The thrust of the controversy over the proposed construction of a running track at the south end of Lincoln Park seems to have shifted since the Jan. 30 issue of Inside published the first news of this contentious proposal.
At that time, the question of density of use was the major issue. Now, after additional meetings on the proposal, there is a question of whether the track ought be built in the first place.
The track was proposed as a joint project of the Chicago Park District, the Board of Education and Chicago Latin School and all three groups agreed to divide construction costs. The objection was that the area, near Latin School's landlocked campus, was too crowded with other Lincoln Park amenities. The Farm in the Zoo, the Historical Society and the Zoo itself all were in close proximity to the running track. Opponents argued that while the track might be an appropriate addition to the park's amenities, it should be constructed elsewhere.
Ald. Vi Daley (44th) was quoted at the time as saying, "The issue is not so much as whether to have the track constructed but whether it should be spotted in this location." The location for the proposed track is to the north of North Ave. Circle Dr. and east of the new Chicago Historical Society parking lot. The area in question is relatively low and might be subject to flooding. Also, paving a large portion of the area may cause a heavy rainstorm runoff to submerge the track.
Critics have also described the new track as a land grab by Latin School. The school has no outdoor athletic facilities and it would be able to reserve the use of the track, plus adjacent basketball and volleyball courts, which would deny the general public access during those times.
While less accessible to Latin School, a similar facility, Lake Shore Park, is located across from the Northwestern Campus on Chicago Ave. and Lake Shore Dr. This park also offers tennis courts and baseball diamonds and could be used by Latin School students. It is now used by Ogden School grade school students.
The cash-strapped Board of Education would use the proposed track for students from the Lincoln Park High School, 2001 N. Orchard St., though getting to the park from the school would probably require bussing. No plans for toilets or changing facilities are in the over two million dollar proposal, which would create an additional problem for academy students. Opponents have also questioned whether these necessities would be proposed at a later time, and for added cost.
Part of the problem revolves around the NIMFY complex. Not in My Front Yard is the attitude of some area residents with regard to their seemingly proprietary interest in the Park. While it may be desirable to live near a public facility as magnificent as Lincoln Park, one of the costs of that desirability is the need to share the space with members of the general public who do not live nearby. This causes congestion, especially during the summer months, and the attendant litter, traffic jams and noise.
One of the more active opponents of the running track is David Sullivan, whose letter to Inside on the subject was published last week. Mr. Sullivan expressed his view on the track by comparing it to "a slippery slope. The zoo has installed a merry-go-round, and a climbing wall has been proposed and there is the new Chicago Historical Society parking lot. The crux of the problem is the tremendous burden being put on the area's green space. For example, private use of public land is being abused by the Historical Society when they lease their facilities for private parties that play loud music that disturbs residents. They are unresponsive to community complaints and their use of park land for these private events does not consider their neighbors' needs and concerns."
Actually, according to Sullivan, the most recent protest efforts against the running track are being conducted because there is a better understanding of what is involved in the running track proposal.
Another activist, Old Town resident Dominique Devine agrees. "What began as a one million dollar project has escalated into $2.5 million. It's way beyond the original scope with the addition of an artificial turf soccer field. I object to what seems like a private school taking over public land. But even then, if it were placed in a more central location in the city, like one at Larabee and North avenues, it might be acceptable.
"The Latin School is expanding and it is looking to usurp public land for their private needs. With two thirds of the cost being borne by taxpayers, Latin School is the most obvious beneficiary of the installation.
"But my primary objection is that it takes away open space that's needed to have a moment of calm in our lives. It seems strange to me that the running track is a primary objective of the Park District. Where did the million come from and could it be used elsewhere for better purposes? It's a shame that Latin School should run roughshod over the rest of us."
The jury is still out, but objections seem to be more vocal and focused than they were when Inside first reported on the controversy that will certainly continue. Keep posted.
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