The Near West Side’s Fosco Park, located in the middle of the former Chicago Housing Authority ABLA Homes, is getting a new field that could open as soon as this November.

Chicago Park District officials, neighborhood activists and Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) broke ground Saturday on an expansion to the park, which currently features a field house at the intersection of 13th Street and Racine Avenue.

The new multi-use field would sit just south of the field house, replacing what’s currently an acre-sized vacant lot.

Construction on the park should be done within 120 days, according to park district spokeswoman Zvezdana Kubat. In addition to the field, they’re also planning to install a walking path and a drinking fountain.

Fioretti’s park liaison Leslie Recht said she was told that the park might not open to the public immediately. Given the current timeline, the field could remain fenced off when construction is done to allow the grass to take root.

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By Jill from University Station
Posted: 07/31/2012 9:28 AM

As someone who has seen the current park on 16th increase in use for youth football and soccer leagues, I am ecstatic to see more green space in the neighborhood. We walk our dog and run in the park and have noticed an increase in patrols in the area as of law. While all things move slowly when the city is involved, I think additional space for young people to become involved and stay out of trouble is always a good idea.

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By claudea from united center
Posted: 07/26/2012 1:34 PM

@Sandy, he did give an update at the meeting at Pheonix last week. Same old, blame the city, blame this, blame that. Didn't answer direct questions about Pete's. Pete's won it on a city contract. Hold them to the fire. There had to be something in that contract that should have held them to a schedule. And since it was bid on a ctiy contract, why aren't they held to it. Same old bull, different day. Typical, west side is ignored and left with blight.

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By Sandy from United Center
Posted: 07/26/2012 9:32 AM

Yes, Sam!! Every neighborhood is moving forward on their development and construction plans and our neighborhood is at a stalemate. I was at the meeting (2009) when Pete's was announced - I know there have been hiccups, but this is a farce! We have been waiting for years, yet Fioretti is at every photo-op smiling at another construction site. At the very least, we deserve an update. BUILD IT. AND THEY WILL COME TO PETE'S!!!!!!!

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By Jack from ROOSEVELT SQUARE
Posted: 07/26/2012 0:20 AM

Hopefully the new police station can curb the crime that comes from the Brooks homes. I have had a birds eye view of the brooks homes for 5 years. They have zero appreciation for life and the free tab they suckle from. They will use that park as a trash can just like every other area they live in. Our state is in debt beyond fixing and the idiot politicians keep pissing tax dollars on these criminals to live. They need to cut the tab for anyone who commits a crime on our dime.

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By Drew from Little Italy
Posted: 07/25/2012 1:53 PM

14th and Racine... great addition to the Brooks Homes. Now an even nicer place to get shot.

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By Viki Kola from Roosevelt Square
Posted: 07/25/2012 11:23 AM

Great - another place for the gang bangers to hang-out?! How about getting some retail and restaurants for those who live in the neighborhood!

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By Sam from Near West Side
Posted: 07/25/2012 10:23 AM

Fioretti, when are you going to get the construction work started for Pete's Fresh Market on Madison and Western. This project is over 3 years ago. At least laid down the foundation/concrete this year, so that the construction work can start by March/April of 2013.