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Construction on fully funded projects expected to begin next year

Following today’s City Council approval of two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposals totaling $12.7 million, the �첥��Ƶ will move forward with nearly $15 million in capital investment in a permanent pool enclosure at Piotrowski Park, 4227 W. 31st Street, in South Lawndale and major fieldhouse renovations Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, in North Lawndale. These projects will address much needed improvements to both parks and expand recreational opportunities in the surrounding communities.  

“Piotrowski Park and Douglass Park are vital community anchors that support healthy active living, foster community connections and contribute to a greater quality of life for neighboring families and other stakeholders,” said �첥��Ƶ General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We’re so excited to bring the Piotrowski pool enclosure and Douglass Park fieldhouse renovations to life. Thank you to City Council for supporting essential funding and to Mayor Brandon Johnson, 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott and 22nd Ward Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez for their commitment to these important projects.”

"We're proud to move forward with this investment into the Little Village and North Lawndale communities. When we say that we are focused on "investing in people," this is exactly what we mean," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "These communities will benefit from these investments for generations to come." 

The Park District will construct a new, permanent enclosure around the Piotrowski Park swimming pool to allow the popular community resource to remain operational beyond the outdoor pool season which typically runs from late June to mid-August. Piotrowski’s aquatics programs attract more than 1800 participants annually. To accommodate the strong demand for year-around aquatic programming, the Park District will construct a permanent pool enclosure to support the expansion of vital aquatics programming, including Learn to Swim, Open Swim, Special Olympics and Competitive Swim Team. In addition to the enclosure, the lower-level locker rooms and restrooms will be rebuilt to modern standards, including improved access from the locker rooms to the pool, and the outdoor pool deck will be expanded. The park’s water playground will be reconstructed and relocated to another area within the park.

“Little Village is one of Chicago’s youngest and most dynamic communities—yet for far too long, it has gone without a publicly accessible, year-round permanent pool. As a lifelong resident and former youth participant and staff member at Piotrowski Park, I am deeply proud to bring this historic $8 million investment—the city’s first outdoor covered pool—to the heart of the 22nd Ward. This is not just about a pool; it’s about delivering equity, expanding opportunity, and investing in the future of our youth and our neighborhood,” said Alderperson Mike Rodriguez.

Funding for the $9.1 million Piotrowski Pool enclosure includes $8 million in TIF, $1 million in Federal Community Project Funding and a $150,000 state grant. The Park District is in active design and will engage the community for feedback in Spring/Summer 2025. 

Renovations to Douglass Park will bring major upgrades and improve the functionality of the fieldhouse’s lower level. The project will include reconstructing the lower level and reconfiguring the space to accommodate new restrooms with pool access, storage spaces, dance studio, multi-purpose and lounge spaces. Building envelope stabilization and waterproofing with HVAC, electrical upgrades and site improvements are also planned. These improvements will remediate the water infiltration that currently impairs use of the space. 

“As a lifelong resident of North Lawndale and someone who has personally enjoyed Douglass Park for years, I understand how essential it is to invest in the spaces that bring our community together,” said Alderwoman Monique Scott. “That’s why I proudly allocated $4.7 million in TIF funds to the �첥��Ƶ, specifically for improvements to Douglass Park. This park is not just a green space – it’s a gathering place, a fitness hub, and a cornerstone of joy and wellness for our residents. I’m committed to making sure it continues to serve the families of our ward for generations to come.”

Douglass Park is one of the District’s 15 designated cultural centers which offer unique programming and events including art, music, dance, theater and more. Upon completion of the renovation, the Park District will use the improved space to increase the number of cultural, athletic and wellness programs that meet the needs and interests of the community and offer vital, positive opportunities for youth and teens. 

Funding for the $5.7 million Douglass Park renovations includes $4.7 million in TIF and a $1 million state grant. The Park District expects to begin design and community engagement for the project this year and launch construction in 2026.