Details have been announced for a new pocket park to be built within the Illinois Medical District (IMD) at 2023 West Ogden Avenue. The triangular-shaped park will be bounded by South Damen Avenue to the east and West Polk Street to the south. It is being led by the Illinois Medical District Commission, which is working with Site Design Group.
Site context map of IMD park via Google Maps
The IMD is one of the nation’s largest urban medical districts, anchored by four major hospitals and generating roughly $8 billion in economic impact every year. In recent years, however, the commission has been working to redevelop many of the area’s empty lots into housing, hotels, commercial spaces, and community amenities to foster a mixed-use neighborhood. This will be the first park in the area in 80-years.
2024 rendering of Covid monument
Part of this effort will be realized through the new one-acre park that will replace the former Easterseals building. The space will include two fitness zones, a playground, a walking/running path, a sensory garden, and open green space for gatherings. It will also be anchored by the nation’s first COVID-19 monument, composed of interlocking 25-foot-tall dandelions.
2024 rendering of Covid monument
The park is being funded by the commission along with $5.9 million in state funding. Demolition of the previous building has been completed, and a groundbreaking for the park has already taken place. The team hopes to complete the space in the second half of 2026. The small park joins several other park improvement projects recently covered.
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I’m pleased to witness the IMD focus on open spaces, housing, hotels and community amenities. The absence of these components was becoming apparent. This project being the first in 80 years is astounding. The COVID 19 monument has become may favorite space on the Westside besides Garfield Park Conservatory. Thank you Springfield for dedicating dollars for the new pocket park and thank you IMD for returning to the drawing board introducing new spaces for staff and visitors. Wow, 80 years! I’m hoping the Redline Extension IMD district is watching this initiative in order to catch the wave introducing site designs in 2026.
Cool design! I like the dandelions