New investment encourages residents to get their steps in; pursue health and wellness goasl as new walking path opens
Chicago Park District General Superintedent Rosa Escareño , Alderman Michelle Harris and members of the South Calumet community cut the ribbon on the walking path at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 S. Clyde. The .37-mile-long path officially opened immediately after the ceremony to residents and visitors.
“We’re really excited to officially bring a new addition to this park,” said Rosa Escareño, General Superintendent and CEO. “Walking is a simple activity with so many benefits for people of all ages. The Chicago Park District efforts to improve our facilities and amenities is about investing in our park but more importantly, investing in the residents of the South Calumet community and providing access to opportunities for wellness and recreation. I’d like to thank State Representative Marcus Evans for securing $300K for this project and for his ongoing support of parks and the families we serve.”
The new path will fulfill a community need to accommodate a high number of walkers in the neighborhood. The path is located around the perimeter of the northern two-thirds of the park and will take visitors on a scenic path through the existing trees. It will connect to existing asphalt paths within the park near the entrance to the fieldhouse on the east and to an existing path on the south end of the park.
“We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on this new walking path here at Jesse Owen Park, said 8th Ward Alderwoman Michelle Harris. “The new amenity creates new opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, be active and connect with one another. It is also incredibly fitting to bring these opportunities to a park named in honor of Jesse Owens, a pioneering and record setting track and field athlete with roots right here in this community.”
Not only will the new path address a need for walkers in this community, but it will also accommodate additional stormwater detention. The path itself is made of asphalt, a permeable material, which allows water to pass through it. Underneath the path, there’s a deeper cross section of gravel where rainwater will collect and be stored until it can infiltrate the soil below. Four underground drainage areas were also built to prepare for larger than normal rain events that may possibly overwhelm the system. These areas are not connected to the off-site stormwater system but are part of a self-sufficient system.
The walking path includes four bench pad locations at various points so that people using them would not only be able to rest during a walk, but also view one of the four existing baseball fields within the park interior. Additional lighting was also included as part of the nearly $800K project scope.
Other noteworthy projects in the Park District’s 2024 capital construction season include, but are not limited to, playground renovations, new artificial turf fields, new fieldhouse windows and roof replacements, fencing and lighting. All projects, large or small, positively impact park operations and enhance the delivery of services to neighborhood residents and families.