Chicago's first indoor skate park park rolls forward

City Council committee approves selling land on S. Clark to park district for $1

06/08/2011 10:00 PM

By MATTHEW BLAKE
Contributing Reporter

50 Comments - Add Your Comment


South Loop's other skate park, a plaza in Grant Park.
File 2011/BEN MEYERSON

The South Loop looks poised to be the site of Chicago’s first indoor skate park, fulfilling a departing wish of erstwhile mayor Richard Daley.

But the project has moved forward too fast for Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who would like to see some community input before the skate park is built.

“The mayor got it under the wire before he left office and the community hasn’t been consulted,” Dowell said.

An ordinance enabling the city to sell the land at 1600-1752 S. Clark St. to the Chicago Park District passed out of the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate Committee June 6. The full City Council was expected to approve the measure at its June 8 meeting.

The language of the ordinance makes clear that the property will be used for an indoor skate park, but what the ordinance actually accomplishes is transferring parcels of land from the city’s Dept. of Housing and Economic Development to the Chicago Park District. The Park District, as owner of the property, has the power to revise the indoor skate park plans.

Dowell is on the Housing and Real Estate Committee and she participated in the unanimous voice vote in support of the ordinance. Dowell said she received “assurances that my constituents would be included in the planning process.”

Michael Lange, the Park District’s project manager for the skate park, said that the Park District’s current plan is to convert the South Clark Street property into a 34,000 square foot indoor skate park that would be open 24 hours a day.

Lange said that the entire project would probably be funded via the Near South Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, district. The Park District plans to ask the city for $2 million in TIF money.

Daley introduced the skate park ordinance at his last City Council meeting May 4. The city already has eight skate parks throughout the city, and four run by the Park District. But the South Clark Street spot would be Chicago’s first indoor skate park.

This plot of land is actually on the edge of Ald. Danny Solis’s 25th Ward, though it lies across the street from Dowell’s 3rd Ward.

Solis said that he was “very happy” about the skate park plan, noting that it was “almost adjacent to the new expansion of Ping Tom Park,” which is located between 16th and 21st streets along the Chicago River.

Solis, though, did recognize Dowell’s reservations and promised to work with the Park District in soliciting community opinion.

“There will be a number of community meetings to not only provide information for residents, but allow residents to have some input,” Solis said.

One possible community concern is what will happen with the city-run recycling center that sits on the planned skate park land.

“At this point we have no information that would indicate that the Blue Recycling Drop Off Center would need to be moved,” said Matt Smith, spokesman for the Dept. of Streets and Sanitation. “If at any point that were to become the case we would most likely select a new location nearby.”

Another issue is that TIF money — which is a collection of local property tax money — is a unique city funding source that is intended for economic development. But the skate park won’t generate revenue since it will be free and open to the public.

Dowell noted that — while she is open to using TIF money for a skate park – the area is wanting in local revenue.

“It makes sense to maybe have more retail uses in that part of the South Loop,” Dowell said.

For his part, Solis thinks the project would help the local economy.

“The skate park will bring more revenue indirectly,” Solis said. “People will come in and be attracted to businesses from nearby neighborhoods.”


50 Comments - Add Your Comment



By james smith from pilsen&evergreen park
Posted: 12/17/2011 2:30 AM

This has been a vision for so long and it needs to happen. Skateboarding in the city is the only way to street skate without a properly designed plaza made of the everyday street scene. I just had my first son and plan to have him follow in my footsteps skating and this would be a great facility to progress and become exposed to culture. I'm 31 now and still skating since 1993. Skating is a culture and with the city supporting it, the community grows. We all benefit from this development.


By Ryan from Ukrainian Village
Posted: 08/02/2011 5:38 PM

I will never leave Chicago if this facility is built. Skateboarding is an important part of many peoples lives, and of course mine as well. It's a wonderful form or exercise, creative self expression, and keeps a lot of kids from having too much time on their hands and getting into trouble. It is a passion that is difficult for all and impossible for some to actualize in the winter months. Please may Chicago continue forward with this initiative!


By Anonymous
Posted: 07/13/2011 8:58 PM

Roller blading should not be allowed at the park because rollerbladers move to fast for the intended obstacles at skate parks endangering other patrons. Also, allowing roller bladers to the park would encourage people unfamiliar with extreme sports to try to rollerblade and cause serious injury.


By Joe from Logan Square
Posted: 06/19/2011 6:59 PM

This is fantastic, The safe haven logan square was supposed to be by being under the bridge did not seem to be as great once snow and rain flooded out the park during our lesser seasons. An indoor park centrally located is great for rain, snow, and everyone without a car can have somewhere accessible from the entire metropolitan area


By Supporter from South Loop
Posted: 06/17/2011 3:40 PM

The skate park will be a nice addition to the developing Ping Tom Park


By Alex from the suburbs from Niles
Posted: 06/16/2011 10:13 PM

Hope to see this park in the future. The City of Chicago needs an awesome city skatepark. One that everyone knows about and skates on the regular. Something so great that people from out of town will come a long way because its that good of a park. If you build it, they will come.


By skater from South Loop
Posted: 06/15/2011 2:05 PM

Cant wait for this to get built!


By Anonymous from South Loop
Posted: 06/15/2011 1:00 PM

This will be a great asset for the South Loop and we really need activities for teens


By Elizabeth from Pilsen
Posted: 06/14/2011 9:23 AM

Building an indoor skatepark in Chicago is an excellent idea and I am in full support of it.


By Paul from Hyde Park
Posted: 06/13/2011 8:17 PM

Please do this! It would be a great opportunity for the youth of this city to express themselves in a healthy, protected, and non-destructive manner. I know dozens of kids in my immediate social circle that would utilize this skate park on a near daily basis. Lets make this happen Chicago!


By joe from Bucktown
Posted: 06/13/2011 12:50 PM

There has been many times I do not get off work till after 11pm and all I want to do is rollerblade to let off some steam or a quick exercise. I always get harassed by cops for skating the park after hours. I know it's their job to keep the parks closed. But now if this park goes through I will no longer worry if I'm going to get a ticket for skating late night. I support this park. Please let it happen.


By Solo from Motor Row South Loop
Posted: 06/13/2011 12:29 PM

Spencer + all other supporters hit it on the button - this needs to be a world class facility that will be able to potentially hold Live competition. It does not take much, but takes the right people. Also, I hope there is an oppty to create some Retail along with this as there is nothing around it.


By Spencer Eckl from South Loop
Posted: 06/13/2011 11:18 AM

If I could give a piece of advice, it would be to get real skaters (rollerbladers and skateboarders) input on what they would like to see in a park and not just hiring a company to build it. This has been a problem in the past. It would be amazing to see a truly unique indoor skate park in the Chicago land area that would influence skaters from all over the country to come to Chicago.


By Spencer Eckl from South Loop
Posted: 06/13/2011 11:13 AM

This is a very positive step for Chicago! We have had suburban indoor skate parks in the past, but nothing like this. An indoor skate park in the city would bring nothing but positivity and give Midwestern skaters an opportunity to skate year-round. The winters in Chicago can be depressing for a skater, as we can only exercise our passion to the fullest potential half of the year. Currently there is only one fully indoor skate park in the Chicago land area.


By Max Orant from Palos Hills
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:38 AM

This idea is awesome. The fact that people could have a place to skate year long is amazing. If it weren't were for rollerblading I would def not be the person that I am today. Giving kids a positive place be year round will give kids a get away from all of the negative aspects in there life. I personally will be coming to this multiple times a week!


By confused citizen from uic village
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:36 AM

"The city already has eight skate parks throughout the city, and four run by the Park District. But the South Clark Street spot would be Chicago’s first indoor skate park." what 4 skateparks exist in chicago that the city doesn't run....I know of none! the other 4, 2 poorley built cement parks which the city hired people who have never built a skatepark before to build, 1 pre fab park in logan square that is small and a bit ackward but ok, and 1 flat area of a few playground like benches.


By Dave from LZ
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:26 AM

Having an indoor park downtown is an amazing idea. With how big Chicago is and how popular skating has become it\\\'s surprising there is no indoor park already but its exciting that the wheels are in motion to build one now. And I agree with Collin about the WRS coming to Chicago for an event, which would bring people to our city from across the country.


By Nick from Aurora
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:25 AM

This is a great idea and will draw people from all over the Metro area and beyond, as long as the park is well made. Chicago needs to make sure not to skimp on the construction. Making it a 24 hour location that is also protected from the weather is what really makes this idea special, so it is critical for those ideas to make it into the final plan.


By Jonathan martin from West Loop
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:20 AM

I strongly suggest involving outside sponsors for the development of this park. Skateboard companies Like ETNIES have helped to build wonderful beautiful free skateparks in california and I'm sure there is more then one skateboard brand that would be interested. http://www.etniesskatepark.com/


By Jake from Pilsen
Posted: 06/13/2011 10:17 AM

Chicago is in desperate need of a world class skatepark. The two city built parks did not consult with skatepark builders and were built poorley years ago. As a result there is still a high percentage of street skating done (Illegal skating on private/public property like schools, banks, etc) e and there will continue to be until there is a great skatepark in chicago. I dont think the park needs to be indoor, although the concept of public indoor skatepark is very interesting if it is free.


