Governor Quinn Announces Capital Investments for Columbus Park and Berwyn Park Projects

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments for development and improvement projects at Chicago's Columbus Park and the Berwyn Park District. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the $3 million in projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase recreational opportunities, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Our parks are special spaces for many children and families across the state," Governor Quinn said. "Maintaining and improving recreational facilities encourages people to take on a healthy lifestyle. These investments will help ensure Columbus and Berwyn Parks can be enjoyed for years to come."

"Chicago's parks and playgrounds provide safe spaces in which residents can stay active, meet up with neighbors and establish community ties," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "This partnership to invest in Columbus Park will complement the enhancements, including the addition of an artificial turf field, that we have already made in Columbus Park to strengthen the Austin community."

The Chicago Park District will receive $1,125,000 to rehabilitate the gymnasium, field house and refectory at Columbus Park. The improvements will be focused on the historic field house and gymnasium buildings, constructed in 1918, and refectory buildings, constructed four years later in 1922. Improvements include new windows and doors masonry, new gym floors and interior restoration such as accessibility upgrades, updated restrooms and locker rooms to meet accessibility standards, new paint and lighting upgrades. These upgrades to the Columbus Park facilities will allow the park to better serve the community with quality and reliable recreational opportunities. The total estimated project cost is $1.5 million.

Columbus Park is considered the masterpiece of Jens Jensen, now known as the Dean of Prairie-style landscape architecture. The project, Jensen's only opportunity to create an entirely new large park in Chicago, represents the culmination of years of his conservation efforts and design experimentation. The facilities at Columbus Park compliment the landscape and provide valuable recreational opportunities for Chicago residents. Programs include cultural events, basketball, martial arts, dance and fitness.

The North Berwyn Park District in Cook County will receive $1.8 million to renovate an existing structure on 16th Street to serve as a community recreation center. The construction work will enhance the exterior façade and build out the interior space for recreation programming. The total estimated project cost is $4.3 million.

"A community recreation center will benefit Berwyn residents no matter their age or interests by providing a space for a wide variety of activities," Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero said. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for this investment in the residents of Berwyn."

The investments announced today are 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 are eligible for up to 90 percent funding.

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "These renovated facilities in Chicago and Berwyn will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

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.