Here
is a little about the Playlot
Initiative
All about the Initiative
Average
Chicago lots in our neighborhood are
about 25ft wide. Therefore, the
local park is where kids in the city
play, learn, and socialize. Mt
Greenwood is largely populated with
families and the playground is
essential in a child’s development
and growth. Do you remember which park
you played at growing up? Let's give
our children lasting memories of their
neighborhood park. The new
design will ensure that it’s a place
where children of all abilities can
play together. We, as residents and
parents, see the importance of coming
together and taking pride in an area
we so fondly cherish. With
talent and time in our community we
know that we can achieve something
wonderful, memorable and fun.
How it
all got started
One
evening in Spring 2005, at Alderman
Rugai’s Town Hall meeting Mary
Vogwill expressed her concern for the
playground in Mt. Greenwood Park.
She was passionate at how important
the park is for residents. She
felt that the neighborhood could
really benefit from a newer more
updated playground. Ginger
suggested that she form a volunteer
group with members of the community
that shared her enthusiasm.
Terri Oliver and Pam Waldrom attended
this meeting and felt a calling to be
involved. They knew the
playground had so much potential and
wanted more for the space they visited
so often. These determined women
exchanged contact information and
started forming a plan to bring a new
playground to the community of Mt.
Greenwood.
Meetings
were held, ideas were discussed and a
great deal of research was conducted.
Jennifer Lucid was introduced to the
team and a Playground committee was
formed. Since its inception the
women of the Mt. Greenwood playground
committee have spearheaded this
initiative and have been tireless in
their efforts. They have learned
the hardships involved with
fundraising and grant writing.
With more volunteer help and
assistance they can make this
playground a reality and help enrich
the young lives of all those that
visit.
Senator
Edward Maloney and State
Representative Kevin Joyce generously
pledged state funds of $100,000 each.
The Chicago Park District matched
these amounts with $200,000.
More than half way to our goal we have
a big challenge ahead of us and need
to raise $300,000! We are
confident that this task is attainable
with your support. We welcome
all those interested in joining our
team. Ideas and suggestions are
appreciated. E-mail us!!
-
The
people behind the initiative
Mary
Vogwill:
Stay-at-Home
mom of two kids.
Former Chicago Public School teacher.
Member of Mt. Greenwood Park Advisory
Council
Member of Cassell Elementary Fine Arts
Committee
Highly motivated activist for
community improvement issues
Terri
Oliver:
Former
Ohioan who fell in love with a
Southside Irish guy
Mother
of three (3) and Relationship Manager
for Fifth Third Bank
Member
of
Mount
Greenwood
Park
Advisory Council
Part
time participant of CAPS meetings
Joined
this crusade as an emotional outlet
after the death of my nephew in Iraq.
Pam
Waldrom:
Jennifer
Lucid:
Mother of four kids, who after getting
new landscaping and sod, understands
the importance of kids playing at the
park.
She
is a member of Mt
Greenwood Park Advisory Council
and the LSC for Mt Greenwood School.
You could say she joins committees to avoid housework.
Kathleen
Riordan:
(webmaster
/ graphics)
St.
Mary's College, Notre Dame graduate
that moved to Chicago. Worked for
years in biotech sales and now a
stay-at-home mom that is a mother of
twin girls. Currently an Independent
consultant for Kara Vita skin care
products. Decided to get involved to
use her creative talents to help build
a better playlot for her kids and
others to enjoy for years to come.
Maureen
Chausse :
(co-chairmen
of Brick Campaign)
Married
with 2 kids
Former
Project Manager in food manufacturing
industry
Currently
Independent Beauty Consultant w/Mary
Kay Cosmetics
Member
of Mt. Greenwood Park Advisory Council
Becoming
an activist for community improvement
issues & all over community
awareness.
Mt.
Greenwood Resident just about her
whole life
Liz
Guinn :
(co-chairmen
of Brick Campaign)
Married,
stay at home MOM of two beautiful
little girls
Former IBM Secretary
Proud member of St.Christina Parish
and Mt.Greenwood resident for the past
nine years (grew up in Beverly)
Joined the Mt.Greenwood Park Advisory
Council because I believe EVERY child
deserves a SAFE, Up-To-Date, Clean,
Beautiful park to play and grow up in
- it should be the kind of place that
wonderful childhood memories are made!
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