Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District today joined Exelon Corporation to break ground on the Exelon Student Recreation Center at 1301 W. 14th Street. The new 100,000 square foot multi-purpose indoor facility will house an indoor track, artificial turf field, basketball courts and several multi-purpose community rooms.
“This new facility will create the state-of-the-art facilities necessary to support both students and residents on Chicago’s west side,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Together with the community and our private partners, we are proud to make smart, critical investments that help to strengthen the social fabric of this community and will benefit residents for generations to come.”
The indoor athletic facility will support a broad range of activities and events, including athletic league programs and regional competitive events for community youth and young adults. Outdoor improvements will also be made on the existing 9.24-acre Addams Park.
Funding for the Exelon Student Recreation Center will be provided by the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Housing Authority, as well a generous donation from Exelon, as well as The Inner City Education and Recreation Foundation.
“At Exelon, we invest in local initiatives that empower our customers and communities,” said William A. Von Hoene, Jr., senior executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Exelon Corporation. “The Exelon Student Recreation Center will provide more than just a safe place for kids to go after school – it will teach important life lessons on teamwork, self-motivation and friendly competition.”
Investments include the addition of a natural turf baseball field; an artificial turf combination field for baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer; and a walking path around the park.
“The recreation facility at Addams Park will create much-needed opportunities for residents of all ages to stay safe and engaged in our west side communities,” said Alderman Jason Ervin, 28th Ward. “This is a great investment that will bring exciting new recreational activities to our growing community.”
“Addams Park is a hub of activity for the entire community, and this mega-recreation facility will only build a stronger neighborhood and create a better Chicago,” said Alderman Daniel Solis, 25th Ward. “The investment in our park builds on the many investments being made in our community to improve the quality of life for our residents.”
The park is expected to serve an estimated 7,500 new residents moving into the adjacent 120-acre mixed-income Roosevelt Square development. This will also serve residents in the co-located Taylor Street Apartments and Roosevelt Branch Library, which are expected to open in 2018.
“At the Chicago Park District, we see first-hand the important role that access to parks and their features play in improving the quality of life of our visitors,” said Chicago Park District CEO & Superintendent Michael P. Kelly. “With the Mayor’s support, this new modern facility will help us promote healthy and active lifestyles among our youth and adults, and expand our reach as a trusted resource for athletic league programs and regional events all year round.”
Investments in the parks are a key component in Building on Burnham, the Mayor's comprehensive plan to invest in the Lakefront, the Chicago River, natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. Since 2011, student recreational facilities have been announced and built at XS Tennis, Clark Park, Gately Indoor Track & Field, Pullman Community Center and Read Dunning Center. Under the Building on Burnham plan, 985 acres of parks have been acquired and 5.5 miles of waterfront access have been developed since 2011, with continued plans to acquire additional parkland and further develop the waterfront in the coming years.