Kosciuszko Park received happy news this weekend of an upcoming makeover to its amenities.
Alderman Milly Santiago (31st Ward), in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Planning and Development, and the Chicago Park District will invest $1.8 million allocated from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds for the renovation of Kosciuszko Park (2732 N. Avers Avenue).
The renovation will upgrade the benches so they are ADA accessible, get new turf for the soccer and baseball fields, redo the paint job on the playground and even add spray features for kids during the summer. The outdoor basketball court has not had hoops or been used in years and will be converted to an outdoor exercise station, according to the alderman.
The public ceremony, complete with a giant check, was on Feb. 16. Local residents, kids, and dog owners were there in large numbers, discussing the future of the much-loved park. Hot coffee and treats were provided for people and dogs, rewarding us all for braving the afternoon chill. The consensus was that a modern, well-maintained dog park in the area is a much-needed and welcomed addition to the area.
“People have concerns about TIFs taking money from public facilities,” said Alderman Santiago in her official statement about the new park. “But this project is a clear testament of the use of TIF fund investments in our communities, especially for public parks.”
Photos: Erik Island
The Chicago Park District doesn’t fund dog parks, so a lot of the cleanup and upkeep has fallen to park staff and local community members. But the Kosciuszko Park Advisory Council joined forces with Santiago’s office to put the project on Santiago’s participatory budget list. The renovation includes a new dog park that will be built with the money from the alderman with upkeep from community members and volunteers who pushed for the dog-friendly area.
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Speaking of history, many of the attendees have either lived near the park or used its facilities for upwards of 35 years
Liz Muscare, Vice President of the Avondale Neighborhood Association, has a great deal of family history with the park, going back three generations.
“My sister was the first girl to be allowed to play football,” Liz recalls. “Back then my father had to petition them for permission.”
Photos: Erik Island
A neighborhood fixture since 1914, Kosciuszko (Koz) Park is in dire need for renovation for the numerous services they provide. Though clean and cared for by very dedicated staff, the building has some plumbing, infrastructure and landscaping issues, as well as lacking basic sports equipment.
Koz park has many swimming, water polo, and Special Olympics events year-round, with Spring registration starting Feb. 25. There’s a number of adult classes, along with child care and after-school programs. With two gymnasiums and an auditorium for theatrical performances and private parties, Kosciuszko Park is a priceless asset, and soon its value and contributions to the community will only increase.
Photos: Erik Island
For more information, check out Kosciuszko Park on the Chicago Park District website or follow their Advisory Council on Facebook. You can also follow Alderman Milly Santiago on her website or her Facebook Page.
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