CHICAGO — The city has released renderings of the first public indoor track and field facility to be built in the city.
The 90,000-square-foot facility at Gately Park in Pullman, 810 E. 103rd St., will have a competition-level 200-meter track that can be used for a range of events including long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles, steeple chase and more, the city said.
“Track and field facilities not only provide safe spaces for kids to stay active — for many students, they can act as a gateway to a brighter future. The new facilities at Lindblom Park and Gately Park will provide a place for track and field teams to practice and compete, and will help athletes increase their chances at obtaining college athletic scholarships,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The facility will provide high-quality training and competition for children and adults all year round benefiting the Englewood community and athletes at Lindblom High School, 6130 S. Wolcott Ave., the city said.
"This is an opportunity for people to engage in outdoor recreation. We look forward to the positive impact the new track and field will have on the Englewood community and Lindblom High school athletes," said Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District Michael Kelly.
In April 2014, Emanuel announced Lindblom High School would be getting a new turf track and field courtesy of $2 million in TIF funding. The Chicago Park District added $210,920 to the project, which also includes storm water storage, a concrete pad for bleachers in the future, landscaping, a new drinking fountain and new fencing, the city said.
Aldermen thanked Emanuel and the late Ald. JoAnn Thompson for putting TIF funding to work in the area.
“It’s great to see this new track and field at Lindblom Park, which is exactly what our children need to stay active during the summer months,” said Ald. Toni Foulkes (15th). “As a child I spent my summers playing at this very same park and I’m pleased that the next generation of children will be able to make their own memories.”
Earlier this year, Gov. Bruce Rauner froze state grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources losing $28 million in funding for park improvements including $2.5 million for the facility. Rauner also froze grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which accounted for another $12 million in funding for the facility, the city said.
While the funds are frozen, the city is seeking additional partners to continue funding the project, the city.
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