At the August GSLA Neighbors’ Night Out, about 35 people joined in conversation about our local parks and recreational opportunities in the South Loop. The event was held at the Weather Mark Tavern.
Two Chicago Park District managers joined the event to give updates and field questions about our local parks: Brandon Cotton representing Ping Tom Park, and Talonna Sharp representing Chicago Women’s Park & Garden.
Among the many topics discussed, were the following highlights from each of the park representatives:
- Ping Tom Park is featuring the closing show of the Shakespeare in the Parks program, taking place on Sunday, August 27 from 4-5:30 pm.
- Women’s Park & Garden will be offering American Sign Language for kids as part of their Fall 2018 programming starting in September
Also at the event, participants learned about the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Shared Air/Shared Action community empowerment through low-cost air pollution monitoring program. Laura Zamboni and Cathi Ortiz spoke about this effort which the Alliance for a Greener South Loop is participating in, and they welcome additional volunteers from the community to get involved! Neighbors are helping monitor air quality in Chicago neighborhoods: Little Village, East Side and Riverdale. Learn more or contact the Alliance for a Greener South Loop to get involved here.
What do our neighbors think about local parks?
Below is a summary of written feedback collected from attendees via a questionnaire we distributed at the event:
Top things about Ping Tom Park
- Another Park District Park close by
- Prairie area
- Waterfront
- Gazebo
- Water taxi
- Views of skyline
Future amenities, programming or other improvements people want at Ping Tom Park
- kids kayaking lessons
- canoes
- more 18+ classes
- public restrooms year round
Top things about Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens
- Teachers, programs
- Flowers, beautiful
- History
- Beer & cider fest
Future amenities, programming or other improvements people want at Women’s Park
- Zumba, yoga/pilates in the park
- Hindi classes
- Community clean-up program for the park/neighborhood area
- More adult centered movies
Other parks in the South Loop people most often visit
- Mark Twain
- Cottontail
- (new) Prairie District Park
- Fred Anderson