Two new school gardens, a new park and a pair of park improvement projects will be made possible through financial measures approved by City Council today.

“Parks and open spaces provide comfortable places for recreation and relaxation,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The City must leverage all of its financial resources to ensure they continue to meet the needs of nearby residents, students, and other visitors.”

Miles Davis and Evergreen School Gardens
The school gardens will be financed with $377,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The fees will pay for approximately $62,000 in design, landscaping and perimeter fencing costs at Miles David Academy, 6730 S. Paulina Ave., and $315,000 in benches, growing beds and other amenities at Evergreen Academy, 3537 S. Paulina Ave. The gardens at both schools will be maintained by students, teachers and nearby residents. Open Space Impact Fees help expand and improve park spaces in each of the City’s 77 community areas.

Park No. 556
Open Space Impact Fees will also help finance a new, half-acre park at 2529 W. Logan Blvd. The $353,000 in funding will be used by the Chicago Park District to acquire the land and add trees, landscaping, and a dog-friendly area. 

Rutherford Sayre Park
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance in the amount of $1.1 million will support a variety of improvements at Rutherford Sayre Park, 6871 W. Belden Ave. The park’s fieldhouse will receive ADA-access upgrades and a new boiler; the tennis courts will be resurfaced; walkways will be repaired; and new exterior lighting will be installed.

Skinner Park
$525,000 in TIF assistance and $250,000 in Open Space Impact Fees will help convert a vacant lot at 1358 W. Monroe St. into a .40-acre dog-friendly extension of Skinner Park, located across the street. The funding will pay for soil improvements, fencing, and other features that cater to dogs and their owners.

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