Out with the old

Demolition at Mount Greenwood Park starts to make way for new playlot

Sunday, March 16, 2008

By Stephanie Gehring
Staff Writer

A construction fence encircles the site of the old playlot at Mount Greenwood Park and the demolition has begun.

"We are doing back hand springs," said Kathleen Riordan, a member of the Mount Greenwood Park Advisory Council.

The advisory council has been working for the past few years to raise funds to replace the playlot, splash pad and add public art at the park, 3721 W 111th St. The playlot will be handicapped accessible, which is key for participants in Mount Greenwood Park's Therapeutic Recreation Program.

The public art includes seven 8-foot tall totems that will feature some of the public's artwork. A meeting is scheduled for March 26 to unveil the seven totem pole designs. The time is to be determined, Riordan said. Later this spring, the public will be able to pitch in and create the mosaics.

The project is expected to cost about $1million. More than half the money was provided by four major contributors: the Chicago Park District, $200,000; state Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Chicago) and Ald. Ginger Rugai (19th), $150,000 each; and state Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago), $100,000.

Demolition is not expected to take too long, Riordan said. She anticipates that the underground work to ensure adequate drainage and the plumbing for the new sprinkler pad will take some time.

But the council members hope Chicago's spring weather will cooperate with All-Bry the project's main contractor so construction will not be slowed.

"We're praying for not a whole lot of rain," Riordan said.

The council will post pictures of the progress on its website www.mountgreenwoodpark.com.

Stephanie Gehring can be reached at (708) 633-5971 or sgehring@southtownstar.com

$931,724

collected to date