Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Park District General Superintendent Michael Kelly join 17^th Ward Alderman David Moore and members of the Englewood community to announce the new state-of-the-art, all-weather eight lane track and athletic turf field at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine.  This marks the 36th field constructed in neighborhood parks under Mayor Emanuel’s Building On Burhan plan.

“This track and field will add to the opportunities our Englewood residents have to lead healthy, active lives and,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Together with Alderman Moore, we are proud to bring a state-of-the-art facility to the community for our athletes to stay engaged and on track to succeed.”

Ogden Park was originally designed by renowned architect Daniel Burnham as one of ten parks constructed to provide relief in Chicago’s overcrowded tenement districts. The park, which totals more than 60 acres, features a gymnasium, fitness center, boxing gym, dance studio, and a multi-purpose room. Ogden Park also features a nature garden, three playgrounds, a carousel, walking track, swimming pool, baseball diamonds and basketball and tennis courts.

“We are beyond excited to bring this state-of-the-art facility to Englewood,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael Kelly. “This project is just one example of the incredible investments we’re making in our parks but more importantly in the lives of our children and young people.”

The new track and field will increase the competitive and recreational athletic opportunities in the park and across the Englewood community. The eight lane track and field will feature sports lighting to extend visibility and play time. The facility will support football, soccer and track.

“When I became Alderman, I walked up to Ogden Park for an event.  Before going to the event, I stopped to watch the Ogden Park Vikings Football Team Practice.  The coaches introduced me as the Alderman and one of the young men asked; can you get us a football field?” said Alderman David Moore, 17^th Ward. “Today, I want to thank Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Park District CEO Mike Kelly for helping this young man and his teammates’ dreams come true. This investment will increase participation with the youth in our community and the Annual Englewood 5K walk and Run.  When we invest in our children; we invest in our future.  I am humbly honored to be a part of making a difference in our community.”

Ogden Park programming includes Park Kids after school program, Junior Bears football, dance, boxing, wrestling and track and field.

The new track and field at Ogden Park is one of many public and private investments that support Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Building on Burnham plan to invest in Chicago’s lakefront, the riverfront, natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. Since 2011, 1,000 acres of parks have been acquired and 5.5 miles of riverfront access have been developed, and more than $1 billion in capital investment from neighborhoods and private sources have been made to expand Chicago’s park system.