The Chicago Park District has approved funding for three major capital improvement projects across the city. Announced earlier this week, the approval came from their Board of Commissioners for work at Rainbow Beach, Ronan Park, and Cragin Park. This builds upon various previously announced projects including a new field house in Jackie Robinson Park.
Rendering of Rainbow Beach courts via Chicago Park District
Rainbow Beach – 3111 E 77th Street
The famed beach spot will receive major renovations to its handball and racquetball court building, including new accessible bathrooms, new clubroom with a kitchenette, new roof, windows, and a fitness area.
Rendering of Ronan Park plaza via Chicago Park District
Ronan Park – 2900 W Lawrence Avenue
A new gateway plaza will be built for the southern entrance of the park next to the Global Gardens farm which will also receive major updates. The new entrance sits in front of the Lawrence Gateway mixed-use project as well. It will include a new pavilion, river overlook, pedestrian plaza, new walking paths, and vehicle access drives.
Rendering of Cragin Park field house via Chicago Park District
Cragin Park – 2611 N Lockwood Avenue
The small but mighty park will have its existing 1,500 square-foot field house replaced by a new 4,000 square-foot structure. Inside will be a half-size gymnasium that can be split into two clubrooms, a pantry, restrooms, offices, and more to host new and improved programming.
All of the construction projects above had been partially funded previously and in the works for a few months to years. The new funding boost will allow for them to proceed and commence construction. Currently a timeline for each has not been announced.
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These are some nice pockets of investment, but it would be cool to see more vision from the city. They spent millions on that impressive new headquarters, but what has changed since?
Simple maintenance could boost Chicago’s parks. The pavement in Garfield Park is cracking everywhere. Walking in Washington Park, large portions of walkways are caked with mud from erosion/settling. The biggest investment in Jackson Park has been the Obama Library (private) and making it easier for cars to speed through the park. I guess the nice playground near the Metra tracks was a good exchange.
How about the park district take the lead on the Englewood Nature Trail or Bronzeville Trail? Start those elevated walkways and enable some concrete investment on the South Side.
Yes they do.
The City of Chicago need a real makeover.