Ownership of Bridgeport’s Palmisano Park will be formally transferred from the City to the Chicago Park District for $1 under a plan approved today by City Council.

Featuring a fishing pond, walking and running paths, an observation mound, native wetlands and other visitor amenities, the 26.5-acre park formally opened at 2850 S. Halsted St. in July 2010. The site, previously known as Stearns Quarry, had been leased from the City by the Park District since 2008.

“This land transfer will facilitate the ongoing management of this amazing open space amenity for years to come,” Mayor Emanuel said.

The site operated as a quarry from 1833 to the early 1970s, when it became part of the City of Chicago’s inventory. Before being redeveloped as public open space, it was used as a landfill for construction debris.

The park is named in honor of the late Henry C. Palmisano, a local bait shop owner and fishing advocate.

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