The Chicago City Council today approved a $1.25 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan today that will improve the recreational facilities at Blackwelder Park on the Far South Side.

Located at 11500 S. Homewood Ave., Blackwelder Park has served the Morgan Park community since it was developed by the Chicago Park District in 1974. The upgrades will include a new playground at an expanded location closer to the park's main entry and surface improvements to the park's baseball field and basketball courts.

Funds for the project will be allocated from a pair of nearby TIF Districts: $300,000 from the 119th/I-57 TIF district and $950,000 from the Western/Rock Island TIF district. TIF is a City of Chicago funding tool that's used to promote infrastructure and other improvements in designated districts across the city.

"Park projects like these are essential to the livability of local neighborhoods because they directly serve the needs of local families," Mayor Daley said.

The park is named after Gertrude Blackwelder, a founder of the Morgan Park Women's Club.

The work is expected to be completed by next summer.