Changes Coming Soon to Portage Park Playground

By Alejandra Silva

Permanent markers stain the children’s swings; blue paint chips off the slides and monkey bars, climbing blocks have holes in them and are falling apart. There is no doubt the Portage Park playground has worsened over the years. This old park on the northwest side of the city of Chicago is part of families' memories for many residents in the area. Thousands of people visit it each year. The last time this play area got some fixes was in the 90s. According to the Friends of Portage Park group that formed with the purpose of bringing change to the community, families and regular visitors to the park are now waiting anxiously for the new changes finally expected by the end of June.

Visit website of Friends of Portage Park

"The change was needed because the playground equipment was not up to safety standards, bolts were poking through the wood chips and the amount of wood chips was down to the bare minimum.  In it's current condition, it is an accident waiting to happen," said Jennifer Dianovsky, member of the Friends for Portage Park group.

View slideshow of playground here.

Dianovsky also says that they put events together to raise money and get the word out to the people in the neighborhood. A popular event was held in the park's field house. Parents purchased a table in the gym and sold gently used childrens items. To get in you had to pay a low fee and that money went to the playground project. Also, for the first time, a circus visited the park and parents were able to buy tickets and enjoy a great show. Other events included the Farmer's Market and the Buy-a-Brick Fundraiser. Buy a Brick HERE!

She says aside from help from the residents, the city officials lend a helping hand.

 "Elected officials secured the TIF funding for us, the park district is supposed to match 1/3 of what the total project is estimated to cost," said Dianvosky.

$500,00 came from the TIF funds and $200,00 came from the park district funds.

Join their Facebook page here.

Playgrounds are indeed aimed at being a safe and fun place for kids of all ages. No playground across the United States should fall behind. Improvements in a community should always be a topic in town hall meetings. Ideas and support should always come from the citizens. Updates and photos will be posted here as the renovation is underway.