- Credibility:
UPTOWN — Crews are constructing a massive new turf field and working on other renovations at Chase Park, a project that was set to begin six years ago.
A 77,000-square-foot artificial turf field and running track is being constructed at Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Ave. The field will contain two baseball diamonds and a soccer field. Also coming to the park is new lighting, drainage and a new roof for the park’s field house.
Work on the park upgrades began in late March — around the time of Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay at home order was enacted and Mayor Lori Lightfoot called on Chicagoans to stay out of the parks. Some neighbors believed a large construction fence erected around part of Chase Park was due to the mayor’s order. Instead, the renovation work announced in 2014 was beginning, the Parks District confirmed.
In October 2014, the Parks District announced plans for the project, which was set to wrap up in 2016. The project lost funding around 2015, said Michael Sewall, director of community outreach for Ald. Matt Martin (47th).
Former 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar then helped secure $3 million in funding for the project from the Clark/Montrose Tax Incremental Financing District, Sewall said.
Project plans were then updated to adhere to new stormwater management guidelines. The project is now underway.
“Chase Park is one of the busiest, most utilized parks in Chicago, and improvements are long overdue,” Sewall said. “We’re happy this project is finally happening and look forward to enjoying the park again.”
Chase Park neighbors have been clamoring for improvements to the playing fields for years.
“That space could definitely use an upgrade,” Justin Carrino told DNAinfo Chicago in 2014. “I prefer grass, but any investment that the city wants to make in parks is great for us.”
Chase Park received a new playground in 2010, according to Uptown Update.
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