Improvements to two Northwest Side parks and a South Side community garden will move forward through financial measures approved today by City Council.

Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in the amount of $350,000 will support renovations to the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse in the Irving Park community. The project will replace the roof and sides of the 6,900-square-foot structure with polycarbonate panels that provide weather-tight closures, improved light infiltration, and more efficient environmental control. Opened in 1928 as a small conservatory, the facility today contains raised plant beds, a fruit free orchard and other vegetation used for educational programming.

Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell Ave.
TIF assistance in the amount of $3.5 million will support the construction of a baseball stadium, soccer field, and javelin field at Clark Park in the North Center community. Planned by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Cubs, project costs recently increased from $5 million to $8.5 million to address environmental conditions and enhanced recreational amenities. City Council previously approved $1.5 million in TIF assistance for the project in May 2012.

62nd & Dorchester Community Garden, 1364 E. 62nd St.
City-owned land being used for a .72-acre community garden at 62nd Street and Dorchester Avenue in Woodlawn will be sold for $1 to the NeighborSpace land trust, which will own and insure the property for continued use by local residents. The site features 103 gardening plots for individuals and families to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

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