Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District CEO & Superintendent Michael P. Kelly joined 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art fieldhouse at Maplewood Park in the West Town community.

“We continue to make no small plans as we begin building the fieldhouse at Maplewood Park,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Maplewood Park and recreational facilities across West Town provide residents of all ages with places to learn, play and grow as a community.”

"Maplewood Park is a community anchor where families and residents of all ages come together," 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno said. "Once complete, this new fieldhouse will continue supporting this community by providing the safe recreational, learning and gathering places that west side residents deserve."

The new single story fieldhouse to be built in West Town's Maplewood Park will provide park visitors with access to many new amenities, including two new club rooms, offices, a lobby, restrooms and storage space.

“New park field houses are investments not only in the parks that serve our communities, but more importantly, in the people that visit them,” said Superintendent Kelly. “Parks and their facilities are hubs of activity and offer opportunities for recreation and entertainment that improve the quality of life for residents, build strong neighborhoods and create a better Chicago.”

New fieldhouses, like the one at Maplewood Park, are key components of Building on Burnham, the Mayor's comprehensive plan to invest in the Lakefront, the Chicago River, natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. Under the Building on Burnham plan, 985 acres of parks have been acquired and 5.5 miles of waterfront access have been developed since 2011, with continued plans to acquire additional parkland and further develop the waterfront in the coming years.

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