By Michael Bober from Evergreen Park
Posted: 06/13/2011 1:29 AM

Many kids NEED skating and many have been SAVED by skating because it has giving them something to focus on in the wake of certain evils they face in life, whether they be drugs, gangs, crime, violence, depression or domestic issues. A skatepark such as this would not only help skaters, but the community as well. This park would attract many people from all over to come to the city and local businesses stand to profit from them. Dayley wanted this park for a reason, and it is a damn good idea


By Michael Bober from Evergreen Park
Posted: 06/13/2011 1:17 AM

Extreme sports are incredibly popular now and indoor skateparks are few and far between. This is a great idea for the city. What most people don't understand, is that skating is not just a hobby for young punks, it is a way for people to express themselves and offers them a productive outlet in which they can challenge and push themselves beyond their expectations. For many, it is a way of life.


By Al Dolega
Posted: 06/12/2011 11:56 PM

A 24-hour indoor skatepark would be a great addition to the area, and give the youth involved in action sports (which is a massive number nowadays) a place to practice their totally sweet moves, and stay out of trouble.


By Richard from Elgin
Posted: 06/12/2011 11:47 PM

This is an outstanding idea and something that Chicago needs. Hopefully Chicago will set an example to be followed by other major cities.


By Anonymous
Posted: 06/12/2011 10:34 PM

I am not from Chicago but I try to visit sometimes to see old friends and spend time in the city. This park would be another excellent reason to visit more frequently. Very Exciting.


By Ben Price from Pilsen
Posted: 06/12/2011 12:35 PM

A 24 hour indoor public park would not only make me more optimistic about life in general, it would convince me, a young attorney, to stay in these neighborhoods. I've lived and skated in a number of places around the country and world, and I consistently see skating act as a bridge between urban and suburban youth, expanding both groups' geographic and social viewpoints. This park would be at the corner of Chinatown, Pilsen, Bronzeville and the Loop, and would be an excellent melting pot.


By Boris Gaisner from Moscow, Russia
Posted: 06/12/2011 12:16 PM

It is a dream of every person who skates/rolls/rides to have indoor park in their city. Just make sure that right people build it. Best regards, Boris Gaisner ROLLERCLUB Dist. Co. Russia


By Eamon O from Bucktown
Posted: 06/11/2011 11:43 PM

As many have stated, the potential for this project is huge. But so as to echo others as well, the success of this project truly rests on community input. A poorly designed park lacking user-input is only cheating the city and the community of it's full potential.


By Eamon O from Bucktown
Posted: 06/11/2011 11:43 PM

As many have stated, the potential for this project is huge. But so as to echo others as well, the success of this project truly rests on community input. A poorly designed park lacking user-input is only cheating the city and the community of it's full potential.


By Dave
Posted: 06/11/2011 3:16 PM

this would be well needed and loved. and you know harold's chicken shack's business would sky rocket.


By chris mc from BG
Posted: 06/11/2011 3:00 PM

This is a great idea and if it is done proper as collin said wrs will happen.


By Matt from East Village
Posted: 06/11/2011 1:38 PM

Moving to the city in a few weeks and nothing would make me happier than having this around. Make it happen!


By T From Cali from Wicker
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:53 PM

The idea of having an indoor skate park with such intense winters and summers compared to where I come from sounds like a great plan. I hope it materializes. An indoor skatepark has potential to create jobs for people. An indoor skatepark, Im sure there will be a demand for more skate gear, something I found very hard to get moving to Chicago. There would also be job ops for instructors. A skte park would allow for community events and demonstartes an investment in youth and active lifestyles.


By Big Mike from Socal
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:47 PM

This is a great idea, even if the skate park doesn't gernerate revenue directly. The surronding businesses will benefit from the mere volume of people that will visit the park. I know that my friends and I would travel out of our way to skate a free indoor park thats open 24 hours a day. This would be a one of a kind place that could not been found everywhere. I am a full supporter of this park.


By Collin Martin from Loop
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:21 PM

RE: Mike from River West Yes! This has major potential of drawing a lot of recognition to the city. If the park is built well, it is certain to be a major attraction for tourists. Also, I can guarantee there would be a World Rolling Series event held at this park. There currently are not any very good indoor parks in the Chicago area. An indoor park built well in Chicago would be insanely popular. Money well spent!


By John Adams from Elk Grove
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:11 PM

As someone who has been skating in Chicago for 15 years now, it seems obvious that a centralized indoor facility, even if free, will bring in revenue from outside neighborhoods and suburbs. Talk to any street vendor who was working near NBC Tower 5-10 years ago before the poorly designed outdoor parks contributed to the criminalization of skating in the loop. If there is a quality, centralized place to skate people will return to the loop. And they're going to want to eat and shop.


By Mike from River West
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:06 PM

The most important factor in this project is community input. In order for this to thrive, the skateboarding and rollerblading communities will come together to develop a park that will appeal to all activities and skill levels. This has potential to be a destination skatepark for athletes in other cities. Chicago is one of the only major cities without a large-scale indoor park that has potential to host national events, provide a safe and enjoyable facility, and bring revenue to the city.


By Anonymous
Posted: 06/11/2011 12:01 PM

Having an indoor park within city limits is exactly what the chicago skating community needs right now. With the harsh winters, finding a place to skate is extremely difficult. I don't think having the park open 24 hours is a viable option, though. It must be understood that skateboarding and similar activities are the pastimes of this generation. Skaters need adequate facilities just like tennis players need courts and basketball players need public courts.


By tobias from bartlett illinoi
Posted: 06/11/2011 11:50 AM

please put this together, i would visit it every day i possibly could. i just hope the builders aren't focused on just skateboarders... there is a decent size rollerblading community in chicago now and we like to skate things skateboards don't... or often can't.


By Collin Martin from Loop
Posted: 06/11/2011 11:40 AM

The mere possibility of this skatepark has made many, many people excited. Although the city has a few outdoor skateparks now, they are useless for half the year and are rather poorly constructed. I am looking into opening a skateshop in the loop or southloop and this becoming a reality would give me certainty that the business would be viable.


By Grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/11/2011 10:34 AM

TYPO:Catalyst 2201 should be 2001 for post on 6/11/2011 at 10:28 AM.


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/11/2011 10:31 AM

Cont'd "Meanwhile, the board has turned management of the project over to the Public Building Commission (PBC), and land has been broken. Projected costs have risen to $42 million, according to PBC spokesman Terry Levin. But Levin says he doesn’t know where the school board is getting the money to pay PBC to build it. “That’s up to them.” Asked where the money is coming from for these projects, Martin says, “CIP projects are prioritized based on need, not on funding source. "


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/11/2011 10:28 AM

Sorry, I meant 24th Michican TIF for $50,000 not Riversouth TIF. There was an article in Chicago Catalyst 2201 by Brett Schaffer that states the following "The Chicago Teachers Academy, a combination elementary school and teacher training facility, is another example. The board cites the 24th Street and Michigan Avenue TIF as the source for $35 million needed for the new school at 22nd and Federal Streets. NCBG says the TIF has a balance of only $54,000." cont'd


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/10/2011 7:42 AM

Another FYI: When NTA was initially built, the Douglas Community was told that the attendance area boundaries would extend all the way to 37th on the south end. I'm sure we were told this so our Bronzeville TIF would be used to build this school. However, we were never included in the boundaries even when we requested it. Should I call this racism or segregation, because later down the road CPS was advocating for South Loop School to get this building.


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/10/2011 7:34 AM

When NTA was built, the Riversouth TIF only had $50,000 in it. Did you also know that NTA was on a report of 27 schools that CPS gave a certain community to make a decision about. The final decision does not rest with Pat Dowell.


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/09/2011 11:14 PM

The total cost of NTA was $47,000,000 but $38.000,000 came from the Bronzeville TIF. This was confirmed by CPS in a Freedom of Information Request. Maybe she put the kabash on the plan because South Loop is not the only area requesting the use of this building. What does racism and segregation have to do being told \"No\".


By Need more school from South Side
Posted: 06/09/2011 7:13 PM

Grandma, take a look at the reports. Money from several TIF's was ported to pay for the NTA, including Near South, River West, etc. and guess what? Ald Dowell has faught to ensure NTA does NOT get used by those areas so it remains underutilized and off limits to familes that funded it. With South Loop school overcrowing, she put the kabash on plan to make it a successful middle school / high school option. Sounds a bit like segregation and racism to many.


By 3rd Ward Watch from Bronzeville
Posted: 06/09/2011 9:09 AM

If Solis wants a skate park. He should create a TIF in the 25th ward for his park. Pat Dowell please follow-up with Dunbar park to find out when it will be completed. The 3rd ward residents have needs too! We use Dunbar Park and need it to be completed. This message is also for Fioretti who also uses Bronzeville TIF and barely spends a dime in the community for which it was intended.


By Concerned Bronzeville Resident
Posted: 06/09/2011 8:49 AM

Pat Dowell, please make sure that none of these funds are being "ported" from the Bronzeville TIF again. Example: TIF money from other communities are also funding Jones and these homeowners will never benefit from the community enrollment option that the downtown area desires for their children. Yet this option is accomplished thru using multiple TIF's at the expense of homeowners who do not live downtown.


By grandma from Douglas
Posted: 06/09/2011 8:39 AM

The City has made sure that the Project Area for the Near South TIF comes all the way to Douglas to either overlap or be adjacent to the Bronzeville TIF. The Near South TIF Area also goes all the way down to Jones College Prep. on the North. We do not agree with our TIF funds being siphoned off for a skate park or Jones College Prep.. $38,000,000 of the Bronzeville TIF was also used to build NTA. I have the FOIA document. Again, skate park should not be a priority!!!!