The City Council today passed land use ordinances that will facilitate park improvements for the Ewing, Woodlawn and Fuller Park communities.

The Department of Zoning and Planning will use Open Space Impact Fees (OSIF) and TIF funds for construction costs associated with expanding and revitalizing the three neighborhood parks.

"Adding open space to neighborhoods across Chicago enhances the quality of life for all our residents," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.  "This further enhances our goal to provide new parks and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods."

Open Space Impact Fees will assist with the relocation of Woodlawn Park to a new site in the Greater Grand Crossing community.  The park located at 7329 S. Woodlawn will be relocated and expanded from 0.38 acres to 1.25 acres.  The new Woodlawn Park site is the result of a land exchange between the City and the Chicago Park District.  Following environmental clean up, the park site will be conveyed to the Chicago Park District.

Further south, two parcels at 3915 E. 106th and 3918 E. 107th will be acquired to facilitate a land exchange that will replace the outdated Ewing Park at 9812 S. Ewing.  The planned project adds additional green space by expanding the Burnham Greenway Bike Trail which extends from 100th Street and connects southward to the Village of Burnham.

The project will expend $33,000 of Open Space Impact Fees for costs associated with expanding the Burnham Greenway Bike Trail.

A separate ordinance passed by the City Council today, authorizes the transfer of $3,000,000 from the 47th & Halsted TIF for additional neighborhood park renovations and improvements.  Built in 1911, Fuller Park located at 331 W. 45th Street, is one of the first south side neighborhood open spaces specifically designed to address the recreational needs of neighborhoods.

The Fuller Park renovation will restore the historic character of the field house and update the park amenities.  The project includes renovations to the Classical Revival-style field house which is listed among Chicago's architecturally and historically significant buildings.

These park projects further the goal of the CitySpace plan which is designed to provide expanded park and recreational opportunities for underserved communities across the City.

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