Improvements are coming to facilities, fieldhouses, the shoreline and a swimming pool in the Chicago Park District thanks to a $6.25 million boost from the federal government.
According to a Jan. 17 news release, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Jesús Garcia (D-Ill.), and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) helped secure the funding for the park district.
“The capital needs across our city’s parks system are great, and without outside funding support from our elected officials and other partners, many park projects would be delayed,” Chicago Park District general Superintendent Rosa Escareño said in the release. “We are extremely grateful to the Illinois congressional members for their commitment to funding these projects and, more important, the investing in children and families who rely on us for quality and affordable recreational opportunities.”
The money will be put toward projects and upgrades within the Chicago Park District.
The two largest projects on the list are a $2 million swimming pool addition at Broadway Armory Park and a $2 million multi-use trail at California Park.
Other projects will include a new fieldhouse at Cragin Park that will cost around $500,000, plus $350,000 in fieldhouse improvements at LeClaire-Hearst Park, and facility renovations at the Lincoln Park Conservatory that would total $750,000.