Note: This feature is part of a series that looks at the impact of state budget cuts on social services in Illinois. Today’s edition features: the Chicago Park District.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March called on the governor to immediately reverse his decision to suspend $28 million in Chicago park improvements already planned or in progress. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources had instructed the Chicago Park District to immediately freeze state grants awarded for the improvements.
In a news release, Emanuel said a total of 27 projects at 25 parks across Chicago would lose $28 million for improvements if the funding was not restored.
“The Chicago Park District and I have worked to enhance the quality of life in Chicago by providing safe and inviting parks and facilities; and to create a park system that prioritizes the needs of children and families,” Emanuel said in the news release. “Governor Rauner’s decision to suspend grants for new parks across Chicago and the rest of the state will hurt every child who wants to swing on a swing set or play on the monkey bars, and a slight to every parent who wants their child to have a safe, community-oriented place to enjoy.”
The following projects have received Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants and are now in jeopardy due to the freeze:
- Archer Park facility renovation
- Big Marsh Park development
- La Villita Park
- Columbus Park facility renovation
- Columbus Park artificial turf fields
- Dvorak Park facility renovation
- Garfield Park facility renovation
- Hamilton Park facility renovation
- Holstein Park facility renovation
- Humboldt Park field house exterior renovation
- Independence Park bungalow green renovation
- Independence Park field house ADA transition renovation
- Palmer Park ADA facility renovation
- Robichaux Park facility renovation
- Shabbona Park field house ADA transition renovation
- Sherman Park facility renovation
- South Shore Cultural Center interior & exterior renovation
- Walsh Park expansion
- Austin Park town hall facility renovation
- Douglas Park facility renovation
- Eckhart Park facility renovation
- Garfield Conservatory – garden lookout (GPCA)
- Gately Park indoor track and field facility construction
- Harrison Park facility renovation
- Lincoln Cultural Center facility renovation
- Park 571 site development
- The 606- Magid Glove acquisition