The Chicago Park District is moving forward with plans for the new park tentatively named after Fred Anderson at 16th Street and Wabash Avenue in the South Loop.

At this month’s meeting of the Chicago Plan Commission on Oct. 20, the park district is slated to request $4 million in tax increment financing (or TIF) money from the city so that they can build the park.

Right now, plans for the 1.05 acre park call for a multi-level park featuring a “dog-friendly area.”

The most recent plan, released in April, shows a bridge going over the middle of the park and the dog area. In a nod to the park’s proposed namesake, it also has a large stage area where Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) wants to see live music.

Local dog advocates like the South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative, though, have howled about the size of the dog-friendly area, which shrank as designs for the park evolved.

But it’s apparently not the final concept. Assuming TIF funding is approved, the park district is planning to hold another public meeting to finalize design plans for the park. The date for that meeting has not yet been determined.

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By Ren from South Loop
Posted: 05/08/2012 11:26 AM

Any update on this?

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By Sohenlal from South Loop
Posted: 10/12/2011 1:10 PM

One wonders if there's more going on than has been shared with the public about this park. $4,000,000 sure seems like a lot for what was represented once as a dog park. Perhaps the neighboring Ministriy and Acadia restaurant are requesting self-serving "improvements"? A group formed to support the dog park at the site that has just started a blog to promote discussion of these issues and develop community - 16thwabashdogpark.blogspot.com . Folks might want to check them out.

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By Tom from S Loop
Posted: 10/12/2011 10:33 AM

The reason for this cost is the stage. Why does this park need an enclosed stage? It is one thing to build a park, but I was not aware anyone was wanting a stage.

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By This is Chicago from So what part of this surprises you?
Posted: 10/06/2011 2:56 PM

The city likes to do things on the expensive side. It's Chicago's version of the $400 hammers & $200 toilet seats circa 1980s Washington DC scandal. The big problem is that we are obviously not learning from our past mistakes. BTW, who is the local alderman? He/she needs to be put in the Hot Seat for this! When the contractor is chosen, someone needs to check for political contributions. Then we'll know why they were chosen.

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By Robert from Dearborn Park
Posted: 10/06/2011 12:38 PM

Are you kidding?! $4 million to develop a one acre park. How much does planting a few trees a few shrubs a couple of big rocks a water feature and a few lights cost? Oh, wait, I suppose if we are using a politically connected firm that uses union labor ($45 an hour to dig a ditch) then maybe $4 million is reasonable! Let me off this crazy train!