Managed
for Jackson Park Advisory Council by Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference.
JPAC webmaster: Gary Ossewaarde,
773 947-9541. HPKCC site administrator: George
Rumsey. hpkcc@aol.com. Views, material
welcome. Next council meeting July 13, Mon., 6401 S. Stony I.
Frederick Douglass Marker Dedication was held May 15. Volunteer
Workdays 2nd and 4th Sats.
To summer camp listings
Whole
JPAC website index. To index of this
homepage.
Council
and other meetings.
Special
notices. To page with latest
minutes. Budget requests for Jackson for 2008.
Special page on the proposed sports
dome. hydepark.org Parks homepage.
President,
Ross Petersen; Vice President, Fran Vandervoort; Secretary, Newsletter-website-mailing
list-meetings, Gary Ossewaarde; Treasurer, Dwight Powell; At-large spokespersons:
Louise McCurry, Geneva Calloway, Vernita Jones . Nature Comm. co-chairs:
Ross Petersen and Frances Vandervoort.
Print 2007 dues letter
and form. JPAC Council Mtg. (next June 8), Vol.
Workdays- (2nd, 4th Sat. 10-1 Darrow Bridge starting late March through
November).
Bird walks are still held Saturday at 8 from the Darrow Bridge- Doug Anderson,
773 493-7058. .
5th
Ward Olympics mtg. 4th Thursdays, 6:30 pm, fieldhouse. Next tba.
JPAC
now has a binder in the fieldhouse office with attendance, schedules, recent
records. Schedule of meetings is posted in the fieldhouse office.
JPAC continues its financial drive for 2009- visit Membership
page. Friends of the Parks is now our fiscal agent; contributions are tax deductible
as per law.
Note: re: booking private events/permits: contact Jackson Park fieldhouse,
773 256-0903 or call 312 742-5369 Chicago Park District Park Services. Better:Go
to http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
and search for permits (all types) or special event permits. This site
and JPAC have no booking responsibility.
Information
earlier draft and process for guidelines for park councils. Proposal in
Friends of the Parks site
(go to bottom). JPAC comments to Chicago Park District in hydepark.org Park
Issues page. Final in www.chicagoparkdistrict.com- go to departments- Legislative
and community and on homepage to Volunteering for form.
JPAC
Website: navigation indices
to pages, links
To index of this homepage. Tibor
Heisler. Link index to our other Jackson Park pages:
Contact,
Officer Information/Membership Bylaws.
Be on the Newsletter mailing list.
Who We Are - Mission, Accompls.; Pk Treasures/Amenities; Guarding the Park
July
2009 Newsletter
June
2009 Newsletter
May
2009 Newsletter
April
2009 Newsletter
February/March
2009 Newsletter
January 2009 Newsletter
December 2008 Newsletter
November 2008 Newsletter
October
2008 Newsletter
September
2008 JPAC Newsletter
August
2008 JPAC Newsletter
July 2008 JPAC Newsletter
June
2008 JPAC Newsletter
May
2008 JPAC Newsletter
April
2008 JPAC Newsletter
March
2008 JPAC Newsletter
January 2008 JPAC Newsletter (no February)
December 2007 JPAC Newsletter
November 2007 JPAC Newsletter
October
2007 JPAC Newsletter
September
2007 JPAC Newsletter
August
2007 JPAC Newsletter
July
2007 JPAC Newsletter
June
2007 JPAC Newsletter
May 2007 JPAC Newsletter
April
2007 JPAC Newsletter
March 2007 JPAC Newsletter
February
2007 JPAC Newsletter
January 2007 JPAC Newsletter
December 2006 JPAC Newsletter
November
2006 JPAC Newsletter
Recent Meeting Minutes and Resolutions:
May 2009, sev. preceding now up
Proposal for sports activity & training dome at Hayes/Cornell
Jackson
Park, JPAC and Olympics; Olympics
homepage (a hydepark.org page)
Natural Areas (incl. history)Lagoons History and Rehabil. Project.
Award
Wooded
Island hist., decisions, prospects (hydepark.org). A
Tour. Lost
Old Oak
Bob-o-link Meadow Story
Ongoing issues cases: Swim
Bans, Beach/Lake Pollution home
From
Whitman 63rd Beach Study '01
A Closer Look—Framework Plan Environmental Recommendations
Dogs on Wooded Island- see on new study: "dogs, nature areas don't
mix."
Canada Geese in Jackson Park
Traffic Circle proposal for Republic statue intersection
Historical Jackson Park See articles on plan for dig,
an accid'l find, comm. marker.
Jackson Park Timeline
Columbian Exposition of 1893 (a
hydepark.org page) See there also more on Frederick Douglass Mon.
ACE sports facility proposal
Frederick Douglass Monument
Korean 1893 Exhibit, proposal
Nike C-41 base (also
an ongoing issue)
Monuments: Animal Bridge, Granite
beach, 'Iowa'
Bldg./Germania, Republic
63rd St. Bathing Pavilion landmarked, upper pavilion named for Eric Hatchett
U-505 WWII Submarine and its move and reopening at Museum of Science/
Industry
Features, opportunities: Osaka Garden in Wooded Island
(in hydepark.org)
Birding and
Bird Conservation in Jackson Park (a
hydepark.org multi-page)
Lawn
Bowling and Croquet
Lakefront
Protection Ordinance
*Earlier minutes and Newsletters are archived by Gary Ossewaarde-- going back to the founding in 1983 (with gaps in the early years). These may be viewed by appointment. 773 947-9541 or garyossewaarde@yahoo.com.
Photo Galleries:
Animal Bridge
Around
and in the park: Site of Mary Rose Shaughnessy
Paved Granite Beach and
Iowa Bldg. old views. Granite
Beach and reconstr.
'Iowa' Building today
Lake Sh
Dr and underpass work,57th-59th
#1, #2,
#3, 63rd.
So Lkft Access projs
Lagoons
and lagoon restoration
Nike C-41 base
Osaka Garden
Submarine move route
and exhibit construction
Wooded Island
63rd St. Beach
House and Schiff Play Fountain
In hydepark.org
Lakefront
Protection Ordinance
Osaka
Japanese Garden home,
Parks outside links and resources index
Wooded Island prospects, work objectives
Park Issues
Birding home
Columbian Exposition
Green (and beyond) page, with links
Outside (find more in the Green page)
Chicago
Park District e-mail staff-1stname.2ndname@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Museum
of Science and Industry's website
Hyde Park Historical Society website
Friends of the Parks,
e-mail John
Paul Jones
New Advisory Council Standards Proposed.
Normally in the fieldhouse, 6401 S. Stony Island, 7:30 pm 2nd Monday except day after in October. Contact Ross Petersen, 773 486-0505 or Gary Ossewaarde (or hpkcc@aol.com) , 773 947-9541 with questions or to place your agenda item; Gary to receive the JPAC Newsletter. To Recent meeting minutes and resolutions. President Ross Petersen re: policy, natural areas, environmental issues, volunteering--773 486-0505.
Next
council meeting Monday, July 13,
7:30 pm, 6401 S. Stony Island. Agenda includes a presentation
and discussion by Tom Tresser of No Games Chicago, Nature Committee, Park and
Program, Parking issues.
Recent
meeting minutes are now up in the Minutes
and Resolutions page.
For something completely different.... Lakeshore Lawn Bowling Club Open House. Jackson Park south of Museum of Science and Industry east lot. Exit Lake Shore Drive at 58th (Science Drive). Wear flat shoes. Tom at 708 366-8228. General bowling Tuesday nights at 7, Saturdays and Sundays at 1.
Birding tours of Wooded Island and adjacent with Doug Anderson. Saturdays at 8 am. Meet at Darrow Bridge south ot he Museum Columbia Basin. 773 493-7058.
PROGRAM
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MAY 15 FREDERICK DOUGLASS MONUMENT. It was wonderful,
even with the rain!
Details/ background in the Frederick
Douglass page. To
page about with link to flyer.
See also Columbian
Exposition page.
Frederick Douglass Commemorative Marker Dedication in Jackson Park
Noon, May 15, 2009.Where: Jackson Park, South of the Bowling Green
Exit S. Lake Shore Drive at the Science Drive signal, 5800 South. Park southeast of the Museum
and walk southeast past the bowling green toward the boat basin.Why: To honor the contributions of Frederick Douglass, former slave and abolitionist. As Minister in charge of the Haitian Pavilion at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, he celebrated Haitian Independence Day and the completion of the Fair’s first pavilion on this site.
Program Highlights:
• JROTC Honor Guard, School of Leadership/ South Shore Campus
• Father Carl Markelz, Principal, Mt. Carmel High S
• William Tillis, Chicago Park District Park Supervisor
A lady representing the Jamaican and Haitian communities greeted on behalf of these.• Leslie A. Hairston, Alderman 5th Ward
• Charles Branham, Ph.D., history teacher University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
• Frances Vandervoort, Vice President, Jackson Park Advisory Council
• Monica Vela, M.D., Assistant Professor, Assoc. Vice-Chair for Diversity, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago
• John Tredon, Violinist
• Hooked On Drums-Youth African Drumming EnsembleFree and open to the public.
4th Thursdays- 5th Ward Olympic meeting- 6:30 pm, fieldhouse. Next in May?
________________________
Online Park Program Registration Utilizes
PayPal
The Park District is now using the PayPal online payment
system. Before you register online for one of our fall classes, we encourage
you to review the new screens and review our Q&A about the new system. You
can
do this by copying and pasting the web address below into your web browser:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/programs.home.cfm
You
can probably view winter program offerings online now or soon. To do this, copy
and paste the
web address below into your web browser:
http://programs.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programBrowser/
Summer viewing at PD website is open as are online registration or in person. call 773 256-0903 about spaces available.
2nd and 4th Saturday Volunteer Workdays-March- November . Call Ross Petersen at 773 486-0505.
10 am-1 pm, meet at the Darrow bridge south of MSI/ Columbia Basin. Restarts March 2009.
Restarts March 22, 2008.
Hyde Park Herald, March 19, 2008. Jackson Park seeks volunteers
Hyde Parkers can welcome spring by volunteering for the first Jackson Park work day of he season form 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The tradition of volunteers work days first started in Jackson Park's Bobolink Meadow and the Wooded Island in 1988.
"These areas need a lot of attention," said Ross Petersen, who has been directing the work days for six years.
Volunteers can expect to do general garden work, removing invasive species such as buckthorn and mulberry bushes, and replanting native vegetation to restore historic nature areas. Petersen said he usually gets about a dozen volunteers to help, six of whom volunteer through the non-profit group Chicago Works [Chicago Cares?]
"We would like to reach out to school, church, community groups to help out on our work days," said Petersen. The volunteer work days are on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and start at the Darrow Bridge. Tools and refreshments are provided. For more information, call Petersen at 486-0505.
In other news, the Wooded Island working group was given special recognition for their hard work by the Friends fo the Park during the organization's annual luncheon last month.
More recently, the Jackson Park Advisory Council elected new officers last week. Those officers are Ross Petersen as president, Fran Vandervoort as vice president, Gary Ossewaarde as secretary and Dwight Powell as treasurer. Top
Rationale and purpose- see in Wooded Island habitat and prospects page. Note- an all-parties meeting was held that looks forward to a good management plan for Wooded Island. See reports there. A plan was adopted at a broad meeting of stakeholders in September.
Join Jackson Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District/Aramark for natural areas work. Tools and refreshments will be provided. Please dress for the weather. The second and fourth Saturday of every month until October from 10 am to 1 p.m. Now meets at the Darrow Bridge south of MSI Columbia Basin. Parking is east of the bridge, access from Lake Shore Drive at 5800 S. or from 57th Drive and go around the east side of the Museum. Ross Petersen at 773 486-0505.
For more on why what is done is on Wooded Island, see new page.
Letter from Nature Committee chair Ross Petersen to Hyde Park Herald, April 8, 2009- Jackson Park workdays return.
Thed Jackson Park Advisory Council announces the return of volunteer workdays, the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, beginning April 11. We meet at the Darrow Bridge, southof the Museum of Science and Industry, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The focus of these wodrkdays is ecological restoration in the in the natural areas of the park -- the Wooded Island and Bobolink Meadow. Working in partnership with the Chicago Park Disrict Deparment of Natural Resorcces, volunteers remove non-native/invasive plant species, plant and maintain native species, increasing biodiversity and removing threats to the 10,000-year-old oak Savannah on Wooded Island. Training, tools and gloves will be provideed. Work clothing is recommended. For more information, call Ross Petersen, site steward, at 486-0505 or teh Chicago Park District stewardship coordinator at 312 742-4072.
Do you have questions of suggestions regarding Jackson Park? Please come toour regular monthly meetings, the second Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. at the feld house, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. They are free and open to the public, and we urge you to come.
Enjoy the birding year round and the great spring and fall migrations. Chicago and the Chicago Park district are signatories of the International Bird Migratory Treaty of March 2000, and are committed to maintaining and increasing the bird friendliness of parks. (Friends of the Parks and many other groups, including members of JPAC's nature committee, worked out the guidelines.) Visit Birding (and bird conservation, in Jackson Park).
Written by Gary Ossewaarde. Olympics
For more late news, see also the latest minutes in the Minutes and Resolutions page.
Douglass marker dedication happens May 15.
January 12:
JPAC elected: Ross Petersen President, Fran Vandervoort Vice President, Gary Ossewaarde Secretary, Dwight Powell Treasurer, and as at large spokespersons Geneva Calloway, Vernita Jones, Louise McCurry.
JPAC approved the
MSI west lot project with proviso that a monitoring device be installed and
as little go into the lagoons as possible. More below
JPAC asked praised ACE for its desire to created new sports facilities but asked
that ACE join us in seeking a new or addition to the present field house with
programs by or supervised by the Park District, and opposes new non park district
structures in the park.
Dedication date for dedication of the Douglass monument is May 15; JPAC will participate.
Officers were instructed
to work with Friends of the Parks for retention of a Park District commitment
to equitable distribution of resources and facilities and to not include in
our bylaws language subjecting handlers of our small funds to background checks
or expanding the purpose statement. (CPD and FOTP were near agreement on satisfactory
language at the end of January.)
Alderman Hairston has made an arrangement to use some of her aldermanic menu money to compensate the Chicago Park District for blocking pay and display for 100 parking spots at the 63rd St. Beach this year between July 1 and Sept. 7 (when the beach closes). However, the remaining spots will have the $1 per hour? charge starting July 1.
Also at the 63rd beach, a water-collecting swale and other features have been installed for native plant generation/planting to create a new natural area.
Annual meeting and election was held January 12. Elected: President, Ross Petersen. Vice President, Frances S. Vandervoort. Secretary, Gary M. Ossewaarde. Treasurer, Dwight E. Powell. At-large spokespersons: Geneva Calloway, Vernita Jones, Louse McCurry.
January 12 we will also discussed revised bylaws, prepared for conformity with Chicago Park District Guidelines for Advisory Councils. Copies of these, and of the current JPAC and CPD suggested bylaws to extent possible will be in pdf on the website, were placed in the field house binder and distributed at the December meeting (or mailed)Current bylaws, proposed (coming, link to pdf) and link to CPD proposed.
At the December meeting we also had a presentation and discussion on MSI proposed reconfiguration of its drop off and delivery lot on the southwest side (See below). JPAC was considering this. ACE sports facility was discussed with Tyrone Mason, who was given written questions by JPAC officers. He will return at the January meeting.
Our new bank account at Hyde Park Bank is now operational as is our fiscal agency under Friends of the Parks. JPAC allocated $550 for kids Christmas gifts and prizes for the essay contests to be held January 15, February 15, and February 28-- see in Specials.
Lifeguards hours were cut this year to save money. 11-7 instead of 8:30-9. Also, the city will test at 63rd St. beach the quicker SwimCast testing method, shown to tbe 80 percent accurate in Lake County.
Olympics JPAC learned mid December 2008 that the Olympic Committee has moved the hockey venue from near sensitive lagoons to near the track across from Hyde Park Career Academy. The previous location had evoked a request by JPAC for movement further from the lagoons.
To Olympic JPAC material, To Olympics homepage.
What was learned about latest plans at the April 13 2009 Jackson Park meeting
The Olympic Outreach Committee was greatly expanded by new 2016 president Lori Healey (January 2009) from a couple dozen to 80, divided into 5 subcommittees. A difference has been reported by the end of March. A series of Legacies and related regional meetings has begun: Washington Park April 18 Saturday 9 am at the Refectory 5531 S. Russell Dr. and April 21, Tuesday, 5:30 pm at Douglas Park. The 5 subcommittees are Affordable housing, Community Enhancements*, Contracting and Procurement, Construction, Workforce Development. (*includes the legacies). To support the legacies and Olympic-leveraged improvements, a local foundation is being considered.
Arnold Randall of Chicago 2016 presented and answered questions at the Jackson Park Advisory Council meeting April 13, 2009. About half the 19 venues are in the downtown area, the rest along two radii, an inner and an outer. Washington Park looks like it will be mostly taken up, but that is greatly misleading- new structures will not be south of 55th, though some there as well as a remade Armory and other structures along Cottage Grove and 51st will be used. And the residual stadium will not only be shrunken to c 3,000 seats but will not be in the Great Meadow and will be sited carefully. The Midway will be open and have lots of activities and viewing screens. Indeed, all legacy features are in flux and will require a great deal of negotiation with communities, Randall said.
There are inner and outer perimeters of the Jackson Park site between Stony and Cornell, 60th and 63rd/Hays. Most intensely affected will be the track and football field northeast of Hyde Park Academy, comfort station to the south, and softball field to the south of that. The timeline for the Jackson Park field hockey starts at the end of 2014 with work on the comfort station and removal of the fields and track. Streets will not be closed at that time and only Cornell will be closed during the games and the Drive restricted--but not its bike paths. Summer of 2015 will see completion then testing of the two artificial turf fields with their stands (the comfort station remains). July 2016 the Games open and with the Paralympics go several weeks. Then one of the fields as well as stands is removed and goes back to what was there or becomes something different as designated by the community (and park district). If so wanted, the track comes back around the perimeter of the artificial field if the north field is kept, or could go back to dirt if it's the south artificial that is kept. Family, athletes, staff will access from 63rd (ult. Lake Shore Drive), the public southward along Cornell Drive on foot. There will be no parking facilities or auto access.
Randall said there is as traffic plan, but it has to be filled in-- after the bid is awarded. He asserted HP and Woodlawn wil not be blocked in, but there will be times other routes will have to be found in all directions. More buses for the public will be in service. Permit parking will be used for nearby residents. Maximum number of persons expected in the two fields if both occupied at any one time- about 22,000. There will be a lot of gating and fencing.
Olympic Village- will have 30% affordable available to people with various levels of need, including a percentage going to those making less than 60% of median regional income adjusted for real local medians. Other housing on city-owned tracts within a mile of venues will have 20% affordable.
Much concern was expressed about effects in Washington Park.
Museum of Science and Industry proposes green remake of west lot drop off area. In January JPAC supports. Other projects
Approved at the Janauary meeting, with proviso that the monitoring devices proposed be installed and discharge into lagoons be minimalized:
MSI, architect, and the park district presented in December the proposal, to be funded largely under a federal SAFETEA transportation grant, to start in 2010. Drop off/pick up for school groups, deliveries and trash areas would be remade, and green slow-down and sand et al filtering of rainwater and a force main from the parking garage replace the current asphalt and mains. JPAC resolve approval of the project in January, reminding the planners it expects their promised monitoring devices and minimalization of discharge into the Columbia Basin and lagoon. The project is part of a multi-year master plan. This part is especially needed because the city sewers in the become overloaded during heavy rains and snowmelts.Note, those noticing work in progress on the west roof- it is to support new exhibits and equipment for them.
From the January JPAC Newsletter (Dec. minutes):
The project involves a complete redesign of the area southwest of the museum to address—in a pioneering green, sustainable and attractive way—problems with drainage, the group entrance, bus staging (drop off and pick up), lot, deliveries and trash pickup. The site would also become a teaching venue. Devices to handle excessive rains and snow from that sector and also from the north side parking garage would include new piping, porous pavement, bio swales and rain gardens, gravel beds, separators, and cisterns. We were assured that great engineering care is taken, in consultation with the Park District, that last-resort discharge into the Columbia Basin will be clean and not enough to disturb shore plantings. The team was urged to do its best to eliminate past problems with trash handling and facilities. Project funding includes federal SAFETEA transportation grants and is slated to start in 2010. The team will return regularly with updates, and the council agreed to render its position on the project as soon as practicable.
From the January 21 Herald: Jackson Park projects slated for coming months. By Crystal Fencke
The Jackson Prk Advisory Council (JPAC) has approved a future "green" project the Museum of Science and Industry is planning that would rehabilitate the parking lot adjacent to the lagoon. In 2009, the park will be home to a boulder to mark statesman Frederick Douglass, and there will be an upcoming meeting regarding a controversial rule change at the Park District.
The MSI's "West Lot Project" will begin at an unspecified date in 2010 to reconfigure the parking area on the museum's southwest side, primarily used for school busses. The institution, which last year celebrated its 75th anniversary, is looking to make improvement to the lot, which is "relatively old," said Jennifer Christakes, director of facilities.
The plan will incorporate green aspects to ensure proper drainage of oil and sediment from reaching groundwater, including the Jackson Park Lagoon. Those will include bioswales, mini-marshes using woodland plants and native shrubs, which help to slow water velocity. Permeable pavers, porous stones already used around the museum's Smart Home, will be installed throughout the lot as well. These are methods "to naturally clean rainwater," said Christakes, adding that it may seem like a contradiction, but water that comes from the sky needs to be filtered of fine metals and sediment. JPAC approved the project at their most recent council meeting.
Also at the meeting, it was revealed that in May, the Frederick Douglass Memorial, a dream of retired English teacher Barry Rapoport, will finally be realized. Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) and JP?AC approved this project to commemorate Frederick, Douglass (1818-1895), an ex-slave adn worked-renowned abolitionist who spoke at the World Columbian Exposition of 1893. ...
At the end of 2009, it was learned that CPD was updating its Code including that dealing with equitable distribution of resources (Chapter 13) without at that it being known what the replacement language might be. This chapter was put in at conclusion of court monitoring an d remedial spending following a federal consent decree of the 1980s. In late January 2009 alternate drafts were being exchanged between CPD and Friends of the Parks that all hoped would be satisfactory and guarantee this important non-discriminatory practice in a positive way.
Here is the final language, as on CPD website and given full Friends of the Parks support.
CHAPTER XIII. DISTRIBUTIION OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SECTION A. BASIS FOR DISTRIBUTION
1. The Chicago Park District shall distribute it resources, services and facilities, in a fair and equitable manner throughout the District. Furthermore, the Park District shall distribute funds for all its activities, including city-wide and specialized facility construction or improvement, land acquisition and other construction in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of race or national origin as between the community areas of the city.
2. During the annual public budget hearing the Park District will publish an annual and multiple year capital improvement plan. The capital improvement plan will be based, in part on needs assessment and engineering data as well as public commentary. Preceding the presentation of the capital improvement plan, the Chicago Park District will hold a minimum of 10 community meetings to solicit public comment connected with the development of the capital improvement plan.
SECTION B. THE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
An Implementation Committee is hereby established which committee shall have the responsibility and duty to monitor the manner in which services and facilities are distributed throughout the Park District. The Committee shall include the General Superintendent, who will act as chairperson, and various Park District staff designated by the General Superintendent, three members of the general public and one member of the Board. The three members of the general public and the member from the Board shall be nominated to the committee by the President subject to approval of the Board for a term of office for one year or until their successors have been appointed. Once every calendar year, the General Superintendent shall provide to the Board a summary of the activities of the Implementation Committee.
At
its November 10 meeting, JPAC passed a set of resolutions allowing us to enter
into agreement with Friends of the Parks as our fiscal agent and to move our
account and regularize collections and disbursements. Much thanks was expressed
to FOTP and to Roger Huff, Attorney-At-Law, who guided us pro bono. Note that
the Park District has certified that the JPAC is in compliance as a registered
council. Watch at the end of November for a Dues solicitation. (Dues are not
required for voting.)
We have now started our 2009 financial drive. Friends of the Parks is our fiscal
agent.
At the November meeting, we also learned that planting of shrubs, saplings, cover has begun, to be continued over four seasons. Budget and staffing have been somewhat reduced for the fieldhouse but programs will carry on.
To page with discussion
of Proposal for a sports activity
and training dome at Hayes and Cornell. Alderman Hairston and the Council
hold a special meeting at South Shore Cultural Center Sept. 8, 7:30.
An archeological dig under Rebecca Graff of University of Chicago phase I found evidence from and of the Columbian Exposition, including infrastructure and actual foundations of some buildings sw of the Museum. See in the Columbian Exposition page in Columbian Exposition page in hydepark.org.
The Frederick Douglass monument fundraising under Barry Rapoport has been successfully concluded. Barry and JPAC wish to thank the Parkways Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, and numerous groups and individuals for their donations. Final approvals and implementation of this now Park District project are under discussion. We thank Park District staff for their help and facilitation. Celebration and dedication scheduled for May 15, 2009 .To page about with link to flyer.
March 2008. New standard guidelines and by-laws are being proposed by COD for advisory councils. JPAC was among those asked to review an initial draft. Reviewers found the spirit as well as the provisions lacking in a spirit of partnership, discouraging of council membership and park volunteering and highly burdensome.
JPAC representatives
and reps. from several other councils held a serious and cordial meeting
with the Park District April 4. It appears that most issues can be
resolved by a joint committee using the 2000 Guidelines as starter. Another
meeting with Park District was held July 11, with a Jackson rep. on the new
oversight committee. Most issues appear to have been resolved, but some matters
remain to be cleared up.
See Jackson Park Council comments sent to Park District, and extensive coverage
and commentary in the hydepark.org Park Issues page.
Budget. The first
round of budget hearings for 2009 was held at Harris Park July 11 2008. Gary
Ossewaarde spoke of the need for space as well as budget to serve a growing
program constituency and need for natural areas and other maintenance budget
as well as trees replacement (started at Promontory Point). Region Manager Liz
Millan reported that parking lots will be repaved and there will be more work
done in the fieldhouse to keep it serviceable, and perhaps at basketball courts.
2nd round was at Avalon Park September 9. JPAC statement:
September 20, 2008
To the Chicago Park District departments of Legislative and Community Affairs and Budget and to South Region Manager Elizabeth Millan:
Jackson Park Advisory Council is thankful to Chicago Park District for your identification of improvements made and to be made in our park, including, we understand, in natural areas, parking lots, the field house and other areas. We also praise the fine work of the park’s staff.
We call your attention to the need to maintain and properly staff children and youth programs and sports coaching. Regardless of budget constraints, the needs of the children must come first. We also ask progress be made replacing lost and keeping up our stock of trees, improving walks and bridges that enable the public to access and increase their use of the park, and keeping up infrastructure that maintains such vital conditions as the water level in the lagoons, where so much has been spent on plantings.
Top
On January 12, 2009 JPAC elected officers: President Ross Petersen, Vice President Fran Vandervoort, Secretary Gary Ossewaarde, Treasurer Dwight Powell, At-Large spokespersons Geneva Calloway, Vernita Jones, Louise McCurry.
Wooded
Island Work back on track as elements of Working Group agree on most. But the
work is not being done except by some volunteers and occasional visits from
Aramark crews, and communication seems weak. More walk through's were held on
removals and replanting in August; new natural areas signage has been vetted;
and funding under discussion. A large number of shrubs and plants are to be
put in Wooded Island, the plant list has been approved, and signage has gone
up.
November 2008, the Natural Resources Department inducted Manley High School
students into how a natural area is maintained, on Wooded Island. Visit the
Birds- Wooded Island page for
the plan.
Hyde Park Herald, May 28, 2008. By Crystal Fencke.
On Jackson Park's Wooded Island at 10 a.m. on last week's clear, crisp Wednesday morning , a group of individuals representing different--and, at times, competing--park interests all came together .
Starting behind the Museum of Science and Industry at the Clarence Darrow Memorial bridge, they strolled south down the path and pst the Osaka Japanese Garden. As they walked, they pointed at various marks of interest: up at 100-year-old trees, through clearings at vistas of the lagoon and up again spotting birds of note.
Jackson Park's Wooded Island Working Group, as it's known, has been collaborating for more than a year to find the best ways to restore and maintain the value of this South Side gem. Wednesday's meeting marked a historic burying of the hatchet in the park. considered one of the "150 greatest places in Illinois" by the American Institute of Architects, Wooded Island stands to benefit from this group of stewards looking out for the island's wide-ranging ecological and historical needs.
The groups represented last week in the working group were the Chicago Park District, Friends of the Parks (FOTP), the Jackson Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Audubon Society.
According to Rebecca Blazer, director of the Forest Preserve Initiative with FOTP, this joint effort is taking a three-pronged plan. from an ecological standpoint, they're looking at maintaining and restoring the island's bio-diversity.
From a historical perspective, the group is looking to preserve as closely as possible the integrity of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's vision of the island. And the object is for Wooded Island to be even more enjoyable for the people who use it every day. "That's why it takes such a detailed approach," she said.
A point of immediate attention for the group is supporting the diversity of bird species on the island, as "the lake is the primary flyway for migrating birds," said Blazer. In the spring, "they need to refuel ... they depend on it as a stopover point," she said. Doug Anderson, of the Audubon Society, leads birding tours at the park. He said that in his 34 years of birding on the island, he has counted upwards of 200 species.
Spring is when the birds are most vulnerable, said Blazer. The birds have just flown of hundreds of miles from their winter sanctuaries in the southern climes of Mexico, Cuba and even as far away as Argentina. So it's important that they have a strong supply of seeds in order to fuel up. This is one reason that the group has become so vigilant about plant material on the island. In order to best replenish the birds after their spring migration, the plant material must be abundant.
The plan is to gradually clear out invasive species of plants, generally those which are not native to the island. When Olmsted designed the spot for the world Columbian exposition, he used some native and some non-native plantings. The current blueprint of the Wooded Island Working Group is to try to thin out the non-native species in order too bring in more native plants which will provide more nourishment for the birds in the spring.
Some of the plants that will experience removal are a type of honeysuckle, the tree of heaven (some call it the 'stink tree') and, over time, mulberry trees. Plants that will be introduced by th Chicago Park District starting this fall over a three-year period are the hazel, nannyberry, which bears a fruit somewhat like a blueberry, and the hackberry.
Cleaning of the park is an ongoing process. Jackson Park Advisory Council president, Ross Petersen, leads volunteer stewardship groups every 2nd and 4th Saturdays now through October. To join, all are welcome to meet at the Darrow bridge at 10 a.m. weather permitting. Call 486-0505 for more information.
The Wooded Island Working Group, planning the management and upkeep of this premier nature area and bird home, received special recognition from Friends of the Parks February 2008 at FOTP's Annual Luncheon. Planning for phased removals then plantings continues.
The group continues to plan, mark invasives for removal over the next three years, and plan other management activities under the Chicago Park District. The Group and JPAC especially want to express appreciation to Douglas Stotz, Field Museum of Natural History for his technical expertise and enthusiastic support. In May 2008 a walk through of the parties and park district (including Zhanna Yermakov, Ross Petersen, Doug Anderson, Paul Clyne) has confirmed the restoration program for Wooded Island, which will now proceed.
JPAC was honored as one of the Advisory Councils of the Year at the Advisory Council Appreciation Day picnic on Northerly Island September 8. JPAC was recognized for most support and sponsorship of park programs, in appreciation of outstanding leadership and service.
With
great sadness we report the passing of Nancy Hays, May 26, 1923-May 31, 2007,
Jackson Park Advisory Council President for the past 8 years. A memorial
service was held Saturday, June 23 at St. Paul and the Redeemer Church. Those
seeking biographical information about Nancy's life should visit the Nancy
Campbell Hays Memorial page.
With sadness we also report the passing of our long time treasurer,
Tibor Heisler. A service was held for Tibor on Sunday, September 9
Visit the Tibor Heisler page.
The council offers its condolences to vice president Ross Petersen on the passing of his mother. Also recently deceased are members William Erickson and Elizabeth Borst.
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Moving ahead per
February 2008 council meeting: [since funded, to be dedicated May 31, 2009]
1) Commemorative boulder and plaque honoring Frederick Douglass at the Haitian
Pavilion of the World's Columbian Exposition. Barry Rapoport reports that $5,000
is needed (c/o Parkways Foundation) to execute the project. Contact drumjug@yahoo.com
or clane@parkways.org.
2) Athletes Committed to Education sports facility. Tyrone Mason
3) Archeological Reconnaissance focused on Columbian Exposition. Rebecca Graff.
4) Community Garden under Growing Power. Laurell Sims.
At the July 9 meeting, JPAC resolved that it opposes as inappropriate and ill-conceived the proposal to site Olympic venues in Jackson Park. More and latest, including coverage of the Sept. 10 meeting with city in the hydepark.org Olympics page. Resolution is below. At the September 10 meeting (attended by about 60) there was a full, productive discussion with the Chicago 2016 meeting. JPAC will continue to gather information and make suggestions.
There was one and
would be a second an official site walk through for problems with landscaping
in the park including our visitation committee. In July this all-parties meeting
was held, on template and management of Wooded Island and Bob-o-link Meadow
in Jackson Park, by all accounts very forward-moving. The 1999 template will
be revisited. (A subsequent open walk though before any work is done is being
suggested also.) Coverage
will be in the Wooded Island care
summary page.
The region preliminary budget hearing is on Wednesday September 19 at Marquette park, 6734 S. Kedzie. .
We have learned in late July 2007 that 63rd Street Beach watershed has been chosen as one of two sites in Illinois to be thoroughly tested for sources and impact of pollution through an EPA beach sanitary survey grant applied for by Illinois Department of Public Health. See the Beach and Pollution page.
Good news: The bird counts in late summer 2007 are creeping back up on Wooded Island And a major summit of all the interested parties, including many scientists from leading institutions resulted in a road path to progress on Wooded Island forest management and new planting. However, there is a moratorium on work on Wooded Island this early fall while the Park District develops a management plan for the Island. So workdays Coverage will be in the Bob-o-link Meadow for now. See Wooded Island care summary page.
An
article in the New York Times of September 11 2007 calls attention to a study
showing that walking dogs in natural areas, even on leash, causes substantial
reduction in numbers and diversity. See Dogs
and Wooded Island.
At the April meeting we discussed a large variety of projects in or proposed for the park, expanding fieldhouse programs, and Chicago's connections with important Center Park in New Orleans, devastated by Hurricane Katrina- JPAC appropriated $200 towards its restoration. The council received a very nice thank you letter with an update on what has been restored and reopened.
Jackson Park Council wants the public to know that it commends and has appropriated $200 towards restoration of New Orleans' historic Center Park, devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Melissa Cook gave an impressive visual presentation of the history, amenities, and Chicago connections of one of America's most important parks, on a par with New York's Central Park, Chicago's Olmsted and Jensen-Caldwell parks, Prospect Park, and the Presidio. Connections include sculptures and reliefs by Mexican sculptor (___ A_____), who was inspired by and collaborated with Lorado Taft and in Chicago carved, inter alia, the Palmolive Building elevator doors before he moved to New Orleans.
The March meeting featured presentations and discussion on the learning and community sustainability garden to be built in the park, causes and solutions for swim bans and lake pollution and standards and protocols for public notification and swimming bans, Wooded Island and proper stewardship for Wooded Island including update on effects of action on birds long and short term, and expanding and maturing field and fieldhouse programs and outreach. Minutes will appear in the mailed and online April JPAC Newsletter.
See above Vice
President Petersen's letter on the addition of a second monthly volunteer workday,
for planting and on purchase of plant material.
2008 budget requests for Jackson at July 2007 preliminary hearing
For the Council (Gary Ossewaarde) . Thanked district for expansion of youth programming, budgeting of certain drives and parking lots, and the new playground on 67th--with encouragement to find ways people can feel safer using these facilities and the park. Asked for more budgeting for maintenance and physical upgrades, esp. to paths, nothing major or new, but control over permitted events.
Rosalind Moore of Alderman Hairston's office asked for improvements to the harbors--inner harbor, southern shores, west seawall railing, 59th/ Lake Shore Drive pillar repair, reduce permit fees for small parties.
Vernita Jones of the JPAC visitation committee asked for renewed landscape east of the Drive, especially at the 63rd overpass, with poor grades and design. Sand needs to be removed by guardrails especially on the boardwalk south of 57th more than once a week. Other paths brought up for renewal. The stairs by LaRabida on Promontory Circle. Missing signs, especially mileage on the Lakefront bike path (Lakefront Director Alonzo Williams said this and the Driving Range path and Cornell/Hayes lot are in progress). Wallach fountain base at Promontory Point.
Queen Sister focused on problems at 63rd Street beach. Needs benches an play equipment, and a pay phone for backup. The attendant is left to close washrooms and facilities by themselves, so close washrooms early. Asked for posting faces and names of registered area sexual predators at beachhouse. Open the craft room for community and group use, after fixing windows and air conditioning. Concessions (need more).
The Olympic 2016 Committee has moved the field hockey component from Washington Park to the soccer fields south of the Jackson Park lagoons. The council among others suggested at least one alternative within the park that would affect a specialty user but be in a fenced area minimizing public inconvenience and natural areas disturbance. This was not effected.
To position as per letter of November, 2008. This asked from movement away from sensitive areas and no permanent road. In December the hockey was moved to near the High School.
At its July 9 2007 meeting, JPC passed the following resolution: "The Jackson park Advisory Council opposes as ill-advised and inappropriate the siting of Olympic venues in Jackson Park."
September 10 2007 Olympic Committee (Mr. Gyata Kimmons, Valerie Jarrett, a hands-on expert, and Arnold Randall, Commissioner of Planning and Development) met with JPAC. Following an introduction, extensive discussion, suggestions, comments were offered in good spirit by the 50-60 attendees. The OC were acquainted with many specifics that need to be carefully considered. JPAC will continue gathering information and questions. Here is some media coverage.
Progress made between JPAC, Olympics Committee
Hyde Park Herald, September 19, 2007. By Georgia Geis
A line of communication between the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee and the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) was opened last week at a well-attended Sept. 10 council meeting. Gyata Kimmons, Chicago 2016 community liaison, addressed residents' questions about the plans to use Jackson Park as a field hockey venue in the proposed 2016.
"There seems to be an openness for further discussions with the Olympic Committee," said JPAC Vice President Ross Petersen. Kimmons said he was encouraged to see so many park users at the meeting asking questions. "These are people who actually use the park," said Kimmons. "The audience really wanted to know about our proposals."
Valerie Jarrett and Arnold Randall from the Olympic Committee joined with Kimmons to present the Olympic and Paralympic plan for Jackson Park. They provided color posters of what they expect the sites to look like. They outlined the specifics about two new astro-turf fields that would be added. [note: these would replace 2 of 3 current grass fields and would be an advanced artificial surface, not "Astroturf".]
Petersen said that the soccer players in attendance saw potential in the new fields that will cost more than half a million each to complete. Petersen, who said he was optimistic about the open communication with Chicago 2016, said there were still many concerns and an enormous amount of skepticism about using the park as a site. "This is all uncomfortably close to a nature area," said Petersen....
Hyde Park Herald January 31, 2007
Plans to the latest 2016 Olympic bid proposal have changed slightly and neighborhood civic leaders have mixed opinions about it. On Jan. 22, the /chicago Bid Committee submitted its bid book- and expansion of the 1200-page proposal- to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The latest plans have expanded to include the Jackson Park soccer field fo possible field hockey games.
Jackson Park Advisory Council Vice President Ross Petersen is not happy about the decision to use the field. He said lt hat JPAC's inclusion of any of its park space would have been greatly appreciated. "We don't think that that's going to be a good spot. The site is not particularly accessible. It's very close to sensitive natural areas and it's going to displace a lot of people who use the field for soccer," Petersen said.
Petersen said during the summer, high school students, college players and members of the American Youth Soccer Organization use the soccer field on a daily basis.
The Olympic Games will be a part of the February 13 [special day, 7:30, 6401 S. Stony Island] meeting, Petersen said. ...
Changes to the proposal come after having talks with the Chicago Park District, Friends of the Park, and Washington Park and Jackson Park advisory councils, Chicago Bid Committee officials said. It was determined that Jackson Park would be a better place to host the field hockey Games because of the soccer field. "Our goal is to not just use the park, but over the long term this will revitalize and leave the park much better than when we went into it," said Patrick Sandusky. "We thought about what would be the best long term solution for the community."
The Chicago 2016 Bid Committee -- comprised of business, civic, athletic, cultural land academic leaders -- is 501(c)(3) corporation. Chicago is competing against Los Angeles and he USOC decides whether or not to submit a U.S. city to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in April. The IOC is expected to make their final decision in October 2009. For moe information, visit chicago2016.org.
Some perspective ahead of JPAC's September 10 meeting with the Olympic Committee:
Hyde Park Herald, September 4, 2007. By Georgia Geis
Gyata Kimmons, community liaison for the organization trying to win the Olympic bid, Chicago 2016, will plead a case for the benefits of hosting the Olympic Games in Jackson Park at the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) meeting next Monday. Kimmons will be responding to JPAC's official stand against using the park for a field hockey venue.
"This will be a very difficult sell," said JPAC member Fran Vandervoort "We certainly do want to meet with people."
A couple months after winning the US bid, Chicago 2016 hired Kimmons to field concerns and gain input from residents. "We hired Gyata to outreach to our communities and make this a part of our bid process on the international level," said Patrick Sandusky . Sandusky, who worked to win the bid for 2014 [sic] Olympic Games in London, said that the London committee did not hire a community liaison until they were a year further into the process than Chicago 2016 is now.
Kimmons said he is prepared to hear all kinds of criticisms and concerns about Chicago hosting the Olympics. "I'm taking all the criticisms, all the issues, all the concerns--anything anyone has to say."
JPAC members feel that the Olympics will cause too much disruption to the 136-year-old park by being closed before, during and after the games. Another concern is replacing the existing grass field with astro-turf which they think could cause accidents. In response to the astro-turf complaints, Kimmons said the current technology for astro-turf eliminates the concerns about "rug burns" and other injuries.
Kimmons, however, acknowledged other impacts the Olympics could have on the park. "There are huge environmental concerns... We want to hear exactly what those concerns are," said Kimmons. "Because it is not always the situation that we are going to do what we are going to do and not really care what people think." Vandervoort said she is skeptical of how much change residents can have when it comes to the Olympic plans. "How effective can our small community group be? If the city wants it, the city gets its way," said Vandervoort. Kimmons said community discussions can make a difference in the planning of the event. He cited an example when the Olympic committee in Vancouver, Canada changed plans based on what the residents thought.
Chicago native Kimmons is no stranger to debating. He received his law degree from Howard University and most recently worked on legislative issues for the Chicago Public Schools.. Kimmons said that it was the young people who drew him to working with the Olympic committee. Kimmons said he knows the impact exposure to Olympic sports can have on children... "It's really about these kinds," said Kimmons. "The average age for an Olympian who would be competing in 2016 is 12 years. old. Education and the youth movement is a very strong piece for the Chicago 2016."
Regardless of what issues are brought up in regards to the 2016 Olympics Games, Kimmons said people must keep in mind that Chicago has not won the international bid yet and 2016 is far away. "We are still trying to get the bid, so nothing is in concrete," said Kimmons. "We have poured no concrete. We have dug no dirt."
The Jackson Park Advisory Council meets Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Park Field HOuse. Kimmons will be attending the meting. For more information, call 947-9541. To contact Kimmons, email him gkimmons@chicago2016.org.
November 8, 2008 JPAC letter on Olympic placement (suggested at the October meeting, sent, recognized and to be entered as per at November 10, 2008 JPAC meeting)
November 3, 2008
Gyata Kimmons, Community Liaison and
Chicago 2016 Committee
200 E. Randolph Dr. Ste. 2016
Chicago, Illinois 60601Dear Mr. Kimmons:
Per request of Alderman Hairston’s (5th) Office, Jackson Park Advisory Council submits to you our request that Olympic Venues proposed for Jackson Park, if to be located north of Hayes Drive (soccer area) be placed at sufficient distance from the lagoons and natural areas to (1) ensure their protection and health and (2) make unnecessary widened and permanent roadways in these areas, in particular to the Golf Driving Range.
Communications and answers regarding this matter should be addressed to Ross Petersen, 1508 N. Spaulding, Chicago, IL 60751, 773 486-0505 or emailed c/o garyossewaarde@yahoo.com.
Cordially yours,
/s/ Ross Petersen
President, Jackson Park Advisory CouncilCC Ald. Leslie A. Hairston, Rosalind Moore
RP:go
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The Army Corps returned to Bob-o-link Meadow to test bore at the Nike missile site, The Corps had good communication with JPAC. Details coming at the January JPAC meeting. JPAC has received a hard copy and CD of the Preliminary Final Assessment of the Nike C-41 Missile Base and, proposed return visit (done) and history. By the time of the August 2008 JPAC meeting, communication had ceased and more boring was to be done. See the Nike C-41 page.
Jackson Park suffered substantial tree downings and damage in the October 2 2006 storms. JPAC supports timely replacement of lost trees. This has not been done as of mid 2008.
Our park's budget went up 8 to 12 percent depending on category for 2007.
JPAC in December 2006 is involved in the following:
Previously we were pleased that the drummers circle at 63rd bathing pavilion and the 67th playground are nearing realization and that there will be a major expansion and teaching project at the community garden next summer in the south end of the park.
JPAC is pleased to announce that representatives are working with Adam Schwerner, director of Natural Resources for planning of improvements and improved habitat management at Wooded Island and the underpasses.
JPAC
is interested in knowing details in the changed program for swimming
bans when bacteria goes up in the water. We are actively researching
the matter and are conversing with government experts. We should have special
guests on the matter at the February JPAC meeting.
JPAC by resolution at the July 2007 meeting holds that the Park District is not complying with the EPA/IDPH guidelines for notification of the public when benchmarks are exceeded short of the 1000 mandating a swim ban.
Good news: The drumming circle east of 63rd Bathing Pavilion is complete except for final revisions in conjunction with the preferences of the drummers' group. This successful project is a result of cooperative planning (including hours open) between Conga Drummers Association and other support groups, JPAC, Alderman Hairston's office, and Chicago Park District. The District handled all work and costs internally. The circle will consist of cut limestone blocks and is located east of the 63rd Bathing Pavilion and its parking lot, near the bath to Casino Pier. It is expected to be a lively place and see use by several groups.
Requests continue from residents for fix up on the Iowa Building and the sidewalk on the south side of 56th between Stony and the Drive.
The Community Garden run by Mr. Robinson at the southwest corner of the golf course north of Marquette Road did well in 2006. At the August meeting, Yang Mi Kaneshiro of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Special Events-outdoor environmental education (and speaking also for partner Growing Power) presented ideas for working with Mr. Robinson to turn the garden into a teaching institution. Part of the site would have year-round work an training/teaching sheds. Growing Power is expected to come to a future JPAC meeting, likely April. Top
Done: a replacement playground at 67th and Jeffery. See further on.
Proposed text:
FREDERICK DOUGLASS (1818-1895), AN EX-SLAVE,
WAS AN IMPORTANT AUTHR, EDITOR, ORATOR, STATESMA
AND ONE OF THE FOREMOST LEADERS
OF THE ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT IN AMERICA
IN CELEBRATION OF HAITIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
AND THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PAVILION
FOR THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION,
DOUGLASS DEDICATED THE HAITIAN PAVILION
JACKSON PARK, JANUARY 2, 1893
DEDICATED BY CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS,
TEACHERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS 2008
Letter of Appeal, February
14, 2008- Barry Rapoport
Frederick Douglass Monument Project
We are writing to ask for your support of an important Chicago Park District Project. In paying special tribute to an important historical figure, we must raise funds to dedicate the Frederick Douglass historical marker in Jackson Park, The marker will be a granite boulder with an engraved bronze plaque. In order to complete this project we need your financial contributions. Douglass was one of the most prominent figures in American history and a formidable public presence. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, American Indian, or recent immigrant. He was fond of saying, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong
We have now begun the fundraising portion of this project and are appealing to our many supporters for a small donation. We will need approximately $5,000 to install and maintain the marker. Excess funds will go to the Park District General fund.
[Fiscal agent is Parkways Foundation, the fiscal agency partner managing funds for this project and the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District. The Foundation is a t541 North Fairbanks Court, Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611. Contact is Cameron Lane clane@parkways.org, 312 742-4808. Indicate on check that the amount is for the Frederick Douglass Monument.
For some years in the mid 2000s Barry Rapoport, then teacher at South Shore High School Small School for Leadership, led groups of students in marking off the footprint of the Haitian Pavilion at the Columbian Exposition and talking about the pavilion (first completed building, near where the Bowling Green is, southeast of the Museum and by Lake Shore Drive) and the role of Frederick Douglass there in giving speeches (including the first ceremonial speech) and informing the public. Mr. Rapoport has also made and used large puppets of Douglass and other notables of the time in the educational project at the site.
In his report on the project, Rapoport proposed a maker to Douglass and the Fair occasion at the site and markers at two other historic spots in Jackson Park and Midway Plaisance. The proposal for the Douglass marker was, with Council approval and advice and that of elected officials narrowed to a small boulder with incised text. The proposal was submitted with support to the Park District and a summit was held that has presumably led to recommendation to the CPD Board of Commissioners. Here is the notice from the Hyde Park Historical Society's Autumn 2007 Hyde Park History.
If all goes as planned, a collaborative effort between the School of Leadership of South Shore High School and the Chicago Park District will result in a commemorative marker honoring abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass. Plans call for an engraved boulder to be installed near the present Lawn Bowling Court in Jackson Park just north of the 59th Street Harbor, the precise location of the Haitian Pavilion of the 1893 Columbian World Exposition. This project, which began more than two years ago, credits Douglass for his leadership and commitment to the quest for knowledge and will give Chicagoans a more inclusive historical perspective about the activities of this great leader.
Douglass, appointed the Minister-in-Charge of the Haitian Pavilion, gave the dedication address on January 2, 1893, Haitian Independence Day.
From final report and recommendations of the South Shore High Frederick Douglass/CPS-CPD park teaching project
In the Spring of 2005, during our Cross-Curricular Unit on Chicago, we… became aware that Frederick Douglass was a former slave, abolitionist, orator, statesman, Conductor for the Underground Railroad, journalist, and founder of the newspaper, The North Star: later known as The Frederick Douglass newspaper. Douglass also spent much time in Chicago where he lived in 1893 and was directly involved in a major Chicago event. For example:
1. Douglass gave the Dedication speech opening The Columbian Exposition on January 2, 1893, from the Haitian Pavilion located north of the Bowling Green.
2. We also learned that George Ferris designed and led a team that constructed the first ever Ferris wheel for the Fair.
3. We also became aware through an alumni survey that South Shore alumni are ignorant when it comes to many of the facts pertaining to Jackson Park.
4. We learned that many people who live in and around the park, both currently and those who have lived here in the past are largely unaware of the historical significance of the intellectual discussions raised in this park during the World’s Columbian Exposition.
5. And what a surprise it was to find out that the Museum of Science and Industry was The Fine Arts Palace, designed and built for the Columbian Exposition.We would like to make three suggestions to support knowledge and awareness of the park. The suggestions are graphic and have been stimulated by the Project…
During the summer of ’05, I obtained letters of support for a school-park collaborative project from the Jackson Park Advisory council and from Alderman Hairston. The Chicago Park District also gave their approval for our proposed programming.
Throughout the year, ending in June 2006, we chalked the spot where Douglass was and entertained passersby. We had two students and three adults on site. We spoke with fishermen, pedestrians, bicyclists (if they stopped), joggers and the harbormaster as well as many of the boaters in the motorboat harbor. We had no complaints that we were aware of. Everyone recognized immediately, that what we were doing was a good thing. One of the participating students, absorbing the positive energy of the site, learned to juggle three juggling clubs. He could already juggle beanbags, but from beanbags to juggling clubs is a step not all jugglers make.
I am hopeful that the markings recommended to the Park will be approved, passed along and implemented.
It was great meeting so many wonderful people with each step on this project. It is my hope that seeds have been planted that will find fertile soil.
Thank you very much!
Barry RapoportEd. The three recommended markings honoring sites at the Columbian Exposition are: 1) two boulders with plaques, like the one honoring Paul H. Douglas at Osaka Garden on Wooded Island—one on the spot where Frederick Douglass gave the inaugural address at the Haitian Pavilion and the other near the foundation site of the great Ferris Wheel on Midway Plaisance. 2) a sign on 57th Drive near the Museum of Science and Industry saying “Welcome to Jackson Park, Site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.” Top
_____________________
In December 2008, Harper Court Arts Council helped fund the schools mural project for in the 57th Lake Shore Drive murals. How close they are to full funding was unclear at the moment.
Below is a Herald discussion of the issue, November 23 2005. By Tedd Carrison.
A Chicago Park District proposal to expand Jackson Park Harbor has conjured mixed reactions in South Siders concerned about pollution, exclusion and congestion.
Currently deemed only a "study" and still in its earliest stages, the District-Wide Harbor System proposal would call for the addition of roughly 2,500 boating slips city-wide over the next two decades, nearly half of which are proposed for Jackson Park. It has received a flurry of criticism in the Rogers Park neighborhood where residents fear the dock expansion would impede public access to the water and increase pollution around the shoreline.
Park District Director of Lakefront Construction Rob Rejman outlined the preliminary plan at the Nov. 14 Jackson Park Advisory Council meeting and dispelled the North Side qualms as a "marginal philosophy."
He said the project would center on Promontory Circle, the lakeside land adjacent to La Rabida Children's Hospital. Though no definite plans or number have been agreed on, he speculated that roughly 500 parking spaces would be added to Promontory Circle as part of the project.
At the meeting, residents raised pollution and parking concerns and complained tat some North Side parking los, much like the one proposed for Promontory Circle, were "gated communities" where motorists either had to pay for parking or were restricted altogether. Rejman said he was unaware of such parking lots and it is the park district's intent t include, not exclude, a many park-goers as possible.
For now, the JPAC has taken a position of "reluctance" said vice-president Ross Petersen after the meeting. "I wasn't too terribly impressed [with the park district's presentation]," he said. "I have some serious concerns regarding the ability of that particular area to absorb the type of traffic load and parking requirements that a marina would put upon it."
He said pollution is also a concern, not only because of the increase in boats but because the additional breakwaters that may come with the harbor expansion could change the direction of lake currents and no longer push waste water that collects along the shoreline out toward the center of Lake Michigan.
Lastly, Petersen emphasized exclusion as a possible problem. He said a running track was recently installed in Jackson Park across from Hyde Park Career Academy and that "although it's specific in application, it serves a wide range of the community. That's the kind of thing we like to [have]. When you talk about boat slips, the only people who are going to [appreciate] that are the boaters."
Maurice Lee, a aide to Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th), said, "On its face, the alderman thinks it could be a good idea but constituents have raised some real issues that the park district will have to address."
Rejman said that the community will be given an opportunity to provide input as the project moves forward.
Joel Brammeier, associate director of the Alliance for the Great Lakes (formerly the Lake Michigan Federation) said his agency welcomes the harbor plan as a way of "making our expansions where our footprints have already been. We know there is a growing demand for more boat slips in the city of Chicago and that we need to accommodate that demand by looking at this as a lower impact way to create new spaces than looking to create all new harbors out of nothing or out of a vacuum," said Brammeier.
Johann Hudson, chairman of the House Committee for the Jackson Park Yacht Club said while harbor expansion at 87th Street is a good idea, Jackson Park should be left alone. "We have a nice quiet little quaint place here. We think our harbor is the best kept secret in the system," he said.
Jackson Park Yacht Club Commodore Stanley Hill Sr. disagreed. "I think it would be a good idea actually," said Hill. "It would bring development and amenities to the South Shore area. There is a lot that follows the new slips. If that comes with that would also come." He said he would like to see the type of restaurants and stores sprinkled along the North Side harbors come down to Hyde Park and South Shore. "A lot of people vie Jackson Park as the best kept secret on the lake," he said. "it is a really nice location and it's a best kept secret because it's so underutilized."
_________________________________
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Doug Anderson's Saturday (8 am) bird walks have taken place for over 30 years. The meeting place has been the Darrow Bridge west of the Music Court lot and south of the Museum and Columbia Basin. Tours run March 26-New Years Day. (Enter by coming north on LSD and turning left at Science Drive 5800.) The tour will make a circuit from Clarence Darrow Bridge through Wooded Island (Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary) or, if conditions and time permit, continues around the south end of the lagoons and through Bob-o-link Meadow and woods to point of origin. Bring a field guide and binoculars if you can. 773 493-7058. |
Above is a small sample of what you will see on Doug's tours, the fabulous, refurbished Osaka Japanese Garden.
Visit Contact Information/Membership. Visit Who We Are.
Jackson Park represents a portion of Frederick Law Olmsted's original South Park, designed in 18761. The park went on to become the site of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. With over 600 acres of parkland, Jackson Park consists of six interrelated zones:
Jackson park provides a continuum of recreational and leisure experiences. From boating to fishing, golf to soccer, field house to beach house, the range of recreational choices found at Jackson Park is unparalleled in Chicago.
Jackson Park is located on Chicago's mid South Lakefront between 5600 and 6700 between Stony Island Avenue (1600 east) and Lake Michigan. Principal arterial is South Lake Shore Drive; the cross-road is Hayes Drive at 6300 although Marquette Drive goes through the park just north of 67th. Stony Island Avenue on the west edge of the park connects to the Chicago Skyway to the south; 55th Street to the Dan Ryan expressway. Marquette at 6600 S.) Cornell Drive goes north-south through the west sid of the park between 67th and 57th Drive (the latter intersecting with the Drive).
The park is served by bus routes 6 (express to/from downtown-79th/South Shore; near-park stops: 56th-Hyde Park, Stony Island 57th to 67th, 67th to South Shore), 10 (Museums-seasonal, terminus north entrance to Museum of Science and Industry) 14 (express to/from downtown at Jeffery/67th stop), 15 (along Stony Island and 67th to Jeffery), 26 express (67th South Shore to Jeffery rush hour peak direction), 28 (Lake Park, Stony Island), X28 (express from Union Station via Lake Shore Drive and Lake Park in Hyde Park, south on Stony to 103rd), 55/X55 (to Green Line, Red Line and Midway Airport, terminus Museum of Science and Industry), 59, 63, 67, 170, 171, 173 and by Metra Electric (to downtown and the south suburbs). There are many bike trails through the park, including along the lake, but not many straight-through except Hayes and Marquette Drives, although a roundabout route over Darrow Bridge runs to the 59th St. underpass.
The park is shared with two important institutions: the Museum of Science and Industry (a Museum in the Parks) and La Rabida Children's Hospital. Our neighbors include the University of Chicago. To our immediate north is famed Promontory Point, to our south the South Shore Cultural Center. Other key structural destinations in addition to the field house at 6401 S. Stony Island are the 63rd Street Beach House with Interactive Play Fountain, the Bowling Green and clubhouse south of Science Drive/5800, the 18-hole Golf Course centered at the Partee Golf Clubhouse southwest of Hayes and Richards, and the Golf Driving Range north of Hayes Drive.
Other major features: Statue of the Republic at Hayes and Richards Drive, Wooded Island (Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary and Osaka Japanese Garden), Bob-o-link Meadow, Perennial Garden at Stony/Cornell and Midway Plaisance (59th), Columbia Basin and Clarence Darrow Bridge south of Museum of Science and Industry, 'Iowa' building at 56th and South Shore, 57th Beach, 59th Marina, Jackson Park Harbor, the many soccer and other fields, the running track at Stony and 61st.
Parks Security 312 747-2193. Director Kevin Ryan
Park Management
Park
supervisor: Bill Tillis, 773 256-0903. Director for
the South Region is Liz Millan, area ____ Hopkins
Recreation and program staff include:
Ken Cheney (music) and Andrea Frink (arts), "Coach"
Terry Jones, Bill Tillis (rec'r.) , and more-- covering
recreation to arts and environment. These operate at the field house. 773
256-0903. Greeter and attendant Henry 'Hollywood' Holloman,
Cassandra Brown, Bill Lawton, Margaret
Wright (attendants). This list will be updated early in the year.
Help maintain our park : If you see something that needs fixing in the park, contact JPAC or this site. Gary Ossewaarde or Ross Petersen at 773 975-1101. Park Watcher is Sally Johnson (ask at field house or Region office.) Hint: always bring a camera along- but don't put yourself in danger just to get "evidence." Be specific about where you see a problem and problem details. For example, all light poles have numbers. Staff monitor the park regularly, especially with Monday walk throughs. Call to arrange to meet the assigned staff on walk through to show problems.
Park Police, including if someone is parking on the grass: 312 747-2193 (number changed?), For emergency call 911. (In general 311 for park issues will only get you shunted to the park district, but you can try to use to get a paper trail started--ask for the complaint number so you can keep calling back.)
Be sure to support CAPS community policing. The park's beat is 3rd District 331, which meets 3rd Mondays at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive.
See someone fly-dumping? Call 312 744-7672 with license number, description of vehicle, what's being dumped.
We also urge you to contact Chicago Park District Lakefront manager Alonzo Williams (General number call CPD downtown 312 742-PLAY and ask for Lakefront Region, tell the attendant if you are calling about an emergency and also call 911. Or write to the Lakefront Region, CO Chicago Park District, 541 N. Fairbanks Ct., 60611. Alonzo's mailing address remains 7059 South Shore Drive, 60649.
Also contact Maurice Lee or Sue Purrington at Alderman Leslie Hairston's (5th) office 773 324-5555.
JPAC can always use volunteers on committees and projects--particularly Nature. And we welcome you at our meetings, also your photos, letters, queries, etc. Contact Ross Petersen at 773 975-1101 or about the latter two items Gary Ossewaarde, (hpkcc@aol.com may be faster), 773 947-9541.
Special thanks to Bishop Brazier and Apostolic Church of God for funding resurfacing of 3 of the 9 tennis courts at the corner of 63rd and Cornell Avenue.
Specials: open to all, and adults encouraged to come and observe even kid's programs.
Essay contests each January, February
At the Field house:
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/content.home.cfm.
See schedule below.Park no. for info: 773 256-0903
Tuesday nights Teens take over Jackson Park, 6-9 pm.
Teens 13 and over take a break by the lake. So, drop in and hang out with your friends every Tuesday night at Jackson Park. Play pick-up basketball games, or a game in the rec center. Join the teen committee to plan events, trips and future programs.General:
Adult conditioning programs. Note, the weight room is reopened with brand new weight and additional equipment!
Summer 2009 camps and programs
Jackson. 6401 S. Stony Island. 773 256-0903. Starts 6/15 to 8/32 through Aug. 9- at least as late as 8/23. Some are M-F, others some days incl. one BB on Sat-Sun. Fees free to $42 or $50, exceptions(200 for day camp) are listed at CPD site.
Basketball ages 14-17. Sat and Sun 12-4. Free, co-rec, intermed.skill
Cheerleading ages 6-12. Mon-Fri 4-5. free, female, open to all
Cheerleading Camp ages 13-17. Mon-Fri 9-12. Aug. 10-14, $42, co-rec, open to all. (check dates as this and nect overlap)
Cheerleading Camp ages 6-12. Mon-Fri 9-12. Aug. 10-15, $42, co-rec, open to all
Day Camp ages 13. Mon-Thurs 10-4. June 22-July 30. $200, co-re, open to all
Early Bird Camp ages 6-13 and 13. Mon-5 8-0190. $60, co-rec, open toall
Extended Camp ages 6-12 and 13. Mon-Fri 4-6. $50, co-rec, intermediate skill
Inner City Baseball League ages 9-12. Tues and Thurs 1-5, June 16-Aug. 20. Free, co-rec, open to all
Junior Bear Football ages 8-10. Mon-Fri 4-5:30. June 15-Aug. 23. Free, co-rec., open to all
Junior Bear Football ages 11-12 and 13. Mon-Fri 4-5:30. June 15-Aug 23. Free, co-rec, beginner skill
Sports Camp ages 10-12. Mon-Fri 10-4. Aug 3-14. $60, co-rec, open to all
Tumbling Camp ages 6-12 and 13-17. Mon-Fri 9-12 Aug 3-7. $42, co-rec, open to all
Jackson Park Spring Program—Sign
up on line from April 16, at fieldhouse April 21.
Sessions run4/2 to 6/10. All are co-rec except dance is female and Men’s
bb, seasonal are male.
After School- Park Kids- M,T, W, Th, F, 3-6 pm. Ages 6-12, $60, instruction
Teen club- T, F, 6-9 pm Ages 13-17. Free, open
Fitness- Conditioning,
(Must be reg. in Seasonal.) M, T, W, Th 2-3:30 pm. Ages 14-17.Free, instr.
Fitness Center- M, T, W, Th, F, 9:am-9:30 pm, Ages 18 & Over. $30, instr.
Fitness Center (proof of age)- M, T, W, F, 9 am-9:30 pm, Sa, Su 9 am-4:15 pm.
Age 60+. Free
Fitness Center- same hours as prev. Ages 18 & Over. $3 per visit. Free,
open
Performing Arts-African
Dance- Must be in After School. W, 4-5:15. Ages 6-12, Fem. Free, instr
Modern Dance- “. M, 4-5 pm. Ages 6-12, Female. Free, instruction
Perf. Arts- Piano –
(Instructor’s permission). T, Th, 10 am-5 pm, M 10 am-2 pm. Ages 6-12.
$20, in
Piano- “ W, Th, F 10 am-5 pm, M 10 am-2 pm. Ages 13-17. $20, instr
Piano- “ W, Th, F 10 am-5 pm, M 10 am02 pm. Ages 18 and Over. $25, instr
Baseball- (Instr. perm.). M, W 4-5:15 pm. Ages 6-12. Free, instruction
Basketball. Sa 12-4:30
pm. Ages 14-17. Free, instruction
Men’s Basketball- (instr. perm.) M, T, Th 7-9:30 pm. Ages 18 and Over.
Male. Free, league
Seasonal sports- (high
school ID) M, T, TW, Th, F 2-3:30 pm. Ages 13-17. $5, instruction
Seasonal (instr. perm.) T, Th 4-5 pm. Ages 8-12. $5, instr
Softball 16 in.- (instr. perm.). F 4-5:30 pm. Ages 6-12. Free, instr.
There will be a spring break camp April 2-6.
_______________
In 2005, South Shore schools hosted Sea Scout programs that worked with and were hosted by Jackson Park Yacht Club and Museum Shores Yacht Club. The South Shore schools Track and Field teams were also hosted by Museum Shores Yacht Club. T & F funding was partially secured by State Sen. Kwame Raoul.
From Supervisor William Tillis:
Welcome to Jackson Park. "How May We Assist You," This will be the greeting you will receive upon entering our facility. Parents, the time is now to enroll your child in our Park Kids after-school program. This program combines academics and sports in a structured setting for children ages 6-12.
For our Teens, we now offer 3 on 3 as well a 5 on 5 Basketball Tournaments. Our teen clubs provide challenging recreational activities as well as opportunities for community service for high school students.
Adults, stop in our newly renovated (2005) fitness center, only $50 for ten weeks. We also offer male and female basketball leagues.
Come in and meet the great staff at Jackson Park.
____________________
Get the most from your Chicago Park District. Pick up Chicago Parks @ Play and the quarterly all-parks schedule at field houses and libraries.
____________________
Clubs Sports Club Th 5-6, 13-17, free; Sports Th 4-5 6-12 free
Fitness (Must have proper gym attire, proof of age)
Conditioning every day 9-9:30, 18+ $50
Conditioning Sa Su 9-4:30 M T W Th F 9-9:30 62+ free
Weight Training M W F 7p-8 18+ $50
Gymnastics Rec'l Tumbling T 4-5 6-16y free, T 4-5:30 6-12 free. Enr in after school only
Performing Arts
Child's Piano M W Th F 10-5 6-12 $20. Piano M W Th F 10-5 18+ $25. 13-17 piano M W Th F 10-5 $20
Adult Piano. M, W, Th, F 11:30 am-2 pm. 18 and over. $25. Instruction
Social Interaction
Park Kids After School. Proper gym attire. , M T W Th F, 2:30-6 pm. 6-12. $60. Instruction
Sports
Cross Country T Th 4-6 6-12 free
Football Flag M W F 4-6 6-12 Free. Junior Bear M T W Th F Sa Sun 3:30-6 61-2 $5
Seasonal Sports 5 5-6 13-17 $5, T 4-5 6-12 $5
Visit Jackson Park's newly renovated Fitness Center. Purchase a $50 fitness pass today and receive unlimited visits during the quarter, Monday-Friday 9:30 am-9:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Detailed schedule and prices. Per-session also available. Jackson Park Field house, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. 773 256-0903.
Chicago Croquet Club plays at Jackson Park lawn bowling facility, south of 58th Science Drive west of Lake Shore Drive. Contact Dan Whalen, 773 269-2745 or call 312 943-9289. .
Golf
Sno-Gophers Ski Club and Indoors/Outdoors Golf. Training and outings for high schoolers at Jackson Park. www.sno-gophers.org. Jacqueline Beard. jib7732@ameritech.net. 773 978-0493.
Kemper Sports runs the 18-hole Jackson Park Golf Course, one of the first public courses west of the Appalachians. (312 747-2763) access course and Partee Club House south from Hayes Drive (6300) , the Golf Driving Range (312 747-2762) north from Hayes Drive past the soccer fields. Run by Kemper (find golf courses in phone book under Chicago Park District).
Jackson Park Golf Course. 18-hole Course. Partee Golf Clubhouse, 63rd and S. Lake Shore Drive, 312 747-2763
Jackson Park Golf Driving Range, 63rd and S. Lake Shore Drive, 312 747-2762.
Contact also Jackson Park Golf Association, 1718-20 E. 75th St., 60649, 773 493-8820 Note- moved or closed?
Lawn Bowling
Lakeside Lawn Bowling
Club. Starts
in May and goes well into fall. Lessons available. Regular play weekends and
some weekday afternoons/evenings. Shares schedule with Croquet. Bowling green
and clubhouse are south of 58th/Science Drive west of Lake Shore Drive. Open
House Sunday June 12 2005.
Contact Tom Michael, 708 366-8228.
June 14, Sunday, 1-3 pm. For something completely different.... Lakeshore Lawn Bowling Club Open House. Jackson Park south of Museum of Science and Industry east lot. Exit Lake Shore Drive at 58th (Science Drive). Wear flat shoes. Tom at 708 366-8228. General bowling Tuesday nights at 7, Saturdays and Sundays at 1.
Croquet also has its own schedule at the Bowling Green.
Soccer
Youth Soccer and adult leagues play in the large suite of fields north of Hayes Drive up to the Golf Driving Range.751 Commissioner Louise McCurry sits on JPAC's board. Concerns include maintaining good and safe traffic, parking, and pedestrian flow, good security, well-kept fields, and good relations with other park users.
Youth: Visit the local
website, www.AYSO751.org.
Hotline 773 324-KICK. Bring to registration birth certificate or passport, health
insurance card, parent photo ID, parent volunteer enthusiasm!
1100 boys and girls aged 4 1/2 to 19 in the fastest growing aerobic team sport
in the country.
AYSO: Safe, Fun, Fair:
AYSO Adult Amateur League. Registers and plays at Jackson Park noon Saturdays. $30
Youth Explorers- contact the 3rd District Police. Contact the Field house also for info on TriMasters youth triathlon and Big Buddies track plus, Junior Bears.
Jackson Park is a Tennis Welcome Center. Adult Competitive Tournament Tennis Program at Jackson Park. 59th at Inlet Harbor is now Friday and Saturday mixers! By Bally's and Hyde Park Tennis with US/Midwest Tennis Association.
US Tennis
Association has Tennis Welcome Centers--one
is at Jackson Park field house. On line browsing and locator with contacts now
available. It includes guides to lessons. There is also a toll free
number, 1-866 686-3036 and e-mail.
Robert Velasco. 773 991-0231.
Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. 773 430-3336, field house 773 256-0903.
itt@tmail.com. Two sets of courts- south
of 63rd at Stony Island north of field house, at 59th south of the 59th Marina
Inlet west of Lake Shore Drive.
Hyde Park Herald, April 16, 2003. By Maurice Lee
Jackson Park Advisory Council is set to prove once again that stewardship can be a rewarding, if dirty, business as it begins its fourth season of Natural Areas Workdays. On Saturdays, once a month, volunteers trek out into the natural areas of Jackson Park, away from the golf courses and soccer fields, to places like Wooded Island and the Bob-o-link Meadow pulling weeds and removing trash—essentially doing yard work in the park.
"It's not real exciting," admits JPAC Nature Committee Chair and Workday supervisor Ross Petersen. But what the "workdays" lack in excitement, they make up for in usefulness. According to Petersen, the volunteers' efforts help to protect the Jackson Park ecosystem.
The threats to native flora in the park change over time. This year, the weeds crashing against the park's gates is the Purple Loosestrife from Asia. The loosestrife is an aggressive, invasive species spreading through the Midwest that offers no benefits to local wildlife and crowds out other native plants, according to Petersen.
On Wooded Island, volunteers help to preserve an ancient oak savanna whose trees are thought to be among the oldest residents in the city. "There are trees on Wooded Island that were growing long before DuSable ever got here," said Petersen. "This is just another reason to try and preserve it."
Petersen says in addition to preventing the incursion of species into the park, volunteers' maintenance is also necessary to protect the park from itself.
Jackson Park was's designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, first [sic] to host the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and then afterwards he returned to build the park's current design. He embellished on the natural design of Wooded Island, in many cases introducing non-native species like the Chinese Gingko and the European Mulberry trees.
"Some of the challenges we have in controlling invasives in the park is controlling invasives that Olmsted himself put in the park," said Petersen.
Park district Natural Resources Manager Mary Van Haaften lauded the efforts of the volunteers in Jackson Park, saying the numbers of hours donated by the volunteers make a "big impact" on the parks, both in terms of the tasks they accomplish and the culture they are building in Jackson Park. "They're really helping to promote conservation ethic in Jackson Park," said Van Haaften. "They're pulling in new people from the neighborhood."
According to Friends of the Parks Executive Director Erma Tranter, the work of the volunteers, particularly in a time of shrinking budgets and diminishing services at the park district, fills in the gaps. "The work that [the volunteers] do is just so critical to the park and the neighborhood," said Tranter. "The work that the group does on a monthly basis really enhances the quality of the landscape in th park and it builds the spirit of community. It adds to the sprit of 'we live here in this neighborhood, we should contribute to it."
Eric Hatchett (1951-1999) was a community activist who was deeply devoted to Washington and Jackson Parks and the surrounding neighborhoods. Eric's activism began while he was a student at Chicago Vocational High School when, at 17 years old, he joined Al Raby's campaign to be a delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention. His interest in politics led him to the successful campaigns of numerous progressive political candidates. Eric was committed to the Woodlawn community and was a volunteer with the Woodlawn Organization (TWO). By the 1990s, he became involved with the Washington Park Advisory Council and Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC). He served one year as vice-president of JPAC and served as president during the last 7 years of his life.
Along with Park District swimming instructor Robert C. Cherry III and other community members and leaders, Eric advocated for the rehabilitation of the historic 63rd Street Bathing Pavilion. In the late 1990's, when the Chicago Park District began a major effort to rehabilitate the building, Eric worked tirelessly alongside CPD staff members, attended every planning and design meeting. The resulting $8 million project has won many awards and the 63rd st. Bathing Pavilion is now listed as a Chicago Landmark. Eric also worked with parents of Jackson Park children to expand the recreation programs in the park; he contributed to the JPAC newsletter; and helped the Chicago Park District monitor the day-to-day conditions and operations in the park.
Increasing activity in our “underused” park
If Jackson Park is underutilized, as some say, why are JPAC meetings and officers so busy facilitating, evaluating and monitoring new and ongoing programs? And more requests (some competing) for dedicated or shared spaces, times or structures will be coming. Some of these we will encourage; for others we will seek changes or in our advisory role will oppose.
Among programs and activities
discussed in the current and recent issues of the Newsletter are:
· A school-led education and activity program centered on the footprint
of the Haiti Pavilion at the 1893 Columbian Exposition,
· Drumming concerts east of the 63rd Bathing Pavilion parking lot, going
ahead despite lack of a convenient seating facility,
· Planning for a commemorative structure recalling the Korean Pavilion
at the Columbian Exposition,
· Nature Oasis programs, a Stollerathon, bike rides and races that close
the Drive, a tennis tournament, and a big party on the Museum of Science and
Industry lawn for the new U-505 exhibit.
This is besides a very busy 63rd Bathing Pavilion with its highly popular Schiff legacy interactive play fountain, vast numbers of adult and youth soccer players, players of tennis, basketball, baseball and softball, users of the new track, large numbers of picnickers, golfers, lawn bowling and croquet players, fishers, birders and other strollers in the natural and other parts of the park, families at the playgrounds, swimmers and sunbathers, bicyclists especially on the lakefront, boaters in our 3 harbors, school teams readying for fall sports, visitors to the Museum and La Rabida Hospital, not to mention the kids in Park District and sponsorship programs both in our overcrowded field house and out in the playing fields.
While some parts of the park are lightly used, some of our problems come from crowding. The lots along Hayes/63rd cannot handle all the cars at times and there is already as much ground given over to the auto as these parts of the park can tolerate. After all, having places people want to visit and use (including open land and nature preserve) is the highest and best use of park lands—and that’s why the city has recently given parks their own zoning designation and use-change review procedure. So stay tuned—better, involved—and do enjoy the Park.
One last word. We will
do our part to push for facilities upgrades and guard against things that hurt
the park or its usefulness. We ask that you exercise responsibility when in
the park, whether with coals and flammables, litter, with your pets, getting
proper permits for your group, or parking only in designated lots.
Gary Ossewaarde