October 8, 2016

Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District Dedicate Renovated Park In Honor Of Hadiya Pendleton

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District CEO Michael Kelly, Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd), family, friends and community members gathered today to cut the ribbon on Hadiya Pendleton Park, 4347 S. Calumet Ave. Formerly known as Buckthorn Park, it was recently renamed after King College Prep student Hadiya Pendleton who was killed in 2013.

“Not only are we are honoring the lives of Hadiya and Vonzell, but we are also harnessing the power of this neighborhood,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Hadiya Pendleton Park is a place for the community where neighbors can gather, children will play and memories are made.”

The renovated park honors the cultural heritage of Bronzeville with a musically themed walkway featuring a snare drum sculpture, a trumpet, music notes and stacked books. The snare drum sculpture was added to the design as a tribute to 17 year old Vonzell Banks, who was killed in Bronzeville earlier this year. A performance stage and lawn area for spectator seating was also built into the new park.

“Any loss of life due to senseless gun violence is unacceptable, especially when it is a child,” Alderman Pat Dowell said. “The spirit of Hadiya Pendleton, a child of Bronzeville, lives on in this park and in the 3rd ward.”

The new playground includes a spray pool, two net climbers and quad pod spinners. Park visitors can also enjoy a walking path with three separate exercise stations.

“Our hope for this park is that it will serve as a beacon of light for the Bronzeville community,” said Michael P. Kelly, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.

This builds on recent investments in the Bronzeville community including the recently opened field house at Ellis Park and the new Mariano’s grocery store, underscoring the Mayor’s commitment to spur economic development in all Chicago neighborhoods.


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The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,300 acres of parkland, more than 585 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY.