Four parks and two schools will receive open space improvements through financial measures approved today by City Council.

Hawthorne Elementary Scholastic Academy, 3319 N. Clifton Ave.
Hawthorne Academy in Lake View will undergo $570,000 in improvements involving a new basketball court and playground, outdoor classrooms, raised planters, fencing and landscaping. The project will be supported with $350,000 in Open Space Impact Fees, which are used to create and enhance open spaces in each of the City’s 77 community areas. The balance will be paid with $60,000 in 44th Ward aldermanic funds and $160,000 from Chicago Public Schools.

Bridgeport Dog Park, 3159 S. Halsted St.
A new dog park will be created on City-owned land at in Bridgeport through its sale for $1 to the Chicago Park District. The .07-acre project will include $268,000 in landscaping improvements funded by Open Space Impact Fees.

Louis A. Agassiz Elementary School, 2851 N. Seminary Ave.
Agassiz School in Lake View will receive $285,000 in Open Space Impact Fees for costs associated with the replacement of an asphalt schoolyard with artificial turf, outdoor classroom space, play areas and a drainage system. The balance of $326,250 project will be paid for by Chicago Public Schools.

Spikings Farm Playlot Park, 4706 N. Pulaski Road
Spikings Farm Park in Albany Park will be supported with $137,500 in Tax Increment Financing assistance for the 2015 installation of new playground equipment. The funds will reimburse the Chicago Park District, which installed the equipment through Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! playground renovation program.

Essex Park, 2501-05 E. 83rd St.
City land being used for a 0.36-acre park in South Chicago will be preserved as public open space through its sale for $1 to the Chicago Park District. The site was improved with landscaping and seating in 2001.

223-27 W. 110th Place
Two vacant, City-owned lots in Roseland will be sold for $1 each to the Park District for development as a new park. The work will be financed entirely by the Park District, which plans to hold community meetings regarding its design and amenities.

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