In a recent announcement, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Park District, and city officials shared that a new initiative to improve aging Chicago park facilities is currently underway.
“Save Chicago’s Treasures,” the $26 million dollar plan to rehabilitate historic recreational properties, will target 20 facilities in particular. The mayor and city officials view this as an essential investment that can both improve the city itself and the lives of its residents. The plan will be funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and with money raised by the Chicago Park District.
Improvements to park facilities include ADA accessibility features, roof restoration, and masonry improvements. As a part of the city that’s crucial to the experiences of our youth, it’s necessary to maintain these locations so that they remain places where people can gather and feel comfortable.
Residents in the Austin community are particularly excited about renovations to La Follette Park, where the city will make improvements to the pool and field house. This community is one of many that’s deserving of much-needed attention to their public spaces.
Renovations are set to begin as early as this year for some locations, and the program is expected to be complete by the end of 2019. Below are each of the locations included within the “Save Chicago’s Treasures” program:
Archer Park, Austin Town Hall Park, Columbus Park, Douglas Park, Dvorak Park, Eckhart Park, Fosco Park, Hamilton Park, Harrison Park, Hostein Park, La Follette Park, Lincoln Cultural Park, Mann Natatorium, McKinley Park, Palmer Park, Ridge Park, River Park, Robichaux Park, South Side Cultural Center, West Pullman Park
