Park 542 to open Aug. 12, name undergoes review

08/10/2010 2:49 PM

By Micah Maidenberg
Editor

5 Comments - Add Your Comment


The fences surrounding Park #542, a highly anticipated new park district in the West Loop, are scheduled to come down on Aug. 12, park district spokeswoman Zvez Kubat confirmed with Chicago Journal today. Kubat did not know the precise hour the park would open.
Bound by Adams, Monroe, Peoria and Sangamon, Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd) proposed to name the park after Mary Bartelme, a pioneering attorney who was born near what is now the West Loop.
The park district board of commissioners considered the name at their July meeting, and Kubat said a 45-day review period is ongoing.
Kubat said that residents who wish to comment on the proposed name for the park should call the park district's general number, 312-742-PLAY, and ask to speak with a representative from the district's intergovernmental affairs department, which handles feedback on park names.
It is likely a final park board vote on the name will be taken in September or October, according to Kubat.


5 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Armando Chacon from West Loop
Posted: 08/24/2010 3:40 PM

Rich, I couldn\'t agree more. Now we just need to attract more businesses, particularly on Madison which is Main Street to us in my opinion. I know times are tough so it won\'t be easy. For now, let\'s get out there and frequent our current neighborhood businesses.


By Rich from West Loop
Posted: 08/24/2010 1:06 PM

The name is fine (who cares), but the park is absolutely fantastic. The kids area has play equipment imported from Germany in a innovative layout. And the hills are great for people who want to lay on the grass. All in all, a tremendous addition to the West Loop. With the new Skinner school and its neighborhood component, the West Loop has really arrived as a family destination: great amenities, great school, great commutes.


By bob gallo from WEest Loop
Posted: 08/23/2010 8:49 PM

Nice choice for naming the new park. If it is approved I hope there's a historical marker that shares Mary Bartelme legacy.


By Brittany
Posted: 08/23/2010 12:15 PM

The park has been tremendous so far, it is filled every day and has brought a lot of life and vibrancy to the area.


By Bob from Near West Side
Posted: 08/18/2010 10:31 AM

I am very impressed with Ald. Fioretti's choice of name for the park.