This is from an interesting article in The Tribune regarding the transformation of many neighborhood pars throughout the city. The theme that runs through the article is that each park project is the result of community input regarding what amenities their park should provide - a novel concept in Uptown.
When West Loop residents in Chicago were asked what they wanted in their neighborhood park, baseball diamonds and basketball courts ranked rock-bottom.
Instead, they wanted a tranquil garden at Skinner Park with a magical fountain, beds of enticing flowers and benches where they could sit and reflect. They wanted a path so joggers and walkers would not have to pound the pavement of nearby sidewalks. And they wanted a play area for dogs.Such oddities as the petting zoo at Indian Boundary Park and the pond for competitive casting in Lincoln Park have always dotted the city's parks. But Skinner Park is just one example of a new demand for specialty attractions that is changing the face of Chicago parks.
Diamonds and tennis courts are out; skateboard parks and batting cages are in.
At Burnham Park, a butterfly garden. At Marquette Park, tees for junior golfers. At Austin Water Park, fancier water displays.
"When you go to Lincoln Park or Grant Park, you see how beautiful it is," said May Toy, president of Skinner Park's community advisory council, which did the survey. "Then you come back to your neighborhood, and you want your neighborhood park to look as nice as the showcase parks."
