It’s a tragedy that Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge shut down last December, so soon after his death. The man deserves better than to have his marquee establishment fall apart mere months after his death in what was allegedly “a family dispute,” according to Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich.

But for Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) to propose naming a park just a few blocks up the street from a club for Anderson is a classy move. Anderson was a South Loop staple for years, and he deserves to have his name on something permanent and less subject to petty infighting.

We have little doubt the Chicago Park District will approve the measure in no time, and there’ll be a nice, shiny plaque at the entrance come opening day.

The barks from the “dog-friendly area” (a term we still despise, by the way) might interfere a bit with the jazz, though.

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By Ras from Northside
Posted: 04/27/2011 9:10 AM

I believe the park should be named after Mr.Fred Anderson because he has given so much to the community just by being the humble sweet Man he was. His Sons didn\'t honor him enough too allow his hard work sweat and tears in the Velvet to remain open so at least as the community we can have a landmark that we can always visit when we think of Grandaddy!!!!!! Fred Anderson will always live through the spirits and lives he has touched exspecially through the young musicians that rock!

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By Marilyn Shivers from GAP
Posted: 04/15/2011 3:44 PM

I think there should definately be a park in Mr. Fred Anderson's honor. I think there should be a statue, a plaque or something significant to honor his legend.

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By Lyn Horton from outside of Chicago
Posted: 03/25/2011 7:59 AM

Maybe, my contribution to this discussion is unwarranted since I live so far away, but to honor Chicagoan Fred Anderson who contributed so much to the culture of the city deserves more than a park to carry his name. He deserves a street, an avenue, an entire block!

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By Lyn Horton from Out of Chicago Area
Posted: 03/25/2011 7:58 AM

Maybe, my contribution to this discussion is unwarranted since I live so far away, but to honor Chicagoan Fred Anderson who contributed so much to the culture of the city deserves more than a park to carry his name. He deserves a street, an avenue, an entire block!

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By Linda Platt from Chicago Lawn
Posted: 03/25/2011 0:22 AM

Fred Anderson certainly deserves a park named in his honor. He provided a home for the jazz community in Chicago and some day will be in history books.

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By We want SOUTH LOOP DOG PARK from South Loop
Posted: 03/24/2011 3:09 AM

So much for an opportunity for the community to be able to provide any input to the park naming. Why not SOUTH LOOP Dog Park? Everyne should all writeor call in to the Alderman\'s office demanding SOUTH LOOP Dog Park!