The West Loop's Skinner Park would be improved with a variety of kid- and dog-friendly features through a financing measure introduced to City Council today by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Proposed in response to the growth in families surrounding the park at 1331 W. Monroe St., the work would add a water spray, theatrical stage, sand box, landscaping, lighting and fencing to an existing playground in the southeast corner of the park.

A portion of an existing parking lot on the park's northwest corner, meanwhile, would be gated and converted to a 7,800-square-foot area for dogs.

"Park improvements like this are essential to the livability of local neighborhoods because they directly serve the needs of local families," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Approximately $1 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance from the Central West TIF District would be used to pay for the improvements. TIF is a City of Chicago funding tool that's used to promote infrastructure and other improvements in designated districts across the city.

City Council referred the proposal to committee.