Financial measures approved today by City Council will enable upgrades to a West Side park and the construction of a new South Side community garden.

Garfield Park,100 N. Central Park Ave.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will reimburse the Chicago Park District for repairs and improvements to Garfield Park in the East Garfield Park community. The assistance includes $3 million to replace glass-paned roof panels that were destroyed on the park conservatory during a 2011 hailstorm and $2.5 million to renovate the park’s Spanish Revival-style field house. Originally known as Central Park, the 184-acre site was renamed in 1881 in honor of slain president James A. Garfield.

71st & Crandon Organic Garden, 2301-07 E. 71st St.
A vacant, City-owned lot in South Shore will be redeveloped as the 71st & Crandon Organic Garden through a proposed sale to the NeighborSpace land trust, which will own and insure the property for use by community residents. To be sold for $1, the 7,000-square-foot garden will be managed by a local garden association and block club. Site preparation and development will be financed with $200,000 in 5th Ward Aldermanic funds.

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