Chicago officials have announced the future closure of the Calumet Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) and plans to convert the 43-acre site into public parkland. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa made the announcement at Calumet Park fieldhouse, joined by community organizations and environmental advocates.
"For decades the Eastside community has fought for this land to be reclaimed, today we take the next step in realizing that vision of a healthier, greener, and more connected Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m grateful for all of the incredible advocates who’ve worked tirelessly to see this site transformed into a serene, shared space that will serve the entire community. This investment has been a long-time coming, it reflects our commitment to sustainable community development and environmental justice, and I want to thank all of our partners who came together to make this project a reality.”
The CDF has held contaminated dredged material on the northeastern end of Calumet Park for over forty years. The Chicago Park District has allocated $500,000 to begin a community process allowing residents and stakeholders to help design the new park. Officials also unveiled a sign marking the site as "Future Park #608," signaling its transition.
“This is a day of celebration because today we turn the corner on fulfilling the promise of turning the existing CDF site into beautiful, public parkland," said Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent and CEO of Chicago Park District. “For generations, the residents of the Eastside community have lived alongside this vast landfill, in anticipation of this day. After years of community organizing, advocacy and support from Friends of the Parks, the Alliance of the Southeast, the Environmental Law and Policy Center and countless other organizations, elected officials and partners, we can begin the important work of developing a park that will transform the site aesthetically and create valuable gathering space that contributes to the vitality and well-being of this community.”
The announcement follows Chicago's decision not to support an expansion proposal for CDF operations at Calumet. In 2022, federal authorities sought permission for vertical expansion but were denied by state regulators because Illinois law prohibits new landfill construction since 2012.
In 2023, local groups including Alliance of the Southeast and Friends of the Parks filed suit against expansion plans by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), which owns and operates CDF. The Environmental Law & Policy Center provided legal representation in this case. These actions led to reversal by federal authorities on their expansion plan.
“Turning this landfill that has been collecting toxic waste over the past five decades in an environmental justice community into a new lakefront park is a monumental achievement,” said Brian Gladstein, Executive Director at Friends of The Parks (FOTP). “A new park is a vital asset for the community, for all Chicago, and can serve as a model for the country on how to turn toxic land into green space for everyone to enjoy.”
According to estimates from federal authorities there is likely room left in CDF for one final dredging event before reaching capacity. City officials say now is an appropriate time for planning with residents about future use.
"Today we celebrate an end to a proposal to build a 25-feet high toxic landfill on our lakefront next to Calumet Park—and in an environmental justice community,” said Amalia NietoGomez, Executive Director at Alliance of The Southeast. “We’ve waited over 30 years for this land to become a park. We celebrate everyone who came together—community residents, groups partners public officials—to make this happen... We look forward working with Chicago Park District Mayor’s Office U.S Army Corps Engineers finally transform land into long-promised lakefront park."
The facility was built by U.S Army Corps Engineers in early 1980s on submerged Park District land under agreement it would eventually be restored as public space once filled.
“This is a landmark victory for everyone who believes that Chicago’s lakefront should be for people and parks—not toxic waste dumps,” said Howard Learner Executive Director Environmental Law & Policy Center. “This model coalition...worked together stop Army Corps’ misguided proposed new toxic waste landfill along Lake Michigan shoreline...Our coalition success paves way cleaner greener future with new lakefront park Southeast Side residents all Chicagoans enjoy...We look forward working with Chicago Park District Superintendent Ramirez-Rosa transform lakefront site from toxic waste dump new lakefront park connected beautiful Calumet Park.”
Community engagement sessions are expected in 2026 as part of planning efforts.