Governor Quinn Announces Improvements for Chicago's Harrison Park Field House

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of $1.35 million for an improvement project at Chicago's Harrison Park field house. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the project is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"It's important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle," Governor Quinn said. "An investment in Harrison Park will give members of the community a renovated facility to be enjoyed for years to come. This field house project will help improve the health of the people of Illinois and create new jobs for hardworking local residents."

The Chicago Park District will receive $1.35 million to provide a new roof and gutters and to rehabilitate bathrooms, locker rooms and the gym floor of the field house at Harrison Park. The total estimated project cost is $1.8 million. Harrison Park was created in 1912 to provide breathing space and social services to the overcrowded and industrialized lower west side. The park's 1928 field house was replaced by a new state-of-the-art field house in 1993 to meet the growing needs of the community. The field house serves more than 4,000 residents annually.

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "This renovated facility at Harrison Park will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

The investment announced today is part of $50 million available through the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which is 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.

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.