Planned improvements to comprehensively address small-scale projects
The Chicago Park District, in partnership with 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona, Jr., will invest $5.7 million to renovate Blackhawk Park, 2318 N. Lavergne Ave., in Belmont-Cragin community. Improvements to the exterior and interior of the fieldhouse includes masonry and concrete work, as well as updates and repairs to the windows and doors, roof and gutters, plumbing and restroom infrastructure. Specific interior accessibility improvements will focus on the main floor in the building, including the installation of an ADA accessible lift to the pool, and restoration of the building’s historic finishes, lobby, and lighting.
“Capital projects that invest in aging infrastructure have an enormous impact on our communities. With these targeted investments, our parks and fieldhouses are better prepared to meet a community’s diverse programmatic and accessibility needs for generations to come,” said Chicago Park District CEO and Superintendent Rosa Escareño. “This project could not have been possible without the Belmont/Central TIF funding and support from Alderman Cardona.”
“Although the Blackhawk Park improvement project began May of 2019 and before the remapping, as alderman of the 31st Ward, I am excited that Blackhawk Park is now in the 31st Ward and thrilled with the construction taking place this December. We need to continue to work together to improve our parks and areas that will create safe spaces for families to enjoy. I thank those who began this process and look forward to the Belmont-Cragin community reaping the rewards,” said Alderman Cardona, 31st Ward.
Construction will begin in late December 2023. The project is slated to be complete by late Fall 2024. The park will be closed to the public starting December 1, 2023.
Additional fieldhouse improvement features include the following:
- Exterior fieldhouse attic and roof insulation, stucco replacement, exterior door and window replacement.
- Fully renovated fieldhouse restroom and addition of an all-gender restroom, interior enclosure of stairs, new fire rated exit corridors, accessible platform lift to the pool, building system upgrades including return-air ductwork installation, and various electrical upgrades and plumbing fixture replacements.
- Site work includes a new ADA accessible walkway on the east entrance of the fieldhouse, storm water improvements and replacement of asphalt paving at north egress door.
Park patrons may visit nearby park locations for indoor and outdoor programming, including access to the pool, fitness center and fields. These parks include Hermosa, Kelvyn, Kosciuszko, and Mozart Parks.