LINCOLN SQUARE — City Council on Wednesday signed off on $2 million in tax-increment financing funds to upgrade Winnemac Park’s infrastructure.
The park’s baseball fields where Amundsen High School teams play and practice become muddy and unplayable after rain, which has been a problem for at least 10 years, baseball coaches have said. Players and coaches must prep the fields to safely practice with the mud.
To remedy this, officials proposed a plan to renovate Winnemac Park by installing an artificial turf infield with grading and stormwater improvements to drain the baseball outfield and soccer field.
The construction will be paid for using $2 million from the Western Avenue (North) Tax Increment Financing district. Because the TIF money expires at the end of 2024, construction would have to wrap by then, Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) previously said.
With funds approved, Winnemac Park also could get lighting upgrades for its fields and pathways, two refurbished tennis courts and new pathway paving.
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