Two new community gardens and a pair of park expansion projects will be supported through financial measures approved today by City Council.

SRB Community Spirit Garden
SRB Community Spirit Garden in Jefferson Park will be developed on .13 acres of vacant, City-owned land at Higgins and Central avenues, which will be sold for $1 to the Neighbor Space land trust and made available for community use. Planned improvements include entry gates, signage, a walking path, shed, benches and native plantings. The site will be managed by community residents and members of the nearby St. Robert Bellarmine parish.

Excel Academy of Englewood Garden
Chicago Public Schools’ Excel Academy of Englewood, 7121 S. Morgan St., will receive $128,000 in Open Space Impact Fees for the construction of a garden on the school campus. The fees will pay for design, asphalt removal, artwork, growing beds and benches. Planned in cooperation with Openlands conservation agency, the .07-acre garden will be maintained by students, staff and community residents. Open Space Impact Fees are used to create and enhance open spaces each of the City’s 77 community areas.

Limas Playground Park
Limas Playground Park at 2410 S. Trumbull Ave. in South Lawndale will be expanded onto .08 acres of adjacent land through $47,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The funds will be used by the Chicago Park District to acquire the property from a private owner.

Beilfuss Park
Beilfuss Park at 1725 N. Springfield Ave. in Humboldt Park will be improved with fencing, trees and landscaping through $38,000 in Open Space Impact Fees. The improvements will be part of a .28-acre expansion onto adjacent property being leased from the Chicago Department of Water Management. The balance of the $65,000 project will be paid by the Chicago Park District.

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