November 13, 2013

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Announce Selection Of Contractor For Park In Little Village

Construction Work at Park on former Celotex Site to Begin this Month

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District today announced that the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with Friedler Construction Company to begin construction work at Park #553, on the former Celotex site in the Little Village neighborhood. The contractor, the lowest of five bids, was selected following a publicly advertised invitation for bid; construction is expected to begin this month.

“Our City’s parks and playgrounds serve as anchors to our communities and ensuring that every child lives within a 10 minute walk of a park is a top priority,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Little Village is one of the neighborhoods most in need of open space and this investment will deliver acres of recreational space for the children and families of the Little Village neighborhood.”

The former 22-acre brownfield site will be converted into an open recreation facility containing at least two artificial turf soccer fields with field lighting, a natural grass baseball and softball field, a large playground with water spray feature, basketball courts, open lawn areas, a skate park and walking and jogging trails.

“The big park in Little Village will be an impressive and welcome addition to our City’s park system,” said Michael Kelly, Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “The completion of this park will provide much needed recreation opportunities for the children and families of this community.”

“While Celotex Park has taken many years, our community focused on transforming the site into green space for all ages,” said Alderman George Cardenas, 12th Ward. “This persistence paid off and the residents of Little Village will benefit tremendously when Celotex Park opens.”

The $10.1 million contract estimates construction to begin before the end of the month for substantial completion in fall 2014. The park development includes environmental remediation and oversight.

The conversion of the former Celotex site into a park is part of Mayor Emanuel’s five-year initiative to invest in parks, playgrounds and recreational spaces throughout the City.

 

Click here for a rendering of Celotex Park

###

For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,100 acres of parkland, more than 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312.742.PLAY.