Health and Fitness

Mayor Emanuel Visits River Park To Celebrate The City Of Chicago’s Continuing Investment in the Lincoln Square Community


Park Features Artificial Soccer Field, Eight-Lane Running Track

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward) and members of the Lincoln Square community gathered today at the site of a new artificial turf field and running track at River Park to highlight on going investments being made in the Lincoln Square community.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward) and members of the Lincoln Square community gathered today at the site of a new artificial turf field and running track at River Park to highlight on going investments being made in the Lincoln Square community. Photo Credit: Patrick Pyszka // City of Chicago

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–October 15, 2013.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Deborah Mell (33rd Ward), Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, and members of the Lincoln Square community gathered yesterday at the site of a new artificial turf field and running track at River Park to celebrate the ongoing investments being made in the Lincoln Square community. River Park is located at the convergence of the Chicago River and canal. 

“This investment will ensure that children, teens and adults in the Lincoln Square neighborhood will have state-of-the-art fields for playing a variety of sports,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  “Community investments in our parks are essential because they promote active and healthy lives for residents.”

The park had an existing artificial turf field and running track that were in need of repair.  The artificial turf was originally installed in the year 2000.  An estimated $1.26 million was invested in the project, with $1 million of which was funded by nearby North Park University.  The park now features an 84,240 square foot artificial turf soccer field and a resurfaced eight-lane running track.  The project supports the track and soccer programs of the Chicago Park District, North Park University, and local Chicago Public High Schools. 

“The new river park artificial turf field and running track are a welcome addition to our community,” said Alderman Deborah Mell. “I applaud Mayor Emanuel for his commitment to neighborhood improvements that will positively impact the lives of our residents for years to come.”

The new River Park artificial turf field and running track is part of Building a New Chicago, a comprehensive $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program put forward by Mayor Emanuel. Last year, the Mayor announced a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks throughout the city, so that every Chicagoan is within a ten minute walk of a park.

“The Chicago Park District is responsive to communities’ needs, and this new turf field will provide the River Park area a neighborhood space to enjoy a variety of sports,” said Michael Kelly, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.

The River Park Artificial turf project is one of more than 800 projects in each of the city’s wards on the Chicago Park District’s current five-year capital improvement plan. More information on the Chicago Park District is available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or at 312-742-PLAY.

Source: cityofchicago.org


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