Governor Quinn Announces Major Investments in Chicago Park District

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced $2.4 million in capital investments for the Chicago Park District to make improvements to Archer, Hamilton, Dvorak, McKinley and Sherman Parks. Supported by the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Throughout its history, the Chicago Park District has been committed to improving residents' lives with green spaces for everyone to enjoy," Governor Quinn said. "Not only will these investments help create jobs, but they will also ensure that Chicago's parks continue to benefit their neighborhoods for years to come."

Archer Park will receive a $375,000 investment to rehabilitate the roof and gutters, interior finishes and lighting of its field house, and make accessibility enhancements to the parking lot. The total estimated project cost is $500,000.

McKinley Park will receive a $543,750 investment to rehabilitate the exterior concrete, windows, doors and interior finishes of the field house, including the gymnasium. The total estimated project cost is $725,000.

Dvorak Park will receive a $600,000 investment to restore its historic field and pool houses, both completed in 1908. Improvements to the field house include masonry, exterior concrete, tuckpointing, windows and doors and new multi-purpose club room floors. The pool house will also receive masonry restoration. The total estimated project cost is $800,000.

Sherman Park will receive a $300,000 investment for rehabilitation of the interior lobby, restoration of the exterior stucco, downspouts for the field house and rehabilitation of the concrete stairs to the historic lagoon. The total estimated project cost is $400,000.

Hamilton Park will receive a $675,000 investment to repair water damage to the exterior concrete, bathrooms, locker rooms, as well as gym and auditorium floors in the field house. The investment will also fund improvements needed to protect the building from future water damage such as foundation waterproofing, new gutters and downspouts. The total estimated project cost is $900,000.

The investments announced today are part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and funded by Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! construction program. PARC provides investments to eligible local governments for park and recreation construction projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition, development, architectural planning, construction, rehabilitation and improvements. The PARC program may provide up to 75 percent of approved project costs, with the exception of local governments defined as "disadvantaged," which will be eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

"Maintaining and upgrading our urban green spaces and related facilities is an important part of our mission to provide recreation that is safe and accessible to all," IDNR Director Marc Miller said. "Chicago's parks also are an important part of the city's cultural history, and these resources will help preserve that history for future generations."

The park projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.