“Seven projects to improve public spaces across Chicago will receive up to $1.5 million each in city grants as part of the Chicago Works Community Challenge.
“The $10 million initiative, launched in 2021, supports upgrades to parks, libraries and outdoor facilities at public schools. The city received nearly 500 submissions, and shortlisted 21 projects in the fall.
“Residents ‘know better than anyone what their parks, their libraries and their schools are lacking, and what would be a value-add in terms of investments,” Mayor Lightfoot said Tuesday. ‘ … Positive, impactful and long-lasting change must come from the community, in collaboration with stakeholders all across our city.”
“Rainbow Beach Park, 3111 E. 77th St., will get new surfaces, seating areas and landscaping for the racquetball and handball courts and clubhouse. The project, proposed by Illinois State Racquetball Association board member Carolyn Vazquez, will likely include repairs and accessibility improvements for the facility’s clubhouse.
“Kelvyn Park field house and auditorium at the park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave. in Hermosa, will receive roof repairs and accessibility upgrades. The proposal to improve ‘the largest building in the area for public use,’ according to Lightfoot, was submitted by Casey Guerra on behalf of the park’s advisory council.
“The two-story brick fieldhouse was completed in 1928. The locker room’s bathroom is unusable by the public and staff because of plumbing issues that include rusty water coming out of the faucets. Other problems at the field house include mold, asbestos, lead paint and a lack of ADA compliance, park advisory council members previously said. (Evans, Block Club Chicago, 1/18/22)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
Kelvyn Park Field House-Chicago Works Community Challenge 2021 Video (2:21 minutes)