creating new play areas to meet the needs of the communities that they serve,” said Michael Kelly, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “Our goal is to provide safe places for children to play and enjoy the outdoors.”

Touhy Park is part of Chicago Park District’s current five-year capital improvement plan identifies more than 800 projects located in each of the city’s wards. More information on the Chicago Park District is available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or at 312.742.PLAY.

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Photo Caption: Mayor Emanuel joins Rogers Park residents at the construction site of a new playground at Touhy Park

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago