THEY ARGUE PLAYGROUND HURTS PROPERTY VALUES
By Thomas M. Kennedy
Special to Inside
For years, the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA) has been holding meetings and raising funds to rehab Ogden Park. Bordered by town homes on one side and Sedgwick Avenue on the other, the park includes a small play area for children five years of age or younger in its north end. In recent months, however, one member of the community has been circulating a petition calling for the complete demolition of the north end of the park in favor for an open grassy space.
HISTORY
What used to be Ogden Avenue, now Ogden Park, has been a gathering place for the people of the community for over 30 years. The south end, which has recently undergone some changes, including the removal of an older fountain in favor for a more contemporary sculpture/ fountain and the addition of iron bars enclosing the elevated stands of trees, has always enjoyed constant use by its surrounding neighbors. It is a place for people to meet and talk to one another and to walk their dogs, and has been especially loved by young families with small children. With its shaded walkways and park benches, the park has offered young and old — and their dogs — a comfortable retreat from their busy lives.
WEAR AND TEAR
At the north end of the park are two metal statues of horses and the play area in question. Although the area has been there for about three decades, the years of wear and tear are beginning to show. The park's age is the reason for its renovation, according to the OTTA — or its elimination, according to petition signers.
Currently, the play lot sits off of Sedgwick St. just north of Menomonee St., taking up a small area of the park. Only about 40 feet in diameter, the lot is encircled by a concrete wall, with two entrances — one facing east, the other south. Inside are a sandbox and an aging jungle gym, long popular with families and small children, some of whom have relied on the place for years. "We did play here," said Diane Gonzalez, a 31-year resident of the neighborhood, speaking of her daughter and herself. "The park was always used — I think it's wonderful to have this in our midst."
YEARS OF PLANNING
The members of OTTA, for the past three years, have been gathering input from members of the community regarding what to do about the space in the future. After going through extensive processes including holding open forums for the neighbors where all present had a chance to speak, taking written surveys, and holding a public meeting with members of the Lakota Group (the planners of the future space), it was decided by the vast majority of the neighbors that a rehab was in the community's best interest.
TAKEN ABACK
Having already raised $30,000 through private donations — $25,000 of which has been allotted to the rehabilitation of the children's play area — most of the neighbors seem to be taken aback by the recent turn of events. "There has always been a playground there, and to suddenly oppose it does not make much sense," said Shirley Baugher, an administrator of the Triangle Association and long-time resident. "The people who bought here bought here knowing full well [that] the play area was there and they really did not see it as a deterrent to them, their way of life, and the property value." Many in favor of the rehab argue that most, if not all, of those who signed the petition moved into the area after the creation of the park.
NEEDED FOR TODDLERS
Many in the area have expressed their deep concern about the ongoing petition. The president of OTTA, Brian Procter, addressed the issue in a newsletter last month stating that many children do use the play lot. Although there are other parks in the area — Bauler Park, located at the intersection of Wisconsin St. and Cleveland Ave., and further down Sedgwick St. the LaSalle Language Academy — the argument is that residents living east of Sedgwick St. should not have to walk all that distance, which can be difficult for toddlers. While the other parks are close by, they are intended for older, school-aged children. Furthermore, the playground is the only one in Old Town meant specifically for very young children.
REHAB DETAILS
The rehab of the space includes implementing a planting program whereby none of the existing trees and bushes will be destroyed. Old topsoil will be removed down to six inches, more if necessary, and will be replaced with fresh soil. All of the permanent trees will be trimmed and pruned. Decorative and movable planters will be installed as well as a new park sign. The two horse statues are to be relocated to the front gateway area. A sod/lawn area surrounding the play lot will be added to create more green space.
Most significantly, there will be an installation of a new play set to replace the older jungle gym, which will take up no more surface area nor will it be any taller or larger then the existing structure. Along with new play set, a rubber mat will also be added to make the space safer for little children.
PETITION APPEARS
Besides believing the place to be an eyesore, those who have signed the petition, about 30 people, feel that a rehabilitation of the park will result in the devaluing of their existing private property. The petitioners want no renovation of the area that includes any play lot. "I have heard some of the residents claim that a play-lot versus open green space might be less attractive," said Chuck Eastwood, the chief of staff for Ald. Vi Daley (43rd), "but generally park improvements only add to the value of your property — especially if you're selling homes to people with families who are looking for amenities such as a play lot."
Some arguments given for the playground's removal are that the park, in its current state, is too large and too unsightly, and might promote gang activity or invite older teens to loiter. As always, any community will want to ensure the safety of all those who enjoy public spaces. But other residents contest that much has already been done to ensure that safety. "We have taken out a lot of shrubs that obstructed a view of the park from the street because the police complained that they can't see into the park at night to see that there is no drug/gang activity because of those high shrubs. Those have been removed and replaced with sod," Baugher said.
Neighbors who have signed the petition tend to feel that they must constantly view something that is unattractive and underused. Petitioners calling for the play area's removal argue, among other things, that the proposed rehabilitation of the play set will be too vibrant and will retain too much plastic in the structure itself. This may result in more children using the area.
"I like that it's downplayed and not ostentatious," Joe Brody, a new neighbor who signed the petition, said of the existing play area. "My frustration with the new play area is that it requires new safety regulations that aren't warranted." Kevin Dowdle, the neighbor circulating the petition, did not respond to efforts to contact him. |